Odalisque with Green Sash
Image taken from flickr
In western culture we seem to view massage as an indulgence, or something to do if we are injured or in pain. However according to Ayurveda massage is an important part of maintaining health.
As well as regular massages from a professional, Ayurveda recommends abhyanga, or self massage as part of the daily routine.
Basically it is the practice of massaging warmed oil over your body before bathing in the mornings.
I know - I can hear you saying how rushed your mornings are already and there’s no chance of giving yourself a massage every morning!
However it really takes no more time than applying moisturiser, and if you’ve massaged oil over your body then there’s no need for moisturiser anyway.
The benefits of abhyanga include:
Sleeping soundly
Increased suppleness and flexibility of the joints and muscles
Helps to reduce cellulite
Improves skin texture and assists its ability to protect it from sun damage
Improves circulation
Calms the nervous system
Sleeping soundly
Increased suppleness and flexibility of the joints and muscles
Helps to reduce cellulite
Improves skin texture and assists its ability to protect it from sun damage
Improves circulation
Calms the nervous system
Another important thing about abhyanga is that it allows you time for being mindful of your body and giving it some much needed attention. Like we always say in yoga, it’s important to consciously release any tension held in the body before it becomes and injury or an illness. After all - it always starts as tension or stress.
All these benefits sound appealing, however after reading this book by Dr Claudia Welch, I started to understand just how important abhyanga is on our overall health. Dr Welch, who specialises in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine believes that abhyanga is one of the most effective practices in balancing hormones and the nervous system. In her book, Dr Welch writes that many health problems (particularly in women) stem from hormonal imbalances.
To quote Dr Welch:
"The skin is the largest organ in the body. We feel sensations on our skin because of the nerves that enervate it. When we cover the skin with warm oil, it calms the nervous system, making it less hypervigilant and and oversensitized. When the nervous system is less jumpy, it is less likely to trigger the release of stress hormones, which we have seen over and over again to be the cause of hormonal imbalance. With the release of fewer stress hormones, our endocrine system may, little by little, be able to regain a healthy balance. This may lead to the resolution of various maladies that have their roots in hormonal imbalance."
How it’s done:
Warm your oil by placing the glass bottle in a mug of hot water. Leave for a couple of minutes to ensure it’s warmed through. It is recommended to use an oil that suits your dosha (more on this later!). I use extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil or sweet almond oil. Always use cold pressed, extra virgin oil.
Sit or stand on a towel you don’t mind getting a little oily.
Apply the warmed oil all over your body, then start massaging from your feet and work your way to the centre of your body.
Pay particular attention to the areas of your body which are prone to fat build up. You can really work into them.
You can massage your scalp too if you like - just wash your hair if you don’t want the oily look.
Massage your self mindfully and with love!
It's nice to sit for a few minutes to enjoy the calm and let the oil soak in.
Take a shower after your massage, but don't soap off the oil, just let the water wash it off.
It is recommended to massage yourself for up to 20 minutes, but around 5 or 10 minutes is fine if you are pushed for time in the mornings.
If the mornings are really too difficult, you can try it in the evenings. It's a lovely way to prepare for bed.
Give it a go and see how you feel!
