Ayurveda. Daily Self-Massage: A New Lustrous You.

In Ayurveda, abhyanga or daily self-massage with warm oil is considered as essential as brushing your teeth.  It brings luster to your skin, maintains your beauty and prevents aging.  Start with warm oil  (warm an 8 oz. bottle under warm tap water or immerse it in a pot of warm water) and massage your scalp using vigorous circular motions; move to your face massaging around your hairline, forehead, light circles around the eyes and temples, more pressure under the cheek bones and the jaw line.  Before moving to the front and back of your neck, massage your ears.  Massage your upper spine and then move to your arms and shoulders, abdomen, hips and buttocks.  Massage your legs and thighs and finally your feet.  Always massage toward the heart using long strokes in broad areas and circular strokes in rounded areas such as the head and around the joints.  Pay particular attention to your head, ears, large joints and feet.  From start to finish, your daily massage should take about 15 minutes.  Ayurveda favors cured sesame oil (organic, light, cold pressed), but almond, jojoba, olive and coconut oils are also beneficial.  You can add essential oils to the base oil for greater therapeutic effect.  Complete your daily massage in the morning before your shower; if possible, let the oil absorb for 15-20 minutes before showering. 

 While abhyanga is a way to nourish yourself, it also provides direct therapeutic effects:  releasing toxins in your joints, skin, and tissues; leaving your skin feeling nourished, moisturized, supple and lustrous; strengthening and toning your muscles; calming your mind and nervous system; lubricating your joints; increasing circulation, stamina and mental alertness; enhancing sleep; promoting hair growth; assisting in balancing the endocrine system; and stimulating internal organs. 

Don’t hesitate to incorporate abhyanga into your daily routine.  In just 15 minutes a day, you are on your way to “A New Lustrous You.”