Last week I mentioned massage as one way to prevent or treat back pain, but it is also enormously beneficial for your health in general according to the great ancient texts of Ayurveda.
The UAE is awash with spas where you can enjoy many varieties of massage, but this week I want to talk about the ancient Ayurveda practice of Abhyanga, self-massage. A daily Abhyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity.
In Ayurveda, there are three doshas. They govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint – our personality, character and the way in which our bodies function.
The doshas derive from the five elements: air, space, fire, water and earth.
Vata is composed of space and air, Pitta of fire and water, and Kapha of earth and water. Although we may be a combination of doshas, we will all be predominantly more one.
Vata types are usually quick thinking, thin and energetic. Pitta types will have qualities reflective of fire and water, such as a fiery personality and oily skin. Kapha types will typically have a heavier bodily frame and calm demeanour.
Benefits of Abhyanga
• Balances the doshas: pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha
• Nourishes the entire body
• Increases and improves circulation
• Stimulates the internal organs of the body (similar to yoga postures massaging internal organs)
• Assists in elimination of impurities from the body
• Detoxifies the body by moving the lymph
• Increases stamina, raising energy levels
• Calms the nerves
• Promotes better, deeper sleep
• Improves the condition of hair and scalp
• Softens and smoothens skin, making it more supple and resilient to injury or damage
Method: Warm 1/4 cup of your chosen oil. Sesame oil is very light. Start with the scalp, as there are many energy points right here and work your way down the body.
For the head, face and neck, use small circular movements, upwards on the face. Remember to massage the ears. If you can’t always do your scalp because of hair washing, try at least once a week.
Use long, sweeping movements on the limbs and remember to massage the abdomen clockwise in the same direction as the elimination process of the large intestine. Spend some time on your feet. Sit quietly for five minutes afterwards before having a warm shower.
Avoid vigorous rubbing and blot yourself dry afterwards. Massage your body for 15-20 minutes as often as you can, preferably each morning (if short of time, try at least five minutes).
For dosha rebalancing:
• Vata Dosha: 4-5 times a week using sesame, almond or jojoba oil
• Pitta Dosha: 3-4 times a week using coconut, sunflower or jojoba oil
• Kapha Dosha: 1-2 times a week using safflower or jojoba oil