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C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 27 SAV V Y SELF-CARE I pay particular attention to the sides of my torso, drawing up from my hips toward my armpits. I sweep from the base of my head over my upper trapezius, giving myself extra attention in the places that need it. I use enough oil that I feel moisturized, and not too much that it stains my clothes when I put them on. In the evening, I might repeat the whole process, but if I don't, I always massage my feet. At the end of the day, a foot massage is rejuvenating. There are so many nerve endings and reflexive points in the feet that, when massaged, soothe the entire body. I have a bottle of sesame oil with jatamansi (also known as Himalayan spikenard) essential oil in it that helps warm my feet and ground my energy. After my foot massage, I put on socks and go to bed. The process helps me sleep and have good dreams. ABHYANGA IN PRACTICE One of the most helpful aspects of abhyanga is self-love. Slowing down enough to take the time to give yourself a thorough massage is nurturing. It increases oxytocin, which in turn creates positive thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Abhyanga is prescribed in ayurveda to help with insomnia, scattered thoughts, and tissue dryness. It improves digestion. It helps the skin—the largest organ of the body—detoxify. There are other benefits, too; some that can only be understood through experience. I notice how sometimes I will rush through my abhyanga with very little mindfulness—just getting it done. And then, I'll notice how good it feels to slow down, to feel the oil between my palms, to slowly sweep my hands over my body with attention and presence. When I'm really being mindful, I repeat an affirmation in my mind while I massage myself. Practicing abhyanga regularly is extremely supportive to your health. You can use different oils depending on your constitution and the season and climate you are in. Sesame oil is good for the winter, as it is warming and heavy. Coconut oil is better for the summer, as it is cooling and lighter. And sunflower oil is a good general oil to use. Make sure to buy organic oil that you would eat. Anything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body. AWARENESS I was a massage therapist for more than a decade before I came to fully understand the amazing health benefits of massage. I gave thousands of hours of massage to other people and felt them transform through treatment plans that had them coming in once or even twice a week. But it was not until I began to massage myself, every day, that I realized how profound massage truly is. Jennie Hastings is a board-certified massage therapist, writer, and teacher. She is the creator of The Blossom Method and author of The Inspired Massage Therapist (Massage Blossom Books, 2012). She wants to be your friend on Facebook. Sign up for her monthly newsletter, and check out her blog at www.massageblossom.com. AYURVEDIC WISDOM "The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much, even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts, and becomes strong, charming, and least affected by old age." Charaka Samhita, Vol. 1, V: 88–89 (one of the great ancient texts of ayurveda) In Sanskrit, the original language of ayurveda, the word for oil and the word for love are the same. The application of oil to a body, then, is the same as the application of love. Abhyanga describes a technique that can be given to another person, but mostly it refers to a massage given to oneself. THE ART OF SELF-MASSAGE The major benefit of self-massage is that there are few obstacles to receiving one. There is no need to make an appointment, it is done in the convenience of your own home, and the length of the massage can be adapted to your schedule. I will share with you a way that works for me. In the morning, before I take a shower, I put a plastic bottle filled with organic sunflower oil in a warm glass of water. When I get out of the shower, I dry off and put some of the warm oil in the palms of my hands. With long strokes, I apply the oil from my ankles to my hips, and from my wrists to my shoulders. I spend extra time around my knees and elbows. I apply the oil to my face and neck, helping the lymph flow down out of my head. I massage my abdomen in a clockwise direction, then massage over my chest in a figure eight.