Unless you work in the spa industry, chances are the term “Abhyanga” is a foreign one to you. But if you’ve ever had a full body massage at a day spa using special oils, you’ve been indulging in Abhyanga all along. Don’t let the official term intimidate you. Want to bring that day spa feeling home? It is entirely possible to practice Abhyanga using a DIY approach. The following tips and suggestions will help make the experience a positive one that benefits body, mind, and spirit.
Don’t like making a mess? Then Abhyanga at home might not be your cup of tea. Because this practice is all about the use of special oils, it’s important to know that things will get a bit messy, especially those performing Abhyanga on themselves for the first time. To keep the mess to a minimum, set the stage properly by doing this act in the bathroom with two towels (one to sit on while applying the oils and one for when you are done rinsing everything off in the shower). Because they’ll be covered with oils, it is best to use old towels.
Not sure what types of oils to purchase for DIY Abhyanga? Simply do an online search for “Abhyanga oils” and you’ll find plenty of recommendations from Ayurvedic sites based on body type, skin type, and physical condition. Browse through the product descriptions listed and choose the one(s) that seem to be of the most interest to you.
What makes DIY Abhyanga convenient is the fact that the entire process should only take 20 minutes. Depending on your schedule and needs, this practice can be done as little as once a week or a few times a week. With time and practice, virtually anybody can care for their body through the use of Abhyanga at home. There is no need to be a message guru to perform this act, either. Apply the oil directly onto the skin and massage it in deeply with your hands, using firm pressure. This should be done from head to toe. Make sure the oil is warm so that it absorbs into the skin properly. Do not perform Abhyanga if your skin is infected/has an open wound. Also, skip Abhyanga if you’re not feeling well or have areas on the body that are swollen.
After a thorough full body application, remain as is for a few minutes and then jump into the shower to rinse off the excess oil. For the best results, do not use soap, body wash or exfoliate with a body scrub. When stepping out of the shower to dry off, your body will still feel a bit oily, which may take some getting used to. But this is normal and is actually good for the skin. You may find that you don’t need to apply lotion afterward (of course you can if you really want to).
Implementing DIY Abhyanga on a regular basis will instantly produce noticeable changes in the skin and body. Stiff joints will be more relaxed and less likely to give you trouble, the skin will be supple, radiant and hydrated around the clock and toxins will be regularly flushed with each treatment. Massage, in general, is great for relaxing the mind and body. DIY Abhyanga is ideal for promoting a sense of wellness and can help greatly with lowering stress levels on a regular basis.
