Abhyanga
The art of self oil-massage is used to balance your constitution, stimulate circulation, keep impurities from accumulating in the body, bring luster to the skin, and improve flexibility. The act of Abhyanga also gives one a sense of stability and comfort. It can relax, recharge, and rejuvenate you. This form of massage is used to maintain and preserve good health as well as for curative purposes.
Like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, the ancient texts on Ayurveda* dictate that the human body gets stronger and resistant to wear and tear by the application of oil. "Sneha" means both "oil" and "love" in Sanskrit. So, DARE to be whole and healthy through Abhyanga.
Use a circular motion to massage the knees and ankles. Add more oil and work your hands up-and-down along the the long bones of your legs. Use both hands to massage each leg vigorously -- remembering to do the front and back.
Like dessert, we've saved the best for last. Our feet. As a thank you for carrying us every step of our long and full life, give your feet the time and respect they deserve. Use the ball of your hand to massage the top and bottom of each foot with firm and quick pressure. Spend some time on each toe, the webbing between the toes, and apply firm pressure to each toenail.
Keep in mind—
Some massage is better than no massage at all. It can be difficult to find 30 minutes a day for a complete oil massage. At a minimum, try to work a full Abhyanga self-treatment into your schedule one day a week. The other days of the week, a few precious minutes of oil massage goes a long way to fortify you for what will come your way throughout the day.
It is best if the oils remain on your skin for 15-20 minutes after the massage. Wrap up in a towel or robe, put on cotton socks, and read the paper or have your morning coffee/tea before you shower. This will be a gentle way to start your day of multi-tasking. When you do shower, use a mild soap so as not to strip your body of the nourishing treatment you just applied.
Dont do Abhyanga during a menstrual cycle, while pregnant, when acutely ill with a fever & chills, if you have broken bones, a swollen or painful skin condition or over bruises and open cuts.
Worried about staining your clothes, sheets or towels?
For minor oil residue on clothes and towels, add a little Dawn detergent to your regular wash cycle to remove any excess oil. It works!
* Ayurveda (Ayur means Life, Veda means Knowledge) is India's 5,000-year-old system of natural healing medicine. As the "science of life," Ayurveda uses poses (asana), breath work (pranayama), meditation, diet, lifestyle, and aromatherapy to help create a daily routine of balance.
What to do before, during, & after massage
Remove your clothes & sit on a sheet solely for Abhyanga.
Warm 1/4 - 1/2 cup (2oz. - 4oz.) of specially-blended oil to fit your needs. Don't be shy with the oil. We’ve got more.
Apply the slightly warmed oil all over your body (like a priming coat of paint).
Start the massage & add small amounts of oil as needed.
Massage the body for 5-20 minutes. Be patient and present.
Massage with the ball and palm of your hand (not with your fingers). Use circular strokes over joints and up-and-down strokes over long bones. Always direct your strokes to the heart. Use enough pressure so that some heat is generated. Do not massage as vigorously over the heart and abdomen. Start at the top of the head and work your way down the body to the feet.
Find a calm, steady rhythm of stroking during the massage. First, massaging the head, using vigorous front-to-back and up-and-down strokes. Next massage the face and ears by kneading between the thumb and index finger. Move the massage along the neck and throat areas using up-and down strokes.
Massage the fronts and backs of shoulders, arms and hands using circular motion over the shoulders; long strokes across the arms and fingers. Apply firm pressure to each fingertip.
Massage the chest in a gentle, circular clockwise direction. As you move down toward the abdomen, follow in the same circular clockwise motion. Massage as much of the spine, back and ribs as you can comfortably reach. Massage the buttocks using a combination of circular and straight strokes.