Practicing Ayurvedic self massage a few times a week or more, ( ideally daily ) is fabulous for your skin, nervous and immune system. It helps improve circulation which in turns supports the removal of toxins and stagnate energy. Your limbs and joints are deeply nourished along with many energy (marma) points in your body. Touch is a well known modality to support healing and good health.
Prevent future illness by listening to your body:
A daily self massage is a wonderful opportunity to listen to the needs of your body. Detect early clues from your body such as fatigue, exhaustion, soreness, stiff bits or stress and can prevent future illnesses taking hold.
The healing power of touch:
I first tried daily self massage probably 15 years ago (after listening to Deepak Chopra) and loved it instantly. Some how I lost my groove with it (probably kids) and have recently reconnected with its healing, balancing and restorative gifts.
The Indian ayurvedic medicine system strongly believes that a daily massage first thing in the morning with warmed sesame oil offers a huge range of life enhancing, well being benefits to your body and life.
- Prevents the accumulation of emotional imbalances as it releases happy feelings into your body.
- Promotes flexibility of muscles tissues and joints
- Rejuvenates the skin and gives it a healthier glow
- Calms you down or if done vigorously can stimulate you
- Decreases fatigue, exhaustion, tiredness and pain by releasing the energy blocks
- Grounds you
- Offers quality sleep
- Improves your circulation
- Improves the flow of your blood
- Increases the removal of toxins from your body
Although Ayuverdic medicine recommends warmed sesame oil, as its a powerful anti-oxidant, other oils can easily be used such as almond oil or the now popular coconut oil. Organic or cold pressed is the best. My motto with skin products is – If you can’t eat it then don’t put it on your skin.
Ayuverdic medicine recommends leaving the oil on for 20 minutes before showering but if this is not practical its best to massage then shower rather than not massaging at all.
Guidelines for daily self massage:
A full body massage should take around 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. Expect it to take a little longer when you are just starting out. Simply follow your intuition and do what comes naturally.
Head and Feet Are The Most Important:
If you are running short of time in the morning then give priority to your head around the temple, ears, face, jaw and neck. Your feet around the ankle, in between and along each toe and all around the base and along the top of your foot.
- Gentle circular motions around your stomach, joints, shoulders, ankles, and knees.
- Long gentle strokes along the legs and arms.
- A more vigorous massage will stimulate the body whereas a gentler massage will improve energy flow and support your well being.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice thought, terrific post. Massage also has been shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce muscle pain and soreness as well as relieve stress. It’s one of the best ways to feel better fast that money can’t buy.
Great post.
I’ve been following this style of massage for a couple months now and it has saved my life from on the job stress. It’s so nice to be able to shut everything off, even if just for a minute.
I have found alot of my back pain originates from how I sleep. Sleeping is probably the most important time of the day to have good neck support. Don’t use a pillow that is too high or too low, because it can strain your neck and disturb your sleep.
Thanks for the great article. Well written and an interesting read!
All the best,
H.G.