Self Oil Massage Benefits, Quick Guide To Do It

There is nothing more relaxing than getting an oil massage done but that's not all about them. Oil massages help improve the blood circulation in your body, boost the texture of your skin, eliminate the harmful toxins from your body, improve the functioning of your internal organs among other benefits.

However, oil massages not only benefit when performed by a massage specialist. One can self-massage too in the comfort of their home for all these amazing benefits.

In Ayurveda, abhyanga or massage with oil is a practice which should be followed daily for skin and health benefits. Ayurvedic expert, Niti Sheth on her Instagram handle shared how one can practice self care with self massage.

Benefits Of Self Oil Massage

In her Instagram post, the expert shared the benefits of Abhyanga or massage.

• Oil massage improves blood circulation in the body. It is a great technique to make the blood move through the congested areas in the body.
• It slows down ageing, preventing the appearance of signs like wrinkles, fine lines. There is an increase in the skin blood flow during an oil massage and this further prevents skin ageing.
• It balances vata dosha. Those who have an imbalance in the vata dosha suffer from hair dryness, joint pain, digestive issues and insomnia among other problems.
• Self oil massages can help support sleep. A good oil massage before going to bed helps you relax and release tension in the nerves, giving you a good sleep.

How To Do Self Oil Massage?

The expert shared that oil massage should be done before having a bath or shower. She shared that sesame oil can be used which is good for all the 3 doshas - vata, kapha and pitta. Warm sesame oil should be massaged all over the body and kept on for 10-15 minutes before bath.

She further shared that those who don't have enough time to indulge in an oil massage everyday should take out 20 minutes once a week to give themselves a weekly, nourishing massage.

Further, the expert shared that if massaging the whole body everyday is a task then they should focus on one body part each day. For example, Monday can be kept for massaging the legs, Tuesday for the hips, abdomen and lower back, Wednesday for chest and upper back, Thursday for arms and shoulders, Friday for neck and shoulders, Saturday for head and face. This way, one can complete full body massage by Sunday.

Those who can't manage to take out time the entire week should atleast invest time in 3 massages as per the expert.

Head Massage Or Shiroabhyanga

This includes massaging both the face and scalp. Head massages prevent premature greying and hair loss, nourish the sense organs, prevent headaches and improve sleep quality.

How To Do Head Massage?

Pick any oil of your choice. Coconut oil, sesame oil, bhringraj oil, olive oil are some good options for a head massage. Warm the oil and start massaging your scalp and hair with it. Make sure your hair is divided into two parts. Gently massage in a circular motion. After massaging your hair, take a wide-tooth comb and detangle your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Keep the oil on for 30 minutes and then wash with a mild shampoo. You can also keep the oil overnight.

Foot Massage Or Padabhyanga

Doing a foot oil massage will help overcome fatigue, improve vision and help stabilise the vata dosha.

How To Do Foot Massage?

Gently begin massaging your foot with warm oil in a small circular motion. Use your thumb gently to apply pressure on your toes. This will help in removing any pressure on your feet. After massaging your feet, soak them in hot water. Add a pinch of salt to the water as it will help release stress.

Ear Massage Or Karnabhyanga

Ear massage helps in balancing the vata dosha, calming the mind, and counteracting pain and stiffness in the jaw and neck.

How To Do Ear Massage?

Take some oil and start to massage your outer ear. Gently massage at the back. Make sure that the oil doesn't go inside your ear.

Best Oils For Massage

There are a variety of oils that can be used for a self oil massage session at home depending on your skin type. Some good oil options are -

• Almond oil
• Sesame oil
• Ghee
• Sunflower oil
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil

Tips For Self Oil Massage

For a relaxing oil massage at home, follow these quick tips -

• Make sure the oil you are using isn't very hot. It should be warm.
• To prevent oil stains on your clothes, use an old cloth or towel while massaging.
• Avoid walking around after doing a foot massage as you could slip.

We hope this guide helps you pamper your skin with a relaxing oil massage at home. For more such stories, stay tuned!