Two weeks back I wrote about the benefits of massage for health. You may know that my (professional) introduction to the holistic health field was as a Massage Therapist. I was reintroduced to massage recently when I started working with an Ayurvedic practitioner. One of my assignments was to do a self- Abhyanga. Read on to try that one out for yourself.
The Self-Abhyanga - Using generous amounts of oil (sesame or coconut), apply quick up and down strokes to your body. Use a circular motion when going over the joints. The oil is warmed, filled with herbs particular to balancing your dosha, and scented with an essential oil. I use Floracopeia's Dawn Blooming Jasmine. I keep the oil on for 20 minutes, do yoga for 15 and meditation for 5. This is part of my morning ritual and really sets the tone for the day. Here's a more detailed how-to for the Abhy.
Give yourself a good squeeze - Pretty simply stated, take your hand and use it to squeeze other parts of your body. Places I found this especially helpful is on my feet, ankles, and forearms (definitely do this if you are on the computer all day). You can use your the pads, tips, and length of your thumb to apply more specific pressure in those sore spots.
Play yourself like a drum - Percussion, using your hands to quickly pat yourself up and down the whole of your body. This one is an energy rejuvenator. If you have had a draining day, feel like you picked up someone else's energy, or just need a little more juice - this is one of the best ways to feel better. It's a fun one to do with a partner too.
As always, to your health!
Two weeks back I wrote about the benefits of massage for health. You may know that my (professional) introduction to the holistic health field was as a Massage Therapist. I was reintroduced to massage recently when I started working with an Ayurvedic practitioner. One of my assignments was to do a self- Abhyanga. Read on to try that one out for yourself.
The Self-Abhyanga - Using generous amounts of oil (sesame or coconut), apply quick up and down strokes to your body. Use a circular motion when going over the joints. The oil is warmed, filled with herbs particular to balancing your dosha, and scented with an essential oil. I use Floracopeia's Dawn Blooming Jasmine. I keep the oil on for 20 minutes, do yoga for 15 and meditation for 5. This is part of my morning ritual and really sets the tone for the day. Here's a more detailed how-to for the Abhy.
Give yourself a good squeeze - Pretty simply stated, take your hand and use it to squeeze other parts of your body. Places I found this especially helpful is on my feet, ankles, and forearms (definitely do this if you are on the computer all day). You can use your the pads, tips, and length of your thumb to apply more specific pressure in those sore spots.
Play yourself like a drum - Percussion, using your hands to quickly pat yourself up and down the whole of your body. This one is an energy rejuvenator. If you have had a draining day, feel like you picked up someone else's energy, or just need a little more juice - this is one of the best ways to feel better. It's a fun one to do with a partner too.
As always, to your health!