THE RITUAL SERIES

Today I have a special treat for you as part of our 10 rituals under 10 minutes series that we are learning to integrate into our routine to feel amazing! Today we are talking about massages, not the fancy spa massages you’re used to, but the Ayurvedic self-massage called Abhyanga. 

I know just the sound of that word makes us travel to a luxurious spa treatment reserved for special occasions! However, in Ayurveda, the practice of abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage with oil) is a self ritual that’s really easy to do and is recommended daily. 

Yes fortunately for us, there is a more accessible alternative to professional massage therapy when it comes to enjoying the nourishing benefits of abhyanga every day—aka giving yourself a small massage.

So let's dive in. We'll be looking at:
1) the benefits of abhyanga
2) which oils are best to use for your constitution and DIY guidelines to make your own!
3) the massage technique
 
(*) If you don’t yet know your own unique Ayurvedic Dosha and current state of balance, take our free DOSHA QUIZ to find out what type of massage will most benefit you.
 

Why is Self-Massage Recommended in Ayurveda?

First and foremost for stress relief! I'm sure you've experienced it before, but receiving a massage helps to melt away tension and stress of the muscles and move stuck energy in the body and mind!. Now, why do we need to add oil to the massage? The ancient yet oh-so relevant science of Ayurveda believes that adding oil to our self-massage reduces stress and tension. Yes, please!! Who doesn't want more of that :-) !!!
 
Here are a few health benefits from implementing a simple daily oil massage into your morning or evening routine :

• Musculoskeletal and nervous system health
• Proper circulation and lymph drainage
• Improved sleep patterns
• Softer, stronger skin
• Healthy vision
• Graceful aging
• Lustrous hair
• Firm, strong limbs
• Tone and vigor for the body’s tissues
• Increased longevity
• Nourishment for the whole body

 
In Sanskrit, the word Sneha can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” So in Ayurveda, there is an inherent connection between enveloping the body in oil and surrounding it in love. Both experiences can give a deep feeling of stability, warmth, and comfort. Sneha—oil and love—is sukshma, or “subtle.” This allows it to pass through minute channels in the body and penetrate to the deep layers of tissue (dhatus).

Choosing the Right Abhyanga Oil

If you have a VATA constitution (try the quiz if you are unsure of your predominant dosha), our VATA BODY OIL would be your Oil of choice! If you'd prefer making your own, try applying simple cold-pressed extra virgin sesame oil. This oil has a warming and nourishing quality suitable for the Vata dosha. You can also add a few drops of calming and grounding essential oils such as lavender, and/or patchouli.

VATA BODY OIL

Nourishing | Ayurvedic Botanical Oil Blend
Formulated for Dry Skin

BENEFITS:

• Protects/Relieves/Soothes dry skin
• Diminishes/Reduces the look or the signs of aging
• Skin looks visibly rejuvenated
• Softens skin
• Reinforces/Strengthens skin (via moisturization)
• Promotes elasticity
• Protects from environmental stressors
• Relieves itching due to dry skin

 
If you have a PITTA constitution, our PITTA BODY OIL would be your best choice.  If you'd prefer making your own, try applying simple cold-pressed extra virgin sunflower oil. This oil has cooling and soothing qualities suitable for the Pitta dosha. You can also add a few drops of soothing and cooling essential oils such as sandalwood and/or rose.

PITTA BODY OIL

Comforting and soothing | Ayurvedic Botanical Oil Blend
Formulated for Sensitive Skin
BENEFITS:

• Soothing
• Softens skin
• Moisturizes/hydrates/lubricates
• Reinforces/Strengthens skin (via moisturization)

If you have a KAPHA constitution, try our KAPHA BODY OIL.  If you'd prefer making your own, try applying simple cold-pressed extra virgin safflower oil. This oil has a slightly warming quality and is a light oil suitable for the Kapha dosha. You can also add a few drops of stimulating and uplifting essential oils such as eucalyptus and/or lemon...

KAPHA BODY OIL

Invigorating | Ayurvedic Botanical Oil Blend
Formulated for Tired or Congested Skin
BENEFITS: 

• Tones and firms the skin
• Reduces the look of cellulite
• Reduces puffiness
• Improves the texture of the skin
• Skin feels firm
   

I hope that you’ll dive into this ancient ritual of Self-Massage and give your body, soul, and mind the love and attention they deserve. Remember what matters is not so much about frequency but much more about quality, and presence. So it’s best to reserve 5 minutes a day and be fully attentive to the practice rather than trying to do too much too often. 

If you want to know more about your doshas and some practical ways to balance them to restore your health and energy, please visit our site WILD GRACE and reserve an online consultation with me. I sincerely hope to have the pleasure of sharing my love and passion for this extraordinary science of life with you!

To living your B L I S S !!!!
Kim
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 Download the technical sheet here