Ayurvedic massage, known as Abhyangha, has been practiced since ancient times, and has been credited with advancing the body’s inner intelligence to attain balance and harmony. Our Ayurvedic body oils, traditionally prepared using a blend of specified herbs, are carefully formulated to specific body types and environmental conditions. For you these oils can correct imbalances and support overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Oils
The skin is the body’s largest organ and needs constant care. The many delicate layers of skin provide essential protection for inner muscles and organs. Ayurveda has extensively used oils to lubricate and moisturize the skin. Ayurvedic body oils are traditionally prepared by using a blend of specific herbs, water, and oil. ruved pays special attention to the preparation process, using only organic and cold-pressed oils for all-oil preparations, thereby, preserving the value of the herbs. Oils get applied in much smaller quantities than lotion. Applied oils easily penetrate the skin, often times taking herbal molecules with it. The energetic qualities of oils also provide skin care and help balance the body. For example, coconut oil is cooling when applied and therefore would be excellent on a hot day, whereas mustard oil produces a warming sensation which may aggravate the body when it is hot outside.
Ayurveda prescribes body massage (Abhyangha) for maintaining the health of skin. Many benefits are outlined in the traditional scripture of Ayurveda. Abhyangha brings the doshas back into balance, enhances complexion and luster of the skin, tones muscles, and moisturizes the skin. Other benefits include: increased circulation, reduced stress, improved joint mobility, increased mental clarity, enhanced elimination from the body, increased stamina, and sleep promotion.
Abhyangha purifies and nourishes at a deeper level which allows the body to achieve balance through the body’s innate intelligence to restore health. Abhyangha’s are specific to body types and conditions. For example, oil massages are soothing and rejuvenating to the vata type with a sesame oil base. The pitta body type benefits from moderately deep touch with a coconut oil base, and the kapha type appreciates deep-tissue massage with a base of mustard and olive oils.
Traditionally, the massage is done daily, before a shower in the morning with warm oil that is suitable according to the individual’s predominant dosha. By doing this before the shower, one stimulates healthy circulation, lymph drainage, and allows for the pores to be opened and cleansed once in the shower. One begins the massage at the feet and works his/her way up the legs in long strokes, while going in circular motions around joints (ankles, knees, hips), then to the hands and up the arms to the shoulders. From there, the buttocks and then the stomach is massaged in a circular, clockwise motion. The upper chest and breasts are massage in a circular outward motion, allowing for the internal fluid/lymphatics to flow in the direction of drainage. Vertical strokes should be made over the breastbone and solar plexus. The back is massaged with long upward strokes as well. The neck and face should be massaged with long strokes. The starting point for the face should be at the base of the chin and one should work upwards and to the sides finishing at the center of the forehead with both hands. The cheeks, mouth, and eyes are massaged in a circular motion. Each stroke and circular motion should be done 3-5 times.
Baby Massage Oil
ruved’s Baby Massage Oil blends Bacopa monnieri (bacopa), Centella asiatica (gotu kola), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), and Sandalwood oil in a base of almond oil. Massaging infants may improve the baby’s neurological development, strengthen the immune system, and promote healthy sleep. In addition, babies who are massaged show increased sensory awareness and improved circulation. Parents and other caregivers have often found that common distresses such as teething, fussiness, chest and sinus discomfort, and even emotional stress can be soothed and eased away during infant massage. To use Baby Massage Oil, apply lukewarm oil all over your child’s body and gently work it into the skin. Baby Massage Oil may be applied at night and left on the skin while your baby sleeps then washed off in a morning bath.
ProVata Massage Oil™
ProVata Massage Oil™ is specially formulated to relax the nervous system through massage, while supplying the skin with hydration. ProVata Massage Oil™ combines cinnamon oil, ginger oil, almond oil, and cardamom oil in a base of sesame oil. ProVata Massage Oil™ is best used daily after showering. It should be applied liberally over the entire body, massaging it in before gently towel drying.
ProPita Massage Oil™
ProPita Massage Oil™ provides an excellent therapeutic foundation for reestablishing pitta balance. The blend of sandalwood oil, neem oil, Eclipta alba oil, and lemongrass oil in a base of coconut and sesame oil keeps the skin silky and smooth and helps to soothe the mind and body. ProPita Massage Oil™ is most effective when used daily after showering. Massage the oil gently into the skin, concentrating on the forehead, scalp and feet. Remove any excess with a towel. ProPita Massage Oil™ can also be used to promote a sense of well-being through massage. A small amount massaged into the temples or forehead can help to restore feelings of calm and harmony.
ProKapha Massage Oil™
ProKapha Massage Oil™ combines ginger oil, flaxseed oil, eucalyptus oil, and guggal extract in a base of sesame oil. This blend is designed especially to balance kapha. Used daily, ProKapha Massage Oil™ restores vital warmth and energy to the body. Apply ProKapha Massage Oil™ liberally over the entire body after showering and gently towel-dry.
Ancient Narayan Massage Oil™
Ancient Narayan Massage Oil™ brings together over twenty important Ayurvedic herbs blended in a sesame oil base according to a time-tested recipe. This ancient herbal formula produces a revitalizing and nourishing massage oil. Ancient Narayan Massage Oil™ is especially effective to relieve vata imbalance, which can cause dry skin, joint discomfort, and muscle soreness. Used daily, Ancient Narayan Massage Oil™ helps to soothe tired muscles and joints through massage.
Breast Massage Oil
The potent herbs in Breast Massage Oil are valuable ingredients which help to cleanse sensitive breast tissue. The breasts are the body’s largest lymph glands. To function correctly, lymph glands need regular drainage and detoxification. Breast Massage Oil should be applied regularly to the breasts and gently massaged into the skin in circular motions, moving toward the armpits. For best results, apply the oil every night before bedtime and let it work to cleanse and soothe overnight.