Instructions for self-massage

For yogis and connoisseurs

From our Ayurveda expert Petra Wolfinger

Self-massage

Grounds, pampers, softens and nourishes all tissues (dhatus); classically described in the morning routine (Dinacarya) in combination with yoga. Helps you to better understand your own body and to feel where tension accumulates instead of relaxation.

Preparation

  • Heat the oil in a water bath (the easiest way is to place the bottle in a water bath for approx. 5-10 minutes)

In the meantime:

  • Create a warm, quiet place for yourself; lay out old towels that may become oily on the floor. (The oil stains a little and smells of Indian herbs - so be prepared for a separate washing machine).
  • If necessary, run a bath to achieve a "Svedana effect" after the massage similar to the sitting sauna (the pores open and bathing reduces Vata)

Follow-up treatment

  • If the hair is also oily: Please ensure that the shampoo is applied to the hair first before running the water over it, otherwise it is very difficult to wash out the oil.
  • Please note: If possible, do not leave the house in cold temperatures with an oiled head! Danger of catching a cold! All srotas are open!
  • Relax - perhaps in silence... (you sleep wonderfully afterwards!!)

Short procedure

  1. Sit down in your prepared seat.

  2. Oil your head carefully and slowly, the easiest way to do this is to fill the hollow of your hand with a little oil and lean your head forward into your hand and nestle it in, slowly raise your head up again and oil your head in circles, repeat if necessary.

  3. Lie on your back with your legs up and your bowl with approx. 25 ml of oil within reach.

  4. Start with 12 circles around the navel.

  5. Consciously stroke clockwise around your stomach, slowly 12 times.

  6. Now take your chest into the healing 8 and reconnect it with your abdomen.

  7. Now stroke your left shoulder carefully, circle and stroke your left arm up to your fingertips 3, 5 or 7 times.

  8. Now your left hand is oily and you can rub your right shoulder, arm and spread it out as you did on the left.

  9. Turn onto your left side, work on your Vatastana, first bony, then feel how warmth develops, slowly increase the circles; and circle your right hip and also your bottom, thigh, pull your right knee closer to you so that you can also reach your lower leg and foot.

  10. Turn to the right side and proceed as before on the other side and everything else that calls you.

  11. Calm down, feel.

Note: If you have a little too much oil or a constitution with a little Kapha, you can make a short peeling with a chickpea flour mixture, grated mustard seeds and cinnamon (also possible in the shower).