More energetic than a good massage now and then. An Ayurvedic based massage also brings you much more than just smooth muscles and smooth skin. These are the benefits of Ayurvedic massage, including tips for a great self-massage.
According to Ayurveda, there is no better way to practice self-love than by massaging yourself from head to toe with a nice warm oil. This is also called an abyanga massage. This removes the obstructions and disturbances that have been stored in your body due to previous experiences. It also brings balance to your dosha – the energy of your life. Here you can test what kind of Ayurveda you are (and which doshas you have).
Whether you are a Vata, Pitta or Kapha type; Self-massage according to Ayurveda is beneficial for everyone. As for the kava types, it mainly stimulates the body, as for the vata and pitta types, it restores calm in the body.
These are the benefits of the Abyanga massage
- nourishes your entire body and fights the effects of aging;
- contributes to strengthening muscles and increasing strength;
- Strengthens the limbs.
- Lubricates the joints.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Stimulates the internal organs.
- Helps remove impurities from the body.
- Lymph nodes help remove toxins from the body.
- Improves endurance.
- Calms the nervous system.
- contributes to a better and deeper sleep;
- It improves your vision.
- Contributes to better hair growth and make hair thicker, softer and shinier;
- Smoothes and smoothes the skin and prevents wrinkles.
This is how you massage yourself according to Ayurveda
The nice thing is that you can give this massage to yourself – you don’t need an appointment with a masseur. This is how you do it:
Choose the oil you prefer. This can be sesame oil, but also jojoba oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil or almond oil. Heat the oil to a comfortable temperature. Test whether the oil is at a comfortable temperature by pouring a drop into the palm of your hand. Sit or stand in a comfortable, warm place.
Start with your crown. Make circular motions on your scalp with a little oil and do this for a few minutes. Then come down on your face. Massage your forehead, temples, cheeks, and jawline, making sure to always massage in an upward motion. Also don’t forget about your ears, there are many nerve endings there.
Connect with your limbs. You do longer strokes on your arms and legs, and you do circular motions on your elbows and knees. Always massage it towards the heart. To massage your stomach and chest, make wide, circular motions in a clockwise direction. On the right side of your stomach, raise your hand up and down on the left side. Finish the massage by massaging the feet for at least a few minutes.
Then take five to fifteen minutes to allow your skin to absorb the oil. Then it’s time to shower or bathe with warm water. Avoid “rubbing” your body, but you can use a gentle shower or bath oil to clean your skin. Drying also applies: do it gently and tenderly.
Looks delicious, doesn’t it? And that’s in your own bathroom.
Heavenly Hand Massage
Your hands are also in a rope all day long. Give them a well-deserved reward with a hand massage. Its effect does not stop at your wrist, it has a relaxing effect on your whole body; A gift to give or receive.
This is how we do it:
Start kneading the palm of your hand. Turn your hand over every now and then so you can work your whole hand well. Spread your hand out and work between your fingers and the fragile hand bones in your palm. Make rolling motions in the palm of your hand with the knuckles of your fingers.
Tighten each finger at the same time. Work from the root of your finger upwards, not forgetting the sides of your fingers.
An important pressure point is the soft hand piece between your thumb and index finger, which can also help reduce headaches and fatigue. Apply gentle pressure with your thumb (toward the bones in your palm) and hold for five seconds.
Keeping your palms down, move your thumbs sideways over your wrist.
Photo: Photography by Peggy Janssen, Design by José Spaans
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