"Abhyanga", or ayurvedic oil massage, is regarded in ayurveda as an indispensable part of a daily routine. Some of the benefits
associated with regular performance of self-massage: Improved circulation (especially to
nerve endings); calming effect on nerves; improved mental alertness; increased
stamina; lubrication of joints; improved tone of muscles and physiology;
improved elimination of impurities from the body; softer and smoother skin;
improved sleep. Application: General guidelines: Use comfortably warm massage oil. Store your massage oil in a small plastic
flip-top container and warm it by holding the container under running hot water. Apply oil lightly to the
entire body; it is not necessary to use a copious amount of oil. If time allows, ideally wait for 4-5 minutes to let some of the oil be absorbed by your
skin. Then massage the entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand
-- palm and fingers. Apply oil using light pressure over sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. You may use more oil and give extra time to
the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and along the base of the
fingernails (where there are extra concentration of nerve endings). Perform massage using circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints,
and straight strokes over straight areas such as your arms and legs. After you're done, allow the oil to absorb for 5-15 minutes if possible, as
this allows for deeper absorption of the oil. Dab excess oil
off with paper towels if you like, then follow with a relaxing warm bath or
shower. If you feel unable to
perform this routine daily, consider practicing this ritual even a couple of
times a week. (Also, consider not using your fanciest towel when drying off after your shower, as any remaining oil will be transferred somewhat to the towel.) Scalp massage (alone or in addition to the above): Apply oil evenly all over the scalp and back of the neck. Massage in with the fingertips for 5
minutes. It is best to leave the
oil on overnight (use a shower cap and /or towel over your pillow to protect
your sheets), and shampoo in the morning.
If this is not possible or feels impractical, then leave the oil on for a
couple of hours, and then shampoo.
Consider performing this routine 2 to 3 times a week. Benefits include
stimulation of the scalp; nourishment of the hair roots and hair; relief of
mental fatigue; improved mental clarity and focus; and support of emotional
balance. Before bed massage: Just before bed apply oil to the hands and forearms, and also to the feet
and lower legs. As you massage in
the oil pay special attention to the soles of the feet and the nail-beds of the
hands and feet. Use a paper towel
to wipe off any excess oil; though it is not necessary to apply too much oil in
the first place. Choosing the oil: Sesame oil (organic and cold pressed) is recommended. It is heating, and therefore pacifies vata* dosha. If one finds the smell of
the plain sesame oil too strong, a suitable substitute is almond oil (or
consider an herbalized oil for its benefit and pleasing aroma, see below). When using an herbalized oil for
general maintenance it is recommended to start with oil herbalized to pacify
vata dosha. Vata is the lead
dosha, and by keeping this dosha in check it serves to prevent disturbance of
the other doshas. If a person has strong pitta* nature or
imbalance, or develops any skin rash/sensitivity upon use of sesame oil, then
coconut oil is alternately recommended. For a person with strong kapha* nature or imbalance it is
recommended to apply oil only to the joints, ears, and soles of the feet. When there is an excess of kapha dosha
the individual will have a hard time processing an excess of oil. Another possibility is to perform
“garshana” massage or massage without oil. This is done wearing raw silk gloves, with the same
stroke guidelines as the oil massage. A nice oil for joint or muscle pain is mahanarayana oil, which also pacifies vata. *Definitions: Dosha is a word used to describe a
consitutional factor or element of influence within nature, and within the
human physiology. Each dosha is
comprised of certain elements and expresses certain qualities when in balance
or imbalance. VATA dosha is comprised of the element of air
and ether. It governs
transportation, communication, and movement in the body. Symptoms typical of excess vata
include: constant worry; restless mind; forgetfulness; easily fatigued;
insomnia; constipation; dry skin; under-weight. PITTA dosha is comprised of the element of
fire. It governs metabolism,
digestion, and transformation. Symptoms typical of pitta excess
include: being demanding, critical, frustrated, angry, intense, or irritable;
being a perfectionist; premature graying or thinning of hair; feeling
uncomfortable in hot weather; hot flashes; loose stools; stomach acidity;
waking early in early hours of morning and not being able to return to sleep. KAPHA dosha is comprised of the elements of
earth and water. It governs
structure, cohesion, and lubrication. Symptoms typical of kapha excess
include: being possessive or overly attached; feeling lethargic, lazy, or
complacent; sinus difficulties or congestion; oily skin; tendency to over sleep,
yet still feeling heavy or stiff in the morning; uncomfortable in cold and damp
weather; over-weight. Where to find herbalized massage oil: Oils can be purchased at mapi.com or from banyanbotanicals.com. For my clients I can order products at wholesale price plus shipping. Oils from mapi.com are more strongly herbalized and are as such a bit more costly per ounce. One may choose to dilute these (sesame based) herbalized oils 1/2 with plain organic cold pressed sesame oil. |
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