Ayurvedic Oil Massage

Ayurvedic Oil Massage

Full Abhyanga,or Ayurvedic oil massage, takes about 15 minutes; you can do a shorter version by using a few drops of oil on the top of the head, sternum (at heart), sacrum, and soles of feet.

Full Abhyanga:

Using the ayurvedic oil suited to your dosha, place the bottle of oil in a basin of hot water. Warm the oil to just above body temperature. Stand on a mat or towel which can be easily washed.

One half ounce of oil will usually cover the body with a light coating. Less is better than more. What you might miss today, you’ll cover the next day. The health benefits of stimulating the skin are equally as important as the therapeutic qualities of sesame oil.

Pour a small amount of oil into a cupped hand, rub hands together then transfer the oil to your body. Start with the head. A scalp treatment every day feels wonderful and a mild shampoo is all that is needed to remove excess oil from the hair.

Use circular motions on face and over joints, long strokes over open areas and along limbs. Massaging the ears, palms of the hands and soles of the feet will stimulate nerve endings to help balance energy pathways which lead to internal organs. To control headaches, massage the web between thumb and forefinger daily.

Before moving off the towel or mat, wipe excess oil from the soles of your feet. Stand on a non-skid mat in the shower.

You may wait 10-20 minutes before bathing if time permits. This will allow the oil to absorb more deeply. If you prefer not to wait, simply start your bath or shower, using water as hot as is comfortable and continue to massage your body. The heat of the water will speed absorption.

To cleanse, use soap only on the areas you feel are really necessary, being sure to use soap on the entire body at least once a week. Just the daily contemplation of this factor helps build awareness of the variable state of your own body. From our Western view, this method of hygiene may seem inadequate, but once considered you are likely to be surprised how few places soap is necessary daily.

Dry with a fresh, dry washcloth or towel to remove any excess oil and to add to the beneficial effects of the self-abhyanga. Oil will wash out of fabric with a good detergent plus a natural oil solvent such as Borax. Do not over use oil, as this will tend to clog the bath drain.

Watch this video from Banyan Botanicals for a demonstration of Ayurvedic oil massage.

Let me know how it goes!

Love and light,