Self Care- there is no greater expression of self-love than this. One of the best ways to treat your body is through a nourishing self-massage. In Ayurveda, there is a term for this daily practice: Abhyanga Massage. It can help you re-establish good energy and balance to your body, mind, and spirit. It is a nurturing way to connect with yourself while bringing comfort and warmth to your entire being. Self-massage is one of the aromatherapy treatments Certified Aromatherapists recommend to clients to do at home. It is one I have used with many of my patients at my wellness center for years. What you do for yourself will determine how you recover or restore your health.
Self-care is important. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Put yourself in as a priority because if you don’t take care of yourself you end up breaking down, and everyone that is depending on you is left to fend for themselves. Take care of yourself the way that you do with the people you care about.
- Relaxing nervous tension
- Relieving emotional rigidity
- Relieving chronic pain from muscular/joint aches
- Increasing circulation
- Reducing inflammation
- Enhancing immunity
- Relieving muscle spasms and tension
- Chronic fatigue
- Restoring balance and energy
- Softening and soothing the skin
- and much more…
The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age. -Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89
At the end of the day when it’s time to wind down works well for most people. You will know when is the best time to press pause and take care of you. The important key is making the time for your self-care routines. Self-massage does not have to take that long. It can be from 5-20 minutes, depending on how much time you have.
- Sit in a warm room and apply oil generously all over your body.
- Massage the oil into your body for 5-20 minutes. Starting at the extremities and working toward the middle of your body. Use long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints. Massage the abdomen and chest in broad, clockwise, circular motions. On the abdomen, follow the path of the large intestine; moving up on the right side of the abdomen, then across, then down on the left side. You may also massage your scalp with a nourishing scalp oil.
Note: If using the shower/bath after oil applications, don’t forget to wash the floor, to prevent a slip.
