Ayurvedic self-massage “Abhyanga” is a really effective way to rejuvenate your Skin. It works wonders for your aging dull skins.
You may be using anti-aging cream, moisturizing cream, toning cream, day and night cream etc.
This indicates that you are highly particular about your skin getting proper treatment.
But you are in wrong in the approach towards attaining a healthy and nourishing skin.
The truth is our skin doesn’t need any of this to shine and glow. You need to stop applying these procedures which only damages your skin. Start afresh where you use only natural and Ayurvedic products for your skincare.
What can be the better way to kick-start it than getting yourself an Ayurvedic self-massage known as Abhyanga.
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What Is Abhyanga?
Ayurveda abhyanga massage or the oil massage not only rejuvenates the skin, but it also enhances the overall fitness of the body.
Daily oil massage improves the luster and complexion of the skin, pacifies the doshas, gives pleasure and nourishes your whole body.
Abhyanga massage is a kind of massage which you can do all by yourself and doesn’t need an assistant. The necessary instructions will be discussed in details later.
I understand that before you start this procedure, you need to be sure that this Ayurvedic warm oil massage will give you good results.
Just for that reason, I am going to tell you why you should do abhyanga massage every day.
Benefits Of Abhyanga – An Ayurvedic Warm Oil Massage
- It slows down the aging process.
- It helps to lubricate the joints and makes the limbs firm and tough.
- Improves the system’s efficiency in removing impurities and toxin from the body.
- Increases stamina and improves the circulation of fluids in the body.
- It helps in getting you deep and sound sleep.
- Pacifies all Dosha effects.
- Help in skin softening. Wrinkles either reduce or disappear.
- Improves vision.
- Makes your hair thicker and stronger.
- The hair gets back its natural shine. It calms the nerves and improves the overall alertness of the body.
The best time to do the ayurvedic self-massage is during the mornings just before you take the bath.
Doing massage at this time will remove all the impurities and toxins that you have accumulated during the night. The kind of oil that you need for the massage will vary according to the Dosha that you have.
To know what kind of Dosha you have, you can check here.
Vata Types – Sesame or Almond oil.
Pitta Types – Coconut or olive oil.
Kapha Types – Sesame, Mustard or Sunflower oil.
When Shouldn’t You Do Abhyanga?
Although abhyanga is quite common and is advisable all, there are certain situations when you shouldn’t do abhyanga. They are as follows:
- During pregnancy –You can’t do abhyanga unless and until specifically advised by your physician.
- During Menstrual cycles –Do abhyanga gently or don’t do at all. The body naturally goes naturally through the detoxification process during menstrual cycles.
- Don’t do it If you have swollen skin, cuts, bruises, wounds, broken bones.
- Suffering from some serious disease or illness.
Abhyanga Massage Instructions
- Warm the oil to 212 degrees Fahrenheit and then allow it to cool down. The temperature of the oil should be pleasant for the body and it shouldn’t be too hot.
- The massage should be done in a warm and ventilated room. Both sitting and standing postures can be used for the massage.
- Take little amount of oil and put it on the crown of the head and start massaging in a circular fashion. Then start massaging the entire scalp for another 2-3 minute.
- Then slowly come down to your cheeks, temple, forehead and ears. Continue the massage in the same circular fashion as before. Don’t forget to massage the ear lobes. Both the earlobes and scalp contain vital energy pathways which help in healing the body, mind, and soul.
- Now massage the limbs in such a way that all the strokes are directed towards the heart. Follow the same circular way of massaging for the joints. Remember the massage should always be pointed upwards i.e. towards the heart.
- Now for the chest and the abdomen make the circular movements little broader. While massaging the abdomen always follow the path of the large intestine. Move right, then down and again move left and so on.
- Always finish the procedure by massaging your feet for a couple of minutes. Feet are an essential part of the body as it contains some of the vital energy points.
- After the massage relaxes for half an hour or so and allows the oil to go to the deeper layers of skin and rejuvenate the body. The longer you can relax the better. If you’re having holidays, then you can obviously relax longer.
Have a warm bath after the massage. You are allowed to apply gentle soap on the body. After the bath, pat dry you with a towel. Don’t rub the towel vigorously over your body.
Doing Ayurveda self-massage is not only about the skincare but it is also a way of life. It will keep you energized all day long.
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