The Ayurvedic Self-Massage by Shreelata Suresh

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, the space and air elements in the 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, the water and earth elements in the physiology. 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 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—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 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 and Turmeric in traditional ayurvedic massage oils. 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 has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory. Almond oil is both nourishing and soothing. Coconut oil is cooling and Pitta-pacifying.

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BIO:

Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay Area. She writes for various publications on yoga, ayurveda and Indian culture. For more articles on ayurveda and premier ayurvedic products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.

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