{"id":143,"date":"2021-11-20T07:40:40","date_gmt":"2021-11-20T07:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awisethought.com\/omkar\/blog\/?p=143"},"modified":"2022-02-08T10:09:03","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T10:09:03","slug":"abhyanga-balances-stress-in-the-age-of-vata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.omkarayurveda.com\/blog\/abhyanga-balances-stress-in-the-age-of-vata\/","title":{"rendered":"Abhyanga Balances Stress in the \u2018Age of Vata\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Abhyanga<\/u>: <\/strong>Therapeutic herbal oil massage which is deeply calming and relaxing to the senses, and leaves the skin silky smooth. In Sanskrit, it is translated to mean \u2018glow on limbs.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In each of the previous \u2018Into Balance\u2019 writings, I\u2019ve mentioned the importance of \u2018opposite qualities\u2019 in the practice of Ayurveda. Whether in our diet\u2014 for maintaining proper digestion<\/u><\/a> of equilibrium according to our body type, or in various areas of our lifestyles\u2014 like physical exercise<\/u>. This all comes back to one big question…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why does Ayurveda suggest implementing these opposite qualities into our lives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The answer is to balance out our mind and body elements that can become unbalanced due to certain ways in which we are living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today I want to share with you a little more information about an easy practice you can do to introduce this concept of \u2018opposites\u2019 into your routine. I also offer this stress-reduction practice at Omkar<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learning More About \u2018Abhyanga,\u2019 or Oil Massage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Abhyanga<\/a> is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and one of Ayurveda\u2019s recommended daily routines, or \u201cDinacharya<\/em>,\u2019 as skin is our largest and most accessible organ. The oil that is used as the main medium in these therapies is very beneficial to one condition in particular that many of us face in today\u2019s age of busy schedules, and the stress that accompanies them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abhyanga pacifies Vata, and we are living in the age of Vata<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand this a little more\u2014 Vata Dosha influences our sense of touch, as it is represented by Air and Space elements. Vata is continually in a state of fluctuation with our daily hectic lifestyle, and therefore is subject to becoming imbalanced quite easily. It is the most \u2018delicate\u2019 of the doshas in other words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequences of increased Vata include…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep issues, digestive issues like constipation, bloating, dryness of the skin.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And on a mind level…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus issues like trouble staying on the subject for long (monkey mind!)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Vata is characterized by its dry, cold, rough, light, and mobile<\/strong> qualities, it is pacified by the opposite qualities of oil\u2014 which are warm, heavy, lubricating, grounding, and smooth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Specific Benefits Does this Provide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Regularly applying oil to the skin strongly affects our psychosomatic well-being\u2014 reducing physical and mental stress by pacifying Vata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Tonifies skin and muscles of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Nourishing to the skin and body, and hence rejuvenating<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Sleep inducing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some Technique Hints for Abhyanga<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choose the Oil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is practically challenging to do daily self-massage, but doing it 2-3 times a week has the desired effects. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll want to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sesame oil is recommended, although those who run hot may prefer coconut oil. Mustard oil is preferred by people of the Kapha constitution because of its heating quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm the Oil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Even though oil is warm by nature, warming it further enhances its benefits. The best way to do this is by warming a jar of oil in a hot water bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Do the Massage<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Start by massaging warm oil on the soles of the feet. Start with vigorous strokes and slow down to gentle massage. This creates a passage for Vata to move through and then pacifies it with gentle strokes. Massage in the direction of hair growth on arms and legs \u2013 going straight down. On the abdomen apply oil in a circular motion in a clockwise direction. Massage can be done in 10-15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wondering if you could benefit from a professional Abhyanga session? <\/strong>Ask Nina if this is for you!<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some May Want to Be Cautious About Abhyanga\u2019s Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n