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: 

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.

ĀYURVEDA • SLEEP • RITUAL

Oh the magic of a sunset.
We have all witnessed the radiant blast of glory just as the sun descends behind the horizon. 

The ancient Egyptians celebrated this daily phenomenon as an epic journey of the Solar God, Ra, as he sailed into the underworld, leaving the luminous and nourishing powers of the moon to govern the night sky. The underworld traverse was considered an auspicious event, necessary for confronting shadows and defeating monsters so that the sun could rise again the following day.

In the ancient Sumerian myths, the heavenly goddess Inanna descends into the underworld to confront her recently widowed, and completely heartbroken, sister. Although Inanna must face terrible hardship, the story expresses the value of compassion for transformation and ultimate freedom.

The underworld descent has been interpreted by Jungian psychologists as an archetypal symbol of the spiritual journey each of us must take into our heart's wisdom. Only by encountering the depths of our inner knowing may we become truly balanced and whole.

Sunset is therefore a sacred time to turn inward and center your awareness upon the wisdom flame of your heart. Within the traditions of Yoga and Āyurveda, the evening provides a time for lunar practice, or Rātricharyā. When you establish an evening ritual you set yourself up to enjoy deep benefits:

• Harmonize with the rhythms of Nature.
• Receive guidance from your deepest truth.
• Embrace the dark stillness with contemplative calm.
• Enjoy restful sleep.​

ĀYURVEDA • BODY • RITUAL

Author: R.R. Shakti, PhD
Photo: Kasia Serbin

Do you know your Āyurvedic "Hair Type"?
Here's how to figure it out...and why it matters: 

It all begins with the three dosha (disorders):
According to Āyurveda, your entire being (and everything around you) is made up of five elemental forces: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
​These five māhābhutas (major elements) combine to form three dosha that effect your overall wellness: 

1. vata = space + air
2. pitta = fire
3. kapha = water + earth

Your unique arrangement of dosha determines your physical constitution. It contributes to your attitude and behaviors–wether you prefer a hot bath or a cool shower; if you have a sweet tooth or savor spicy dishes instead. It even determines if you will respond to a conflict with anxiety, frustration, or defeat. When your dosha constitution is balanced, you are better able to handle everything.
Seriously!
It is pretty darned valuable to know your personal Āyurvedic dosha balance (or imbalance) and how it contributes to your everyday choices and overall well-being. And your hair (or lack of it) can be a tell tale indicator of your unique dosha profile.

The elemental properties of vata dosha include the cool, drying, and moving energies of wind and space. Vata hair type is generally fine, thin, course, dry, and brittle. It may be curly, but it is more often straight; and is prone to split ends and dandruff. 
The Ritual: Massage your head and ears with a nourishing oil like almond or sesame. If your scalp is very dry, use castor oil. Massage with oil 3 times each week. On the off weeks, massage your head with warm milk and honey for a rich cleansing and moisturizing treatment. Rinse with warm water. ​