Who wouldn’t want a daily massage? In Ayurveda, they believe in exactly that. In the practice known as Abhyanga, a person should massage warm oi into their body, from head to toes, on a daily basis.
Benefits:
It is believed that self massage has a variety of health benefits including:
Nourishing the entire body
Decreasing the effects of aging
Increased circulation
Stimulating internal organs
Improving the workings of the Lymphatic System, aiding in detoxification
Improving sleep
Deeply relaxing
How to do Abhyanga:
Yes, Abhyanga is recommended as a daily practice. I know in our busy lives it is hard fitting in the time to incorporate a daily self-massage, and that being said, I recommend to at least try to fit it in 2-3 times a week. Cold-pressed sesame seed oil is recommended. If you are Pitta dominant (red, flushed skin th
at holds in heat) Coconut oil is best. Just like with dry brushing, start with massaging your feet, and work your way up the legs to the buttocks. Then, hands to shoulders, back of neck to low back, chest, belly in a clockwise motion, scalp, and face.
A couple tips for us western women I’d like to add:
Don’t do Abhyanga before shaving. The oil will gunk up your razor. Learned this one from experience.
If you feel weird about massaging your face right after your scalp (you know I do), wash your hands in-between and perhaps switch the sesame seed oil out with your favorite face oil.