Wonderfully relaxing and energizing at same time, a daily self-massage with warm oil is easy to do and takes only about 30 minutes. You can do it at home each morning, and reap benefits of this luxurious therapy all day long. Ayurvedic texts list a wide range of benefits from regular performance of warm oil full-body massage: 1. It helps pacify Vata dosha, space and air elements in physiology. Because of our hectic 24/7 lives, most of us have high levels of stress, anxiety, a feeling of being overwhelmed and spaced-out, all indications of an aggravated Vata dosha. Soothing touch is very Vata-pacifying. Warm oil, being warm, smooth and unctuous, is also Vata-pacifying.
2. The massage also helps balance Kapha dosha, water and earth elements in physiology. It enhances circulation throughout body and revitalizes a lethargic body and mind.
3. With regular performance of massage, deep-seated toxins in joints and tissues are loosened and released into system for elimination through natural toxin-release processes. Toxins in skin are also released, leaving you with clear healthy skin.
4. Your skin will look beautiful with regular massage. It will stay moisturized and nourished, and look supple and lustrous.
5. Abhyanga helps strengthen and tone muscles. If you work out several times a week or everyday, you'll notice that your muscles are much stronger and resilient to injury.
6. The Ayurvedic texts recommend that massage be done in morning. It helps keep energy levels high during day and helps promote easy, restful sleep at night.
7. The warm oil massage helps calm mind and nervous system. You'll feel more rested and calm, but focused and alert.
8. The massage also helps promote balanced emotions. You will feel serene and settled—the kind of bliss that you get with regular meditation.
9. Your joints will stay nourished and supple with regular performance of Abhyanga. The warm oil massage strengthens and lubricates joints, making them more resilient to wear and tear.
10. The massage makes you feel youthful and vital. The ancient texts state that regular performance of Abhyanga retards aging process.
Choosing Your Massage Oil
While massage is healing even when performed with just a base massage oil such as sesame oil or almond oil, ayurvedic practitioners typically infuse base oils with nourishing herbs and flowers. You'll find ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Shankhapushpi and Turmeric in traditional ayurvedic massage oils. The herbs are gently cooked into oils for a specified period of time, and oil is then strained for use. Aromatherapy massage oils incorporate healing essences such as Sandalwood, Jasmine and Rose for added emotional and mental balance. Look for cold-pressed organic base oils for maximum benefit. Sesame oil has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory. Almond oil is both nourishing and soothing. Coconut oil is cooling and Pitta-pacifying.