GUEST BLOGGER LEANNA JACQUES ON ABHYANGA TECHNIQUE
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts, and becomes strong, charming, and least affected by old age.”
-Caraka Samhita Su 5/88-99
Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of self-massage with oils, used to deeply nourish the body and mind. Self-massage can be a powerful way to connect to your body in loving meditation. It encourages healthy circulatory and lymphatic system function, deeply lubricates joints, tones muscle tissues and nourishes a healthy skin microbiome. One of the more profound results of this practice is activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation, rejuvenation and recovery.
Abhyanga Basic Technique
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Set an intention to connect deeper with with your body and infuse it with the needs for the day.
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Starting with your head, ears, and face work in circular motions.
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Continue to massage the oil into your entire body, next moving to your extremities and working toward the middle of your body. Use long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints.
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Massage the abdomen and chest in broad, circular motions.
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On the abdomen, follow the path of the large intestine, massaging clockwise.
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Massaging with a light slow touch take time to work the oil deep into the skin.
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Follow with a warm bath, shower or stream to allow the oil to further penetrate the tissues and cleanse the skin. Minimize the use of soap, and use only where needed.
We recommend our warming massage oil or daily massage oil to deepen the practice. Our oils offer the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp, and can aid in the healing of all tissue elements.