Self Love Abhyanga

Abhyanga (self-massage with oil)

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-care technique that is both calming and stimulates the immune system through the skin. Daily massage of the skin releases beneficial chemicals, helps to strengthen immunity, and circulates the lymph fluid. People with a dominant Vata dosha especially benefit from oil massage and can use sesame or almond oil. To support Pitta dosha try coconut or olive oil. Kapha dosha can do a dry massage with mustard or safflower oil. Also, some Ayurvedic product retailers sell oils specifically blended for each body type.

Ayurvedic Self Massage

Stimulate the skin with a dry brush or rough towel. Rub every limb toward the heart.

Warm a small amount of oil by running it under hot water.

Rub oil into scalp in circular motion.

Using more oil as needed massage the upper body with small circular motions; cover as much of the arms, neck, chest, and back as you can reach.

For women, spend some time on each breast and over the breastbone.

Continue to massage in circular motion the hips, low back and legs. Pay special attention to each joint. Direct the pressure of strokes toward the heart.

Give each foot a good squeeze, soothing the nerve endings on the soles of each foot.

The whole process can be done in about 3 to 5 minutes. You can then take a light shower to remove excess oil, or you can choose to leave a thin film of oil on the body for the whole day http://www.chopra.com/articles/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-“abhyanga”

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Thank you to Vidya Living for the beautiful photo.