Self-Massage for Health

By: Yah-elle (Yaya)

According to Ayurveda, Autumn and early-winter are associated with the Vata dosha. Vata is characterized as creative, quick-witted, dry, light, mobile, subtle, and changeable. A Vata imbalance may result in an increase in anxiety, dry skin, brittle hair, and arthritic symptoms. We may find ourselves naturally gravitating to heavier food and sedentary habits, as we seek to ground ourselves into the darker months. Abhyanga, massage with warm herbal oil, may help bring Vata back into balance.

I adore creating my own massage oil blends using sweet almond oil as a base. Almond oil boosts collagen production and is hydrating to the skin without being greasy. As rosemary supports circulation and relieves inflammation, I like to mix in a few drops of rosemary essential oil. For a ¼ cup of almond oil, I would use 3-4 drops of essential oil. Then I warm the oil combination in my oil diffuser, that keeps my blend warm throughout my massage.

Now for the massage technique, I like to start at my ears. The ears are known to be the seat of Vata, and giving them extra attention can help relieve anxiety and headaches. Using a generous amount of oil, I massage the front and back of my ears with slow circular movements. I also gently massage the ear canal. I take as long as I need before moving to the temples. As I regularly reapply the fragrant oil, I move to the scalp. I continue with circular movements but wider, making sure to give plenty attention to the base of my crown.

Abhyanga is a meditative practice so I take my time and regularly check in with my breathing. With my fingers, I gently oil my eyelids with gentle pressure in the direction of the outer corner of my eyes. I circulate around the eye by massaging the lower eyelid in the direction of the inner corner. I rub my cheek bones up and out and revisit areas that I feel need extra attention.

Once I am ready to address my shoulders, I rub them down in the direction of my heart. Depending on the day, I adjust the pressure and knead out knots while luxuriating in more oil. I continue this process with my arms and legs, always motioning to the heart as to support the circulatory system.

As it gets colder, I may incorporate abhyanga following my evening bath time rituals every night, and then target my ears briefly in the morning. In traditional Ayurveda, it is recommended to do abhyanga in the morning before the shower. But whenever it is most comfortable and natural for you should do the trick.

Depending on your intention, you can change up the essential oil and herbal components of your blend. If you want something pre-made, Banyan produces many massage oil options that target different doshas. Their Bhringaraj massage oil has been utilized by many to pacify Vata by soothing the nervous system and moisturizing both hair and skin.

Vata carries a beautiful energy, and autumn brings in an invitation to tie up loose ends and revisit what did and did not work for the previous year. In any season, it is valuable to bring balance to the dominant dosha of that season. Learn more about health for Autumn and Vata season with these blogs: