Winter Daily Self-Massage Ritual for Health

Melt away winter stress, ground your body and mind, soothe dry skin, reverse the effects of aging

• Improve lymph and blood circulation

• Calm the nervous system

• Ease tension in muscles and lubricates the joints

• Nourish the skin and diminish wrinkles

• Strengthen the organs and digestion

This can be done immediately before a shower, or for extra benefits and pampering, allow the oil to soak in for 5-15 minutes before washing it off.  As you first get started and for daily practice, you might focus on just one smaller area of your body, for example, your head, neck and shoulders.  If you have more time, expand the benefits to your entire body. 

For the winter use sesame oil, or to maximally counteract the cooling, drying effects of winter, use Vata Massage Oil by Banyan Botanicals (get it 20% off HERE) 

• Transfer a smaller amount of the oil (~1/4 cup) into a sealable bottle or jar and warm it by placing it in very warm water for 5-10 minutes (test oil before using to be sure it's not too hot!)

• Dip your fingers in the oil or pour a small amount into your hand

• For a full body massage, start at the crown of your head.  Massage in with your fingertips in circles and spread the oil in your scalp and hair from the roots to the tips.  

• Massage your face, jaw, ears/earlobes, neck and shoulders. 

• Continue through the rest of your body from top to bottom, using round strokes along joints, and straight strokes along with limbs, paying special attention to your feet.  Always massaging in the direction of your heart helps with circulation and lymphatic drainage. 

• Don't forget your organs! Massage your abdomen following the path of your large intestine in a clockwise circle (up on the right, across, and down on the left).

Who doesn't love a good massage?  This releases all kinds of feel-good hormones, clears out toxins, and feels great.  So wonderful.  You can do some version of it daily... and it's free!  Let me know what you think!