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How to Perform a Self Massage

When stimulated through massage, the skin releases a pharmacy of healing chemicals that have health promoting effects on the mind and body. In addition to feeling good, regular massage detoxifies the body’s tissues, increases circulation, calms the mind and improves immune function. A daily self massage with oil known in Ayurveda as an Abhyanga is one of the most important tools in Ayurveda to activate your inner pharmacy and slow the aging process.

Step by Step

  1. Begin by running some hot water over the bottle to gently warm the oil.
  2. Pour a tablespoon of warm oil unto your scalp and vigorously work in the oil.
  3. Using your fingertips, vigorously massage your head and scalp with small circular strokes as if you are shampooing.
  4. Move to your face and ears, massaging more gently.
  5. Using an open hand to create friction, massage both the front and back of the neck.
  6. Vigorously massage your arms, using a circular motion at the shoulders and elbows, and back and forth motions on the upper arms and forearms.
  7. When massaging your chest and stomach, use a gentle circular motion over the stomach and a straight up and down motion over the breastbone.
  8. After applying a bit of oil to both hands, gently reach around to the back and spine and massage them as well as you can without straining.
  9. Vigorously massage your legs as you did your arms, using circular motions at the ankles and knees, back and forth motions on the long parts.
  10.  After massaging your legs, spend extra time on your feet. Using the open part of your hand massage vigorously back and forth over the soles of the feet.
  11. Wash with warm not hot water.
  12. Keeping a thin film of oil on the body is considered very beneficial for toning the skin and warming the muscles throughout the day.

 

Ayurvedic Daily Routine

According to Ayurveda it is important to have a good routine to stay healthy and in balance. It is also important to move with the cycles of nature rather than against the cycles. The four cycles of nature that influence the mind-body physiology are Circadian, Lunar, Tidal and Seasonal.

This is a best time to … chart that takes into account the cycles of nature.

6am – 10am Earth predominates, best time to Exercise and Meditate

10am – 2pm Fire predominates, best time to Eat the main meal of the day

2pm – 6pm Air predominates, best time for Creative and Mental activity, 2nd best time to exercise

6pm – 10 pm Earth predominates, best time to Wind down and decrease activity

10pm – 2am Fire predominates, best time for sleep, body detoxifies itself

2am – 6am Air predominates, best time for sleep, the mind dreams and renews itself