Ayurvedic Self Massage: Abhyanga

Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage, which can nourish and cleanse our external body just as we cleanse and nourish internally with clean foods and new eating habits. To maximize your health, self-massage your body daily with a high-quality oil – such as sesame, almond, coconut, or an Ayurvedic-blend massage oil. Here are some tips for getting started:    

 
  • Set aside 20-30 minutes for this practice.  

  • Begin by warming the oil. Pour ¼ cup of oil into a pan and warm gently on low heat or float your bottle of oil in a sink full of hot water. Oil should be warm, not hot.   

  • Stand in a warm room on a towel.   

  • Apply oil to the crown of your head and work in circular strokes, spending a few minutes massaging the entire scalp.   

  • Massage your face in an upward motion.  

  • Massage ears, especially earlobes.  

  • Use long strokes toward the heart to massage the limbs and circular strokes on the elbows and knees.   

  • Massage abdomen and chest in large, clockwise motions.   

  • End the massage with your feet and be sure to spend plenty of time here!   

  • Allow the oil to absorb for 5-15 minutes before enjoying a warm bath or shower. Avoid vigorous rubbing and use a mild soap only where needed.   

  • Blot dry with a soft towel - again, avoided vigorous rubbing.