ABHYANGA Self-Massage

ABHYANGA Self-Massage

Ayurvedic Oil Massage is a luxurious relaxing full-body warm oil massage, designed to balance the doshas, deeply nourish the skin, remove toxins and soothe accumulated stress from the body.

Use this as part of your weekly or daily routine for health, harmony, and well-being. There is no wrong way to massage the body; include the nose and scalp! I like to apply the oil from toes to head and return to areas that are desiring extra touch.

Choose either a special dosha oil that has Ayurvedic herbs infused to balance your specific dosha or sesame oil. Some people with sensitive or Pitta skin may find coconut oil or jojoba oil to be more cooling. Warm oil slightly before using. As the warm oils penetrate the skin, toxins and impurities are loosened, reducing muscle tension and calming the nervous system. You will experience a sense of overall well-being, lightness, and harmony.

Benefits:
-Reduces stress, anxiety, and nervousness -Improves circulation & vitality
-Purifies blood and detoxes
-Eliminates excess water & fat deposits -Increases skin softness & luster

-Promotes healthy sleep
-Soothes nervous & endocrine system

Vata - Best results 2-3 times per week. A warming oil like sesame or almond. Use light to medium pressure and apply slowly with long strokes.

Pitta is good with a weekly abhyanga practice. Use a cooling oil like coconut or olive. Apply warm oil on the body, but cool or room temperature oil on the scalp. Medium pressure and strokes at a steady rhythm.

Kalpa is also good with weekly self-massage practice. Using warm sunflower or mustard oil, sesame is also a good choice, especially in cooler climates. Use oil in less quality, medium to heavy pressure.

CAUTION, do not do Abhyanga during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, over swollen or painful areas, over infected or broken skin, when there is high Ama (toxin buildup) or great physical discomfort (a thick, white coating on the tongue often indicates high levels of Ama), during any sort of acute illness such as fever, or acute indigestion.