Abhyanga with Rudraksa Oil

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Dear Friends

 

In the next couple of weeks we will be recieving our first US

shipment of Rudraksa Oil for massage, hair and muscle and joint pain

 

In the book Perfect Health by Dr Deepak Chopra he states that adding

Abhyanga or oil massage to our daily practice rejuvenates the skin,

tones the muscles, eliminates impurities and promotes youthfullness.

 

The skin contains thousands of cutaneous nerves that are connected to

every part of the body. Science also recognized that the skin is a

major producer of endocrine hormones.

 

In scientific terms a massage works by soothing the two master

systems of the body, the nervous system and the endocirne system.

 

Lightly massageing the body with a thin film of warm to hot oil

before a person bathes makes the skin feel warm and supple, a perfect

balance for the cold dryness of Vata. Massageing yourself with oil

massage is also a good way to simply slow down during the day which

Ayurveda considers extremely important

 

For those who are not familiar with the Abhyanga Oil Massage I will

print a little of this from page 205 of Perfect Health

 

Since this is a very light massage it requires no more than a scant

quarter cup of warm oil.

 

To heat the oil place oil in a clear plastic cup or squeeze bottle

and set it in a bowl of very hot water. Wait a minute or two until

the oil reaches skin temperature.

 

Or you can put the oil in a glass cup and heat for ten to fifteen

seconds in the microwave being very careful not to overheat it

because it will definitely burn a persons skin if applied at an

overheated temperature

 

The best place to perform you massage is in the bathroom. As good as

it is for your body there is no doubt that Abhyanga is messy. No

matter how careful you are some oil will get splashed around. To

minimize this spread large towel to sit on before starting

 

A full body self massage takes about 5 to 10 minutes and starts with

massageing the oil into the head covering the entire scalp with

circular strokes

 

Then with flat of the palm and fingers massage the neck front and

back and then the shoulders

 

Circular motions used at joint areas and long strokeing motions used

on muscles between joints. Large circular motions with chest and

abdomen

 

Massage in this manner till you reach the feet. Continue to use the

flat of the hand except around the toes which you can handle with

your fingers.

 

Washing Off the Oil: Keeping a thin almost undetectable film of oil

on the body is considered very beneficial for toning the skin,

balanceing Vata and keeping the muscles warm during the day.

Therefore it is suggested to wash oneself with warm, not hot, water

and mild soap. If a person looks good with glossy hair leave a bit of

oil on your scalp otherwise most people will need to use shampoo.

 

Perfect Health The Complete Mind / Body Guide by Dr Deepak Chopra