Ayurvedic Oil Massage (Abyhanga) for Busy People

In Ayurveda we love the benefits of a good daily oil massage. *all cheer!*

Now, raise your hands if you are thinking, "Yeah awesome for the people who who have time for luxury but pssshhht, there's no WAY I can do that in the morning! I'm so busy — I can't even remember to bring my lunch much less do a massage before work!"

Um. Perfect! That's why we are talking about oil massage, or abyhanga, for all you folks that are super busy. Because that's you—and that's me! In my busy world with a full time job and full time life, I still do it and I'll tell you how.

YOU'LL NEED

• Sesame or Vata oil (for vata)
• Coconut or Almond, or Pitta oil
• Sunflower oil or kapha oil
{Psssst...if not from Banyan, you can get these oils from any grocery store in the oil section! Get the organic cold/expeller pressed kind.}
• 1 small plastic squeezy bottle. Like a travel size shampoo bottle or a mini ketchup bottle with a tiny cap
• 1 dark colored towel you don't care about

HERE WE GO

1. Put your oil in the squeezy bottle and bring into the bathroom

2. Stand on the towel you don't care about.

3. Apply the oil from toe to head. We want absorption, not an oil slick. Should take 3-5 minutes. Start with your feet and legs. Use long strokes on the bones with some pressure up toward the heart, then go back down with less pressure, then back UP toward the heart. Clockwise circles around the joints. Clockwise circles around the belly and belly button with some pressure. Don't forget your booty. Get your back the best you can, upward toward the shoulders. Long strokes on arms up and toward the heart/shoulders. Get hands starting from the base and Clockwise again around joints. Upwards on the neck. And don't forget your face.

5. Step into a nice warm (not scalding*) shower. Wash your hair (optional), pits, bits, and feet. Don't scrub anything.

6. Get out and DAB yourself off. The oil will be absorbed into your skin, leaving it super soft!

7. Finish getting ready with your busy self :)

Your bod will feel really smooth, warm, and you'll be calm in the mind! It will set the tone for your whole day, I promise! Even if you are super busy, you will really benefit from this simple practice as it tells our entire being that we CARE enough to nourish it, daily. 

*Scalding water is very drying to the skin.

Try it for a week and I bet you'll LOVE it! Let me know how it goes. Keep bringing Ayurveda to life!

xo!
Monica B.