Instructions For
Daily Self Oil Massage
Alexandra Sargent: December 1, 2020
Daily self oil massage is a time to connect with yourself and slow down. The following instructions are suggested guidelines, but most importantly let this process be joyful and full of love. When you step onto your oiling towel: picture yourself arriving at your own, private home spa. Put on some soothing music, light a candle, diffuse some essential oils, or burn some sage. Any extra added ambiance that will allow you to relax and unwind.
The ideal scenario is one where you can take your time with the application and also have 15 minutes to rest with the oil on your skin before you rinse it off in the shower.
The longer the oil is on the more it penetrates to the deeper dhatus, or layers of your skin. Even if you can only rest for 5 minutes after the oil is on, this is still wonderful compared to not doing it at all.
Over time, abhyanga becomes a regular act of self love, connecting you to your own endless source of peace and tranquility.
It's recommended to order an inexpensive pair of slippers and a robe that you can designate for this process while you let the oil sink into your skin.
Warm about ⅓ to ½ cup of oil in an oil warmer. Here is one on Amazon which has a pump and keeps the oil warm at an even temperature which is handy.
Stand on a towel that you will designate as your oily towel for this practice.
Make sure your room is warm and free from any sort of wind or movements of air.
Massage the oil onto your body beginning at the extremities and working towards the middle of your body.
Use long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints.
Massage the chest and abdomen in broad, clockwise, circular motions. When massaging the abdomen, move very slowly and follow the path of the large intestine beginning around the belly button. Then move up on the right side of the abdomen, then across and down the left side.
Next step is optional but recommended: Apply oil to the ears, scalp, neck, and face using smooth even strokes. Do small circles on the face, and especially around the jaw line. If you don’t mind leaving oil in your hair, I recommend applying a good amount of oil to the top of the head; as it will strengthen and revive the vitality of your hair. When applying oil to the top of your head once again use a smooth circular motion. Aim to do this part of the practice at least once a week.
If you massage oil onto the bottoms of your feet, make sure you have your designated oil slippers near by. I like to oil the bottoms of my feet before bed, as it helps promote a good night's sleep; also does wonders for the bottoms of your feet. Then you can designate a pair of oily soaks.
If possible leave oil on for 5-20 minutes. The longer the better.
Once you’ve finished relaxing, take a warm, or soothing shower. Make sure to not scrub your body vigorously or use too much soap. You’re not trying to completely remove the oils from your skin, just the excess. Keep this in mind when you dry yourself as well. You don’t want to vigorously rub your body dry but blot yourself gently with your towel.
WHAT KIND OF OIL SHOULD I BUY/USE?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing your abhyanga oil. If you don't know what your prominent dosha, or body type is, you can always look to the seasons or the condition of your skin.
If it's the cooler months of the year- consider choosing a vata oil which will be sesame oil based due to its heavy quality, and vata pacifying properties. Sesame oil is the most absorbent oil for our skin, but it is slightly heating. So if you are prone to overheating, rashes, or if it's hot out, save the sesame oil for colder temps.
If it is the hotter months of summer- choose a pitta oil- which will often use a coconut oil, or ½ sunflower oil ½ sesame oil as its base.
If your skin has good suppleness and moisture, you might need a kapha oil- which will often be a lighter oil combination like with sunflower oil and/or mustard seed oil.
No matter which oil you choose, always make sure they are organic, raw, and unrefined.
Soon on this site will be small batch, herbal medicated body oils for purchase made by the Wild Hart Ayurveda team!
Stay tuned!
