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.