Slow Down and Ground Your Energy

Abhyanga massage is not like a typical western massage. Abhyanga focuses on nourishment of the tissues with herbal infused oils, rather than deep pressure on the muscles. The technique used in abhyanga is designed with friction for deeply nourishing the skin and the underlying tissues. It is a full body treatment where oil is used all over the body, including the head, stomach, chest, back, arms, legs, hands, and feet.

This ancient technique has been used for thousands of years. Its many benefits include, musculoskeletal and nervous system penetration for optimal balance and health,

Improved circulation and lymph drainage,

Improved sleep,

Hydration of the skin as well as the deeper tissues,

Reduced stress,

Nourishment through the skin.

One of the easiest practices for me to implement into my regular routine, has been abhyanga. I like to give myself an abhyanga massage in the evenings after I shower. I leave it on overnight to allow my body to soak in all the benefits from the oil. This leaves my skin smooth and hydrated, which feels wonderful especially in the winter.

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What kind of oil should you use?

This depends on your dosha. In ayurveda, it is said that what is medicine for one person, can be poison for another. When trying to figure out your dosha, take into consideration your vikruti, your current state of balance. You should also take into consideration your prakruti, the unique way you were created. You must always consider the environment in which you live in. The climate will effect your dosha. It may contribute to further imbalance. For example, when I lived in Tucson, Az, my pitta energy was out of control. I was always feverishly hot, I was short tempered, judgmental, and my skin would get red easily. Now that I live in Ohio, the winters especially bring forth an imbalance of my vata energy. My skin gets uncomfortably dry, my fingers and toes are always cold, and I can begin to feel scattered.

A person with a vata vikruti would never want to use coconut oil on his/her skin. The qualities contained in coconut oil will further deepen the vata imbalance.

For a vata dosha, it is best to use oils that are warm, and grounding. Sesame oil is a favorite for vatas. Almond oil is also very good for vata energy. When performing abhyanga on a client who is vata dominant, I use a sesame based oil that has been infused with ashwaganda, bala, and shatavari herbs.

For a person with a pitta dosha, the best oils are sunflower, and coconut. These oils are cooling, light, and will not agitate an overheated pitta dosha. The oil I use for my pitta clients is infused with manjistha, brahmi, shatavari, guduchi, and neem.

For those with a predominantly kapha dosha, abyhanga must be performed more sparingly. Kapha contains thick, heavy, grounding elements that can make an already naturally grounded person, lethargic, close minded, and overweight. Oils are naturally heavy. The last thing a kapha person wants, is to add more heaviness to his/her energy. For kaphas it is best to use an oil that has been infused with spicy, light, heating herbs. I like to use an oil that is infused with punarnava, chitrak, calamus, rosemary, and cinnamon.

For my athletes, there is a special oil that I use. My daughter plays beach volleyball. It is important to keep her swinging shoulder hydrated and nourished with herbs that will help to maintain a strong bone structure and lubricate the joints. Mahanarayan Oil, from Banyan Botanicals is specifically created to maintain healthy joints. I will rub this oil onto my daughter's shoulder, spine, and knees.

Abhyanga is one of my favorite daily self care practices. If you have questions about which oil you should use, or if you would like help in figuring out what your dosha is, schedule a free consult with me.

Schedule a shirodhara appointment, and receive a complimentary abhyanga massage.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. As always, much love and namaste.

Sabrina