We gave up on a lot of old, beneficial practices, all in the name of new modernized ones. We felt super proud too in calling ourselves a progressive race. But it is only after realizing the repercussions of the new ways, do we truly understand that old is gold. And this is especially true for all the traditional practices being followed earlier in the Indian households.

Abhyanga

One such practice of Indian households was “Abhyanga“ or Self massage. Abhyanga is performed with warm oil, before a bath.

Generous amount of oil is applied to the whole body, including the hair and sole of the feet. The oil is then gently massaged into the skin. This is then followed by a bath, after allowing some time for the oil to soak into the skin. There are a lot of benefits of applying oil before a bath.

Why choose Abhyanga?

If you are seeing signs of dry skin, aging skin, scattered mind, sluggishness, trouble sleeping or feeling low, these common afflictions can easily be remedied with Abhyanga.

Self-massage is a time-tested practice for improving health and filling one with a sense of well-being.

Is it difficult to do Self-Massage?

There aren’t really any rules to follow here and it is fairly easy. Gently massage your whole body. Pay special attention to whatever part of the body is feeling discomfort – neck, shoulder, arms, feet and anywhere else. Concentrate on trouble areas for 3-5 minutes in a dedicated yet relaxed manner.

What type of strokes to use?

Apply gentle yet firm strokes. Rounded areas such as joints and head should be massaged with a circular motion. On straight areas such as arms and legs, use straight massage strokes. Stomach should be massaged in the direction of the GI tract.

Using your own hands to knead the muscles, applying pressure on certain points and manipulating your own muscles has immense mental and physical benefits. The most noticeable of these benefits are pain relief and relaxation.

Seasons

Abhyanga is a practice for all seasons as it is important to keep the skin hydrated, even when we do not feel the need.

The glands which secrete oil or sebum in our body are known as sebaceous glands. These glands become overactive when the skin hydration level drops in our body. The excess oil leaves us feeling sticky and icky.

Not to forget that the excess oil along with dead skin and impurities, can block pores as well. To control the amount of oil being produced, it is important to hydrate the skin in a natural way. This way the sebaceous glands do not go into overdrive.

So, soak in the oil to hydrate and soothe your skin, add a warm glow to bring your inner radiance to the surface.

Benefits of Abhyanga

Let’s delve further into why you should be following this age-old tradition of Self-Massage.

Detoxification of the World’s Largest Organ – Skin

Self Massage With Oil, applying gentle pressure, helps to drain the lymph nodes and flush out toxins and impurities via the skin. One should wait for the sweating to start before having a bath. The toxins get washed away when you bathe. Detoxification of the body leaves the body and mind feeling energized.

Hydration

Warm oils provide the required, easy to absorb hydration which leaves the skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated.

Smooth and soften

Oils mimic the natural lipids and so tend to work better than other moisturizers. They fill the gaps between skin cells that are caused by dryness or flaking. This creates a smoother surface. Lipids also help to trap the moisture in our skin.

Antioxidants

While there are a number of Facial Serums available for the face, we don’t have so many options for anti-aging for the body. Oils are a great way to Protect Skin From Aging and sun damage as they have antioxidants. Use oils which are high in Vitamin A, C and E. Some of the oils which you can opt for are Wheat germ oil – rich in Vitamin A, Rosehip oil – rich in Vitamin C and Safflower oil rich in Vitamin E.

Youthfulness

The qualities associated with youthfulness – Resilience, joy and vitality, are enhanced by self-massage. The detoxification and hydration of the body, soft, smooth and lustrous skin, and balancing effects of self-massage, wards off the early Signs of Aging.

Rejuvenation of Body and Mind

A leisurely self-massage of warm oil, can help to relax the body, calm the mind while observing your breath.

Whereas a more energetic massage can help remove the feeling of mental and physical sluggishness. It can vitalize the body and mind.

One can choose the type of massage, depending on the time of performing abhyanga – Night or morning. A massage in the night should bring you tranquility whereas a morning massage should fill you with vigor.

Benefits of Oiling Before bath

A barrier is created between the skin and water by applying oil before a bath. This prevents the water from draining the oils from your skin. This is especially essential for people with extremely dry and flaky skin.

Toxins are exfoliated from the body by applying warm oil. These toxins are then washed away from the skin when we bathe.

As water seals the moisture content of the oils, Applying oil before a bath ensures that we stay moisturized.

Blood circulation is improved and muscles are relaxed by applying warm oil before a bath. It wards off the early signs of aging.

Soaking the benefits of essential oils

The benefits of the Essential Oil can be reaped by adding them to your carrier oil. This oil can then be used for Abhyanga. Lavender or Frankincense essential oil are an excellent choice for relaxation. Opt for tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil to clear blemishes and remedy skin ailments.

How is oil different from lotion?

Ever wonder about why you should opt for an oil when you can easily be using a lotion and massage that in.

Well oils are different from lotions as they contain several fatty acids. The most important of which are linoleic and oleic acids. They are the building block of healthy cell membranes. They play an important role in helping us fight off skin aging and sun damage. They protect our Natural Skin Barrier, keeping it hydrated, plumper and younger looking.

Skin lotion on the other hand is more of humectants, which bring moisture to our skin. They do not contain the essential fatty acids that oils do. If the quality of the lotion is not very good, it can evaporate from the skin very quickly.

You will not miss your lotion once you give Abhyanga a go!

Abhyanga is Sensuous Luxury

Being drenched in warm oil is like being encased in sensuous luxury! It leaves the skin feeling hydrated, dewy soft and all the senses relaxed. The best part! Abhyanga can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, without the need of a masseur.

It also acts like a wonderful reminder for enjoying and celebrating life rather than just getting through it like a chore.

So, turn off your inner critic and just relax and love yourself while enjoying a self-massage. The most incredible act of self-kindness is Abhyanga.