Choosing massage oils

Choosing massage oils

Massages can be tailored directly to the needs of your body by choosing the correct massage oil. A system of balance dictates the effect of oils on different conditions. For example, pitta is hot and sharp, so the oils chosen to pacify elevated pitta are cooling and soothing.

Dry powder massages

Oil massages are the most common form of massage. However, digesting oil rubbed into the skin requires strong agni, and so when agni is weak (such as when there is ama, fever, or infection), dry or dry powder massages are more appropriate. Dry massages simply use silk gloves rather than oil, whereas dry powder massages use an herbal paste. Dry powder massages are heating, stimulating, and dehydrating, making them beneficial for weak agni and excess kapha.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Oil massages should not be performed if you have ama, fever, acute infection, or anemia. Dry powder massages should not be performed if you have skin irritation or rashes.

MASSAGE FOR ELEVATED VATA

Oil massage is one of the best and most effective treatments for vata. An oil massage with special vata oils or plain sesame oil is heating, reduces dryness, and provides nourishment and grounding. A full body massage followed by a steam treatment is best, but if time is an issue, regular partial oil massages also work very well. If you have a tendency toward vata imbalance, regular oil massage should be part of your routine.

To pacify vata, use these oils:

• plain sesame oil (heating).
• almond oil (warming and soothing).
• olive oil (heating).

MASSAGE FOR ELEVATED PITTA

Oil massages with cooling or soothing oils like coconut or almond oil and special pitta oils pacify pitta. They provide grounding and calm, which counteracts pitta’s lightness and sharpness. Pitta’s highly active intellect gets a well-deserved rest with this full body sensory experience.

To pacify pitta, use these oils:

• coconut oil (cooling).
• almond oil (warming and soothing)

MASSAGE FOR ELEVATED KAPHA

Stimulating massages that use dry powder, silk gloves, or heating oils such as special kapha oils or sesame or mustard oil give lightness and heat, which pacify kapha. They are especially effective if followed by a steam bath or dry heat.

To pacify kapha, use dry powder or one of these oils:

• mustard seed oil (very heating, do not use for the whole body, but just specific parts at a time)
• plain sesame oil (heating).

MASSAGE WHEN AGNI IS WEAK

As it is difficult for the skin to digest oil when agni is weak, one must make careful considerations when performing a massage in these circumstances. Massages using dry powder, silk gloves, or specific oils can help stimulate agni in the skin.

Oils that stimulate agni in the skin are:

• mustard seed oil (very heating, do not use for the whole body, but just specific parts at a time)
• Special, medicated, ayurvedic sesame oils (heating).

Preparing a dry powder massage

Mix together the following ingredients to prepare the powder for a massage.

• 3 cups chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp neem powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp shallaki powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp Amalaki or Triphala powder (optional)
• 2 tbsp finely ground rock salt

“Oil massage slows aging, removes fatigue and body aches, provides sound sleep and body strength, and prolongs life.” SWAMI SIVANANDA

AFTER A MASSAGE

Wipe off as much of the oil as you can with tissues immediately. Then remove the rest with soap or take a shower. Avoid exposure to the cold and wind, and take time to rest.