Part of my self-care routine includes yoga, meditation, and the practice of Abhyanga. These three things support my goal of caring for my chronic pain from Lupus.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga comes from Ayurvedic medicine and is a massage using herb-infused oils. Used daily can balance out our unique energies found in our mind and body.
There are many benefits to doing Abhyanga for anyone that wants to practice this ritual. However, for now, let’s focus on what it does for those who suffer from chronic illness. Those benefits include lubricating joints, increases circulation, and nourishes the muscles and calming the nerves.
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How to prepare Abhyanga Oil:
- Prepare your oil. Certain oils and herbs are designed to assist with your dosha type. If you know your dosha type, then use that oil. Vata (Sesame or Almond), Pitta (Coconut or Sunflower), and Kapha (Almond or Olive). If you do not know what dosha is, Jojoba Oil is an excellent choice for any dosha. You can also learn what your dosha is by taking the Dosha Quiz. You will need one cup of your chosen oil.
- Prepare your herbs. For pain relief, my chosen herbs are holy basil, ginger root, and turmeric root. Other herbs that offer pain relief are Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, and Capsaicin (found in peppers). Feel free to experiment with what is best and available for you. You need a 1/2 cup total of single or combined herbs.
- Put the herbs in a saucepan and cover with the oil. Gradually heat the oil until very hot (not boiling). Let sit until cool, then pour into a jar.
- I let my oil sit in the jar with the herbs for two to three days. You can also forgo the heat method and place everything in a mason jar for two to three weeks. When it’s ready, strain the oil into a clean bottle or jar.
- I add eight drops of Lavender essential oil to my oil. Lavender is excellent for calming the nerves and relaxing the body.
- Your oil is ready to use.
If you prefer to buy abhyanga massage oil instead of making your own, I suggest Rujahari Oil by The Ayurvedic Experience or Mahanarayan Oil by Banyon Botanicals.
How to perform an Abhyanga massage:
- I keep my oil in my meditation area. That was, it’s easy to access after yoga.
- Pour your oil into the palm of your hand and rub your hands back and forth to warm the oil (you can also warm the oil slightly on the stove). You can continue to add oil as needed during your massage.
- Start at your head and massage your scalp. Take a few minutes to massage your scalp in a circular motion.
- Next, go to your face. In a circular motion, work the forehead, cheeks, temples, and ears (especially the lobes). Then move to your jawline, working in an upward movement.
- Continue massaging the oil into your arms and legs, paying close attention to your joint areas. Spend a few moments to ensure you are working the oil sufficiently into your joints.
- Follow with your chest and abdomen working the oil clockwise in a circular motion.
- Finally, end with your feet. This area is one of the most critical parts because all the major organs of our bodies have nerve endings located in our feet. Work the oil in all areas of your feet while you massage them.
- Sit for at least ten minutes while the oil soaks in. You can use this time to meditate. For me, I do my yoga, practice Abhyanga, and then spend twenty minutes in my evening meditation before taking a bath.
- When you are ready to shower, use a soap lightly and pat yourself dry.
That’s it! You’ve just finished your first Abhyanga practice.
Learning to live mindfully has helped me so much with my Lupus and dealing with chronic pain. If you’d like to learn born how about to become more mindful, join my weekly mindfulness challenge. I would love you to be a part of this mindful tribe!
Peace & Love,
Ela
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