After we take into consideration the idea of self-care, we regularly look to outsource, searching for out practices and rituals that others are in a position to carry out for us—suppose acupuncture, yoga lessons and wonder therapies similar to remedial massages or facials.

Click on right here to re-create our signature Abhyanga Ritual.

However reality be advised, self-care is one thing we are able to take into our personal fingers—actually—by studying the artwork of Abhyanga. This historic Ayurvedic apply means to “lovingly oil the physique” and has been round for hundreds of years as a therapeutic massage apply which is meant to revive stability by aligning thoughts, physique and soul. 

On a topical degree, Abhyanga therapeutic massage helps to complement and hydrate the pores and skin, enhance tone and texture, while additionally feeding the pores and skin’s pure microbiome and strengthening its defences—particularly in case you have chosen the proper plant-based Ayurvedic oil in your Dosha (or physique sort). LAMAV’s new vary of Ayurvedic Physique Oils, for instance, have been delicately formulated utilizing conventional Ayurvedic strategies of preparation whereby the entire herb is included into the provider oil and infused for a time frame as a way to imbue the oil with as many potent magnificence advantages as attainable. Every oil has additionally been crafted that can assist you set an intention in your Abhyanga ritual—to uplift, unwind or nourish.

Nonetheless, the advantages of Abhyanga therapeutic massage lengthen past the pores and skin’s floor with Ayurvedic philosophy talking to how this sacred apply can assist to strengthen and stability the 5 important parts inside every of us and guarantee our dominant Dosha is supported. On this means, Abhyanga therapeutic massage helps to advertise improved wellbeing, longevity and optimum bodily well being, too. In the same method to Garshana dry physique brushing, the physicality of Abhyanga can enhance lymphatic drainage and detoxing, enhance and strengthen circulation, alleviate irritation and muscle ache and most significantly, convey calm and stability to the nervous system.

Right here’s a fast information on the right way to reap the rewards at residence… simply keep in mind, the intention is for the apply to nourish and soothe the physique, so all the time use agency however light strokes and keep away from delicate or infected areas of pores and skin.

1. Earlier than showering or bathing, take your Ayurvedic Physique Oil and heat it beneath sizzling water or between your palms.

   

2. Then, start your therapeutic massage on the crown of your head, rubbing in a clockwise movement.

   

3. On your fingers and ft, use an open palm, then enhance to upwards and downwards strokes to therapeutic massage your legs and arms.

   

4. To assist help together with your physique’s pure circulate of digestion and promote improved detoxing, use round clockwise motions in your stomach.

   

5. Observe with upward strokes in the direction of your chest, from beneath the breasts up in the direction of your collarbone and neck.

   

6. And eventually, end together with your decrease again, utilizing your fingertips to therapeutic massage in a downwards movement to energise the physique.

   

The primary factor is to savour this ritual and spend time connecting with your self and your physique—with out dashing. Your Abhyanga ritual ought to take as much as 20 minutes and as soon as accomplished, merely soar into the bathe or bathtub to softly rinse off any extra oil.