These two Ayurvedic techniques are lovely to do as part of the Seasonal Reset Retreat with Esther Ekhart and Laia Bové.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga refers to ‘self-massage’, and is the traditional Ayurvedic self-care practice of massaging the body with warm oil. The practice helps deeply moisturise skin, improve muscle health, boost blood and lymph circulation, and also calms the nervous system. Enjoy this self-care practice in a peaceful and quiet space.
What you’ll need
- For dry skin: 2 tbsp sesame oil
- For sensitive or inflamed skin: 2 tbsp coconut oil
- For smooth and oily skin: 2 tbsp almond oil
- Towels
- A bowl of warm water or an oil burner to warm the oil
Method
- Prepare a calm, quiet and warm space in your home.
- Place a towel on the floor, and keep an extra towel close by to wipe your hands on.
- Warm up 2 tbsp of your oil, either by using an oil burner, or by standing a cup containing the oil in a bowl of warm water.
- Choose which area of your body you’d like to massage, then remove clothing.
- Take a little oil into your hands, and begin to slowly yet firmly massage your body, using long strokes on your limbs, and circular strokes on your stomach, chest and head.
- Aim to spend 10 to 20 minutes with this practice, letting the oil gently soak in.
- When you’re finished, you can either leave the oil on your body, or wash away any residue in the shower or bath, being very careful not to slip if you have oily feet!
- Use up any remaining oil the next day on another part of your body.
Nasya
In Autumn and Winter, the air can become dry, and when we turn on the central heating, our bodies are exposed to extra amounts of dry air, which can cause dry skin and dry nasal passages. Dry nasal passages can be a problem, because the mucus membranes lining the inside of the nose are designed to ‘catch’ bacteria, debris and pathogens, and prevent them from getting into the body. In this way, the nose acts as the first line of defence for the immune system. Nasya is the simple practice of oiling the nasal passages, to help replenish the warm and moist environment that helps catch pathogens and care for our immune health.
What you’ll need
- A small amount of sesame oil
- Cotton buds – optional
Method
- Dab either a cotton bud or your little finger into a small amount of sesame oil
- Gently rub the oil around the inside of the nostrils
- Wash your hands or dispose of the cotton bud
- Practice this daily throughout Winter to provide more warmth and moisture when the air is particularly cold and dry
Related reads:
- An introduction to Marma points – a 3-step self-massage you can do every day.
- Dinacharya – Ayurvedic morning self-care routine
Main image courtesy of Chelsea Shapouri on Unsplash
