My first goal in conducting abhyanga - or personal massage- was finding the right oil. As a provisional Pitta, it was suggested that I use a coconut oil. I tried looking at Molbeck's - a natural food store in town- but I didn't like the selection. They had coconut oils, but it didn't speak to me. My next stop was the East Indian Emporium. Amazingly, she had a massage oil - it is Navratna Oil. The label said 100% ayurvedic and the label is COOL. For relief, relaxation and rejuvenation. Perfect. As a PP, I need cool. Sesame oil is suggested for Vata and Kapha, but I need a cooling oil. It has a bunch of herbs in it, but nothing I recognize and the smell is singular. The brand is Himani Ayurvedic. And today, I did my first Abhyanga massage.
I have read a lot about how to do this, but I still wasn't sure. I know to start at the scalp. Then the arms, the shoulders, the feet and legs. Then the torso and back and I finished again with the neck, face and scalp. This method was from the Book of Ayurveda. Next time I will use the Perfect Health chapter as my guide.
I laid a towel down on the bathroom floor and began the massage. The oil is not as oily as I though it would be - more watery. It took more than I thought it would, but when I finished I had actually not used that much. The act of massaging my body was disconcerting. I don't touch parts of my body- ever- so this is another great method to reconnect with the reality that is my 41 year old body. That extra weight is almost all in my middle- the stomach, hips and thighs. Massaging these areas makes me feel more gently towards them. It isn't their fault that they have enlarged recently. I am trying to learn compassion while I perform the massage as well, thanking each part for what it does for me. thank you legs for providing me with transportation and movement. Thank you stomach for digesting everything I send your way. Thank you arms for gardening and writing. Etc.
After the massage, I hopped in the shower. As I mentioned before, I do use Aveda products. I love the use of aromatherapy in my daily life. Scent is very important to me. I noticed that as I washed off the oil, the scent remained AND my skin was actually softer. I struggle with dry skin and many skin allergies- imbalance in my kapha, I think. After my shower, only my hands needed additional lotion.
I don't think I will engage in full Abhyanga every day. Maybe 2 or 3 times a week. But the scalp massage felt so nice that I can see that becoming part of my daily routine. Also, foot massage is recommended for relaxing prior to sleep, so maybe I will just shift a few things around in my dinacharya.
Next time... breakfast or the beginning stages of the Ayurvedic diet.
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