Abhyanga - the Ayurvedic oil massage
How can a
ritual so luxuriously relaxing, so blissfully comforting as a full-body
warm oil massage rev up your body and mind, gearing them up for peak
performance? Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old holistic healing tradition
from India, has an explanation for the seeming contradiction. Accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body dissolve during the
daily massage, says Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert. A daily
full-body warm oil massage therefore acts as a powerful recharger and
rejuvenator of mind and body.
Abhyanga - the Ayurvedic oil massage - is an integral part of the daily routine
recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being.
Traditional Ayurvedic texts wax eloquent on the benefits. Here's what
one says - Give yourself a full body oil massage on a daily basis. It
is nourishing, pacifies Vata and Kapha, relieves fatigue, provides
stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the
luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the
body.
fatigue
When the views expressed in the different Ayurvedic texts are
put together, here are the benefits that can be expected from regular
performance of this pleasant daily ritual:
Increased
circulation, especially to nerve endings
Toning of the
muscles and the whole physiology
Calming for
the nerves
Lubrication of
the joints
Increased
mental alertness
Improved
elimination of impurities from the body
Softer,
smoother skin
Increased
levels of stamina through the day
Better, deeper
sleep at night
The Ayurvedic
massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or
shower. You can use cured sesame oil, an herbalized massage oil, or an
aroma massage oil.
If you choose
sesame oil, look for cold-pressed, chemical-free organic sesame oil for
the best results from your massage therapy. To cure or purify the
sesame oil, heat the oil to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat
once this temperature is reached, cool and store for use as needed. Up
to a quart of oil can be cured at a time. Of course, you should observe
safety precautions when curing oil. All oils are highly flammable. Use
low heat, and don't leave the oil on heat unattended. You can look for
professionally cured sesame oil at stores that sell Ayurvedic products
if you'd rather not do the curing yourself.
Healing herbs
are important in Ayurveda. Herbalized massage oils contain a blend of
carefully chosen herbs known for their ability to strengthen the
physiology and balance the mind. So the daily massage with an herbalized
massage oil has twice the beneficial power - the benefits from the
massage and the wisdom of the herbs. Country Mallow, Winter Cherry and
Sensitive Plant are some Ayurvedic herbs you'll find in herbalized
massage oils. Country Mallow is renowned for its nourishing effect on
the physiology. Winter Cherry, a powerful adaptogenic, aids the body's
natural ability to withstand stress, and helps balance the mind and
emotions. Sensitive Plant helps nerve regeneration.
Aroma massage
oils also deliver double the benefit - the healing aromas in the massage
oil blend, if properly chosen, are particularly effective in balancing
the mind and emotions while the act of the massage works on both body
and mind. Ayurveda recommends different base oils and aroma blends
depending on what you are attempting to balance. Coconut oil, for
example, is a cooling base oil. When combined with a relaxing aroma oil
such as lavender, this massage oil will be effective in cooling down the
mind, body and emotions. Sweet Orange or Geranium Rose aroma oils are
fragrant and relaxing, Basil or Rosemary are vibrant pick-me-ups. If you
have a favorite aroma oil or blend, try making your own aroma massage
oil by adding 5-10 drops of the essential oil or blend in 4 fl. oz. of
the base oil. Almond oil, a light olive oil or
jojoba oil can all work
as base oils.
So how is the
massage done? Use comfortably warm massage oil. (Store your massage oil
in a plastic flip-top and warm it by holding the container under running
hot water for a few minutes) Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and
apply it lightly to the entire body. 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 light
pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. Use more
oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as
the soles of feet, palms of hands and along the base of the fingernails.
Circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints, and
straight strokes on straight areas such as your arms and legs, work
best. After you're done, relax for 10-15 minutes, letting the oil and
the massage do their magic. Follow with a relaxing warm bath or shower.
Stroke
If your
schedule doesn't allow for a daily massage, try and squeeze it in at
least 3 or 4 times a week. You'll find it's worth it!
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