Abhyanga | Ritual of Self-Massage

AYURVEDA • BODY • RITUAL

Author: R.R. Shakti, PhD
Photo: Chelsea Shapouri

​I have two words for you: Self Massage.

If you ask me, the Ayurvedic ritual of abhyanga (oleation of the skin) NEEDS to be a living part of every body's self-care routine.
Maybe it's because I have been a practicing Massage Therapist for two decades and I've seen *first-hand* the pure magic of therapeutic touch. Right now, I'm thinking of all the excess tension you hold in your body–the stress and habitual patterns of emotional suppression–oh my goodness! Your sweet body carries your baggage. 

But your body is more than a baggage handler. It is also your temple and your shelter. It is your medium for self-expression, your vehicle for movement. When your body is healthy, it provides both a sense of security and connection. Your body is the interface between you and the world around you. As a human being, it is probably your most valuable asset (obvi.)

And your skin...don't even get me started!...

You've probably heard that your skin is the largest organ of your body. Intuitively you know that it is pretty important. 
It protects you from harmful microbes and harsh elements. It helps regulate your body temperature and prevents dehydration.
Your skin literally helps hold you together. Not to mention: it provides a canvas for super-cool tattoos.
But perhaps the best quality of your skin: It is a playground for sensation. Heat, cold, smooth, rough, pain, itch, tickle, prick–sensation can be delightful and delicious...or it can alert you of danger in your environment.

Abhyanga is a seriously amazing ritual of Self-care with some seriously amazing benefits to your glorious skin, your entire body and, ultimately, your whole being: 

• Reduce pain, edema, and inflammation.
• Ease headache tension.
• Promote skin health: elasticity and resilience.
• Improve your flexibility and range of motion.
• Activate lymphatic drainage.
• Loosen and lengthen constricted fascia.
• Soften, relax and realign muscle tissue.
• Minimize scar tissue.
• Alleviate muscle ache or joint pain.
• Instigate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (the relaxation response) which in turn helps to...
• Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Conserve oxygen consumption. 
• Inhibit the levels of stress hormones: cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
• Calm anxiety.
• Counteract insomnia.
• Improve circulation and digestion. 
• Release happy/calm hormones: serotonin and dopamine.
• Increase your overall vitality.
• Put you in a better mood. 
• Provide a moment of centering meditation for your mind to become fully present.
• Invite yourself into deeper connection to your miraculous embodiment.
• Attune with your body's natural rhythms so that you can more easily sense when something feels misaligned. 

Abhyanga self-massage is an easy, effective, and affordable ritual of Self Care that can bring your whole being into balance. 
I recommend this ritual of Self-Care for at least 15 minutes every day. Below is a little protocol for each Ayurvedic dosha: 

Vata

The elemental properties of vata dosha include the cool, drying, and moving energies of wind and space. Vata season includes late autumn and early winter in environments that are windy and colder.
RITUAL OIL: Use a carrier oil that is rich, warming, and nourishing like shea butter, sesame oil, or jojoba. 
AROMATHERAPY: Use essential oils that are warming and calming like lavender, clove, ginger, sweet orange, and sandalwood.

Kapha

The elemental properties of kapha dosha include the heavy, dense, fluid, and cool energies of earth and water. Kapha season includes late winter and early spring in environments that are wet, cold, and muddy.
RITUAL OIL: Use a carrier oil that is fine, warming, and invigorating like almond, sesame, or mustard seed oil. 
AROMATHERAPY: Use essential oils that are spicy, heating and energizing like lemongrass, sage, holy basil, and eucalyptus. 

Pitta

The elemental property of fire dominate pitta dosha making it hot, dry, and light. Pitta season is concentrated in the summer months where environments are hotter and there is more sunlight throughout the day. 
RITUAL OIL: Use a carrier oil that is balancing and cooling like coconut, jojoba, and apricot kernel oils.
AROMATHERAPY: Use essential oils that are cooling and hydrating like rose, peppermint, neroli, and chamomile. ​

YOGA + AYURVEDA Workbook
​Āyurveda is a system of wellness deeply rooted in nature.
It recognizes that humanity is created from, exists within, and eventually returns to the elements.

Āyurveda is a Vedic science that has been practiced for thousands of years for the sake of holistic wellness. The system of Āyurveda recognizes that the key to good health is balance at all levels of being. It employs mindful dietary considerations, yoga āsana (postures), prānāyāma (breathing practices), herbs, and meditation for optimal health.
It seeks to cleanse the body of toxins and eliminate excess inflammation.

Ayurveda views everything as comprised of the pancha mahābhūtas (five basic elements): earth, water, fire, air and space. These are the building blocks for the qualities of your mind, body, and environment.

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