Self-Massage = Self-Love

In Ayurveda, self-massage is a practice of self-love and is a regular part of daily life.

Babies and small children in the eastern tradition are massaged daily by people who care for them and are taught to self-massage as they get older. Benefits include improved circulation, hydrated skin, stiff joint relief, and flushing out toxins. But I think the deeper gift of self-massage is that it’s beautiful and sensual way to become more intimate with your own body. Receiving loving touch is an essential and profound human need, no matter how old we are.

Set aside some time for yourself once a week - more often if you can – to anoint your whole body with warm oil. This is a lovely practice to do when you need to wash your hair because you can include massaging your head.

To Practice Self-Massage: allow 20-30 minutes

The Oil:

You will need approximately a generous ¼ cup warm oil – preferably untoasted sesame oil which is heavy and heating and pulls oil-soluble toxins out of the body. Almond, apricot, jojoba, or coconut oil are good alternatives if sesame oil feels too warming. Place the oil in a glass bowl or bottle and stand in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes until the oil is warm.

You’ll also need an old large towel spread out in a warm, quiet, comfortable place and an old dressing gown (or towel) to wrap up in.

The Strokes:

As a guideline, use long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints. Use a light, settled, and slow touch. Traditionally Ayurveda advises seven to eleven strokes or circular motions on each part of your body.

The Method:

Ensure that you won’t be disturbed. Light a candle and play soft music if you feel like it. Intend for this to be a loving experience.

·      Apply warm oil to your hands and massage slowly into your scalp, around your ears, face, and neck

·      Use long strokes on your arms and circular strokes on your elbows, massage your hands and use circular strokes on your finger joints

·      Use circular strokes on each shoulder

·      Massage around each breast towards the armpit (where lymph nodes are located)

·      Massage your belly in broad clockwise circular movements (remember to go slowly)

·      Massage each hip

·      It can be hard to reach your back but do your best to apply warm oil to your lower back and buttocks, without straining

·      Massage each leg using long strokes on your thighs and calves, and circular strokes on your knees and ankles

·      Massage each foot well in an upward direction, use circular strokes on your toe joints

If you have time, wrap up in an old dressing gown or towel for 15-20 minutes to allow the oil time to be absorbed. Ensure that you are warm.

Aftercare:

Wipe any excess oil from the bottom of your feet so that you don’t slip. Take a warm shower.

Wash your hair if it has oil in it - rinsing your body just with water is fine i.e. you don’t need soap. Dress in warm, comfortable clothes and ensure that your head is warm too.

Enjoy a cup of tea or some other nourishing warm drink.

Extra Tip: If you’re short on time, just massage your scalp and feet – this is particularly good to do in the morning to reduce anxiety and in the evening to reduce insomnia.

Caution:

1.     Avoid self-massage on a full belly, if you are menstruating, or if you are otherwise unwell. Ayurveda advises to never massage the stomach if you are pregnant, have intestinal ulcers or heart problems. If you are pregnant, please check with your health practitioner first.

2.     Keep any towels that you use separate from your other towels and don’t put them in the clothes dryer as they will contain a residue of oil.