Self-Massage and Ayurveda
Massage has been proven to offer so many benefits. But self-massage has one more uniquely important thing to offer: a moment to deeply connect to the self.
Self-massage is deeply healing. But by adding up a breathing practice and use of medicinal oils, we take the benefits of this ancient practice to the next level. This practice of self-massage is based on the Ayurvedic practice of abhyanga.
The Sanskrit word Sneha can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” In Ayurveda, the effects of Abhyanga are similar to those received when one is experiencing love, giving the self a deep feeling of stability and warmth. Something so important in times of being alone, in isolation, or when you are on a journey of self-discovery.
Rubbing oil all over your body brings you on a journey around and towards yourself. You become more familiar with your every curve and crevice creating a feeling of grounding and settling. And the more you do it regularly, the more cohesive and synced you become with all the layers of yourself.
Getting the Best out of Self-Massage
According to Ayurveda, Abhyanga should be an integral part of our daily routine to promote overall health and well-being. This unique practice uses medicated oils for the whole body to help remove accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body, increase circulation to the nerve endings and energize your body, mind, and spirit to get through a busy day. It increases mental alertness, tones muscles, and lubricates the joints.
But probably the most important benefit from Abhyanga is the stimulation of the lymphatic system. As we know, lymph helps develop antibodies that are important for the immune system. By rubbing the joints in a circular motion, circulation is enhanced prompting the secretion of fluid from the lymph nodes. This causes more protein, glucose, minerals, oxygen, and antibodies involved with the lymphatic system, to circulate in the blood.
Other benefits of self-massage in Ayurveda include:
- Assists in the elimination of impurities from the body
- Stimulates the internal organs of the body
- Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
- Nourishes the entire body and decreasing the effects of aging
- Calms the nerves
- Lubricates the joints
- Enhances vision
- Benefits sleep—better, deeper sleep
- Promote healthy hair (scalp) growth
- Softens and smoothes the skin
- Increases stamina
- Pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha.
At Your Own Pace and Space
What’s even more encouraging with Ayurvedic self-massage is its convenience. Imagine getting all those benefits at your whim and at the comfort of your own home. It’s quick and easy to do. You can decide to start out at once a week, twice a week until you can do it more frequently, even every day!
A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity.
With Ayurvedic self-massage, you’ll literally have your ultimate self-care, self-love tool right at your fingertips!