Choosing a massage: a simple guide
Abhyanga, deep tissue or hot stone? It depends on what you want to feel afterwards.
Why abhyanga uses warm sesame oil
A short guide to the oil massage of Kerala and how to do it at home.
Abhyanga is the daily oil massage of Ayurvedic tradition. In Kerala homes, many families still massage children with warm oil before a bath. In the spa we follow the same idea, with long strokes along the limbs and circles over the joints.
We use cold-pressed sesame oil as the base, because it spreads well and warms the skin. Our blend adds bala, ashwagandha and a little camphor. In summer we lighten it with coconut oil, which feels cooler.
You can do a simple version at home once or twice a week. Warm two tablespoons of oil by standing the bottle in hot water. Start at the scalp and work down, using long strokes on the arms and legs and circles on the shoulders, knees and ankles. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then bathe with warm water and green gram powder instead of soap.
This is a description of a traditional practice, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, check with your doctor first.
