The practice of using soap and body wash on your skin in your daily shower strips the body of its natural defence mechanism and could be contributing to you catching that next cold or flu that you come in contact with.

The Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga or daily oil massage instead strengthens the bodies immune system by supporting the natural oil layer on our skin – our first level of defence. The oil also cleanses the skin by repelling dirt and drawing out toxins from the skin’s surface.

Instead of lathering up with soap in the shower give your body an Abhyanga oil massage before you get in the shower and then rinse off the excess oil with a washcloth when you are in the shower.

Once a week a make your oil massage a long indulgent affair. During the week when time is of the essence a quick rub down helps to protect your body and helps you to ground you so you think clearer.

• If you shower at night – go from the head down to the toes to help relax your nerves and prepare you for a deep sleep.
• If you shower in the morning – rub from the feet to the head to get you energized for the day.

What kind of oil do you use?

Basically anything from your kitchen.

If its safe to eat – its safe for your skin. The more natural the oil the better. A cold pressed or expeller pressed organic oil is preferred. Remember your skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs the nutrients and toxins directly into the bloodstream.

If you are not willing to eat your soap why would you feed it to your skin?

Quick Tips for Abhyanga Oil Massage

1. Don’t clog the drains. Virgin Coconut Oil in a solid state will be that way in your plumbing so choose another oil to avoid plumbing headaches.

2. Don’t use your fancy wash clothes or towels. Use less expensive dark coloured wash clothes and towels as the oil residue will build up over time and you need to replace these.

3. Relax, don’t rush. You will be slippery! So go slow when you walk.

4. Pay attention to how your body feels and give a little extra TLC to places that are stiff and sore.

Extra Benefit from Essential Oils

While you don’t need to add anything to your oil. You can enhance the benefits of your oil massage with essential oils to invigorate, relax, cleanse and support your bodies natural immunity.

Top picks for essential oils to use:

• Immune Boosting: Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemon, On Guard Protective Blend.

• Muscle Release: Frankincense, Deep Blue Blend, Lavender, Aroma Touch Massage Blend

• Grounding and Focus: Balance Blend, Frankincense, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Clary Sage

• Energizing: Citrus Bliss Blend, Elevation Blend, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Wild Orange

• Calming: AromaTouch Blend, Lavender, Serenity Blend, Sandalwood, Whisper Women’s Blend

• Grounding and Focus: Balance Blend, Frankincense, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Clary Sage

Add between 20 – 30 drops of essential oils to 60 ml of base oil, depending on how strong a scent you prefer. Mix and blend the scents to create your own personal fragrance and support.

Make sure to use a therapeutic grade essential oil to get the most benefit without adding unwanted toxic load to your system with synthetically modified essential oils. If your brand is not safe for internal consumption is likely is processed with chemicals.

Get Started Today

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out what base oils you have in the cupboard and set it out near the shower to remind you to nourish yourself before stepping under the water. It really takes less time than using soap and lotion.

Most of all enjoy the experience of getting in touch with your body daily, supporting your immune system, and calming your nervous system. It’s a small simple habit for overall better health.

Share how amazing your skin feels after you try this in the comments below…

Want to learn more about Ayurveda and these simple daily habits that can help you:

• have better energy throughout the day,
• boost your natural immunity
• age gracefully…

Book a 30 minute consultation to talk about how you feel, what you need and what simple shifts can help you feel better every day.