What is Abhyanga? How Ayurveda’s Daily Massage Routine Can Help Slow Aging
Winter in Northern climes can take its toll on many aspects of your physiology, not least of which is your skin. You probably notice this every time you look in the mirror at this time of year, and keeping your skin hydrated can feel like a losing battle.
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body, so it’s common sense to want to keep it healthy and practices to promote radiant skin span many centuries and cultures. Ayurveda, a system of holistic Indian medicine, identifies dryness as one of the main disease pathways and the primary contributor to aging and degeneration. Many conditions from chronic constipation to osteoarthritis and even neurological disorders are seen in Ayurveda to have their roots in chronic loss of lubrication throughout the physiology. Dryness is a natural side-effect of aging, but it can be accelerated or stymied through lifestyle choices.
One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to offset dry skin and slow down the aging process is using oil via a practice called Abhyanga. Abhyanga is a self-care practice of daily massage from Ayurveda that improves circulation, soothes joints, removes toxins, nourishes the skin and settles the nervous system (your skin and nervous system are actually formed from the same layer of the embryonic cell known as the ectoderm and remain connected throughout your life). Traditionally, Abhyanga is done using sesame oil which has a warming effect on the body, but if you find it too heating you can use coconut or almond oil. The traditional timing is first thing in the morning, but you may find doing it before bed can be very soothing and promote deeper sleep.
(Note: If you have very oily/clammy skin to begin with, you can do Abhyanga once a week and on the other days do a dry massage, using a dry brush.)
HOW TO DO ABHYANGA:
Submerge the bottle of oil in warm water for 5 minutes. Lay a towel down in the bathroom before you begin.
Start the massage at your abdomen, using brisk circular motions. Work your way out across the chest, shoulders, arms and hands, up to the face and scalp if you like, then down through the hips, legs and feet. Try circular motions on your joints and long strokes on your limbs.
If possible, sit with the oil on your skin for 10 to let the oil soak in.
Finish with a shower - make sure you wipe the soles of your feet with absorbent tissue before stepping into the shower!
