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Beginner’s Guide to Ayurvedic Oil Massage

There are lots of things we should do daily to improve our general health and well-being. Stretching, exercise, and drinking plenty of water are some of the things that easily come to mind. Most people don’t think of a massage as something to do daily for better health, but according to Ayurveda that is exactly what you should do. Throughout the day we build up toxins and stress that linger in the mind and body. During an Ayurvedic oil massage these toxins and stresses are dissolved and flow out of the body. It can be difficult to set aside time each day for an Ayurvedic oil massage for healing the buildup in your body, but the benefits to your wellbeing make it worth it.

Best Oil for Ayurvedic Massage

The main thing you need is a good massage oil. The most common one for Ayurvedic oil massage is a cold pressed, organic sesame oil. Alternatively, one could use a cold pressed, organic almond oil as well. Often times the oil is infused with various herbs to aide in certain healing processes, but this is not required.

To gain the maximum benefit from the massage it is important to use warm oil. You can warm you oil by storing it in a squeezable plastic bottle and placing that bottle in a bowl of hot water until the oil is to your desired warmth.

Lastly, you’ll need a old cotton towel or bath mat and some paper towels or clean rags. You’ll stand on the towel or mat as you give yourself the massage. It will absorb any oil that drops down, and will help keep you feeling warm. The paper towels or rags are for after the massage to wipe off any excess oil.

Instructions on the Ayurvedic Oil Massage Technique

When you are ready to start your massage follow the simple beginner’s guide below. This massage is best done in the morning but can be beneficial at any time.

1. Fill a bowl with hot water and place your sealed plastic bottle of oil in it for around 5 minutes, or until the oil is at the desired temperature

2. While the oil is warming, set up your towel/mat. The bathroom makes a good room to perform the massage since it is easy to clean up. Place your paper towels/rags close by too.

3. Spend a few minutes relaxing and breathing deeply. Rub your hands together to warm them and get the energy flowing.

4. Pour a small amount of oil into your palm and rub it onto your body going with the direction of hair growth and in a clockwise motion around joints.

5. Once your entire body is covered in oil, begin to massage the oil into your skin. Start with your thighs, and move down your leg ending with a foot massage. Then work on your hips, sides and lower back. If you have someone giving you the massage, have them work up to the upper back. After that move on to the chest and arms and finish up with head

6. Once you’ve completed the massage, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes, sit and breath deeply for 5 minutes.

7. Wipe off any excess oil with the paper towels or rags.

8.  Depending on how much oil is left unabsorbed you can either get dress for the day or take a warm bath/shower using a gentle shampoo and non-soap based cleanser.

If you cannot find time to do this massage every day, try for three to four times per week to still reap some of the many benefits of ayurvedic oil massage for healing.

Article by expert author ‘Emily Cordz‘.