Self Massage
In Ayurveda, one of the most effective tools for pain relief and the optimization of health is self-massage. If you have undergone panchakarma, that is, the Ayurvedic system of detoxification, and you wish to sustain the results of panchakarma, then it is highly recommended to adopt the practice of daily self-massage. This helps not only to sustain the results of an Ayurvedic detox, but also, it keeps the body lubricated, which is importance for mitigating the effects of aging. In other words, self-massage is an anti-aging practice.
What type of oil to use for self-massage?
It is typically recommended to use a cold-pressed oil or an Ayurvedic medicinal oil that is suited for your body constitution. If you don't know your body type in Ayurvedic terms, it's okay. Get started anyways and follow these broad guidelines:
- If you're thin and slender, and perhaps of above-average height, this implies that you are likely to be of a vata type. For vata types and vata-related imbalances, use sesame oil or almond oil.
- If you're a medium build and have a fiery personality and sharp intelligence or if you're the artistic creative type, then you are likely to be a pitta type. Therefore, it is recommended to using a cooling oil, like coconut oil or olive oil.
- If you're big boned, generally overweight, voluptuous, curvy and prone to weight gain, then it is likely that you are a Kapha type, for which it is recommended to use a lighter oil like sunflower oil.
- If you have acute or sharp pain in a specific area, then apply mustard oil for 30-40 minutes and then take a shower and wash it off thoroughly.
The above are rough-and-ready guidelines and are not a substitute for consulting an Ayurvedic doctor, especially if you have serious health ailments. However, the main thing is to get started and to develop a practice of self-massage.
Where should you perform self-massage?
Head, Neck and Shoulders. We are all hooked on our devices. Most of us spend a lot of time in front of the laptop or desktop. Many of us have desk jobs and sit for several hours at a stretch. For all these reasons and more, our neck and shoulder and lower back are all in need of self-love, self-care, and a daily massage. We can all massage these areas. If we spend a lot of time on our feet or practicing yoga or sports, then the knees, ankles and thighs could benefit from much self-massage.
Head Massage. The brain runs our body and generates a lot of heat in the process. For this reason, we need to cool it down. One way to do this is to massage the head with a cooling oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. Even 2-3 minutes per day of massage your scalp with oil is very therapeutic and beneficial for the body and mind. At first, it may be hard to do this regularly. But once you make it a habit, the benefits compound over time. Give it a shot.
What type of oil to use for self-massage?
It is typically recommended to use a cold-pressed oil or an Ayurvedic medicinal oil that is suited for your body constitution. If you don't know your body type in Ayurvedic terms, it's okay. Get started anyways and follow these broad guidelines:
- If you're thin and slender, and perhaps of above-average height, this implies that you are likely to be of a vata type. For vata types and vata-related imbalances, use sesame oil or almond oil.
- If you're a medium build and have a fiery personality and sharp intelligence or if you're the artistic creative type, then you are likely to be a pitta type. Therefore, it is recommended to using a cooling oil, like coconut oil or olive oil.
- If you're big boned, generally overweight, voluptuous, curvy and prone to weight gain, then it is likely that you are a Kapha type, for which it is recommended to use a lighter oil like sunflower oil.
- If you have acute or sharp pain in a specific area, then apply mustard oil for 30-40 minutes and then take a shower and wash it off thoroughly.
The above are rough-and-ready guidelines and are not a substitute for consulting an Ayurvedic doctor, especially if you have serious health ailments. However, the main thing is to get started and to develop a practice of self-massage.
Where should you perform self-massage?
Head, Neck and Shoulders. We are all hooked on our devices. Most of us spend a lot of time in front of the laptop or desktop. Many of us have desk jobs and sit for several hours at a stretch. For all these reasons and more, our neck and shoulder and lower back are all in need of self-love, self-care, and a daily massage. We can all massage these areas. If we spend a lot of time on our feet or practicing yoga or sports, then the knees, ankles and thighs could benefit from much self-massage.
Head Massage. The brain runs our body and generates a lot of heat in the process. For this reason, we need to cool it down. One way to do this is to massage the head with a cooling oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. Even 2-3 minutes per day of massage your scalp with oil is very therapeutic and beneficial for the body and mind. At first, it may be hard to do this regularly. But once you make it a habit, the benefits compound over time. Give it a shot.
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