The
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Abhyanga:
The Ayurvedic Self-Massage
Wonderfully
relaxing and energizing at the 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 the benefits of this
luxurious therapy all day long.
Ayurvedic
texts list a wide range of benefits from regular performance of
the warm oil full-body massage:
1.
It helps pacify Vata dosha. 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. It enhances circulation throughout the body and revitalizes
a lethargic body and mind.
3. With regular performance of the massage, deep-seated toxins
in the joints and tissues are loosened and released into the system
for elimination through the natural toxin-release processes. Toxins
in the 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 the 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 the massage be done in the
morning. It helps keep energy levels high during the day and helps
promote easy, restful sleep at night.
7. The warm oil massage, by balancing Prana
Vata, helps calm the 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, and experience the kind of bliss that
you enjoy with regular meditation.
9. Your joints will stay nourished and supple with regular performance
of Abhyanga. The warm oil massage strengthens and lubricates the
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 the aging
process.
Choosing
Your Massage Oil
While
the massage is healing even when performed with just a base massage
oil such as sesame oil or almond oil, ayurvedic practitioners
typically infuse the base oils with nourishing herbs and flowers.
You'll find ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari,
Shankhapushpi, Tulsi, Bhringaraj and Turmeric in traditional
ayurvedic massage oils. Oils are also available with blends
of herbs and aromas for each skin
type. The herbs are gently cooked into the oils for a specified
period of time, and the 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, the massage oil of choice per ayurvedic texts, is highly
nourishing and purifying, has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory.
Almond oil is both nourishing
and soothing. Coconut oil
is cooling and Pitta-pacifying.
Step
by step instructions
for performing the warm oil massage can be found in our How-tos
section. Traditionally, no soap is used in the warm bath or shower
that follows the oil massage. If you like, you can use a non-soap
cleanser such as the Ajara
Herbal Cleanser that won't strip the oil from your skin. The
thin layer of oil that remains on the skin after your bath or
shower helps keep your skin moisturized and protected from the
environment through the day.
