According to Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine of India, massaging your body with warm, pure oils promotes detoxification and stimulates circulation in the lymphatic system, a key component of the immune system. It also calms the nervous system to support health and healing. And it moisturizes the skin.

If you’d like to try self-massage, here’s how. Stand on a towel in your bathroom with warmed, organic, cold-pressed sesame oil in a saucer or small bowl. Wash your hands well, then dip clean fingers into the oil. Using circular strokes, begin with your face and neck. [If you don’t want to put oil on your face, you can use your dry fingertips instead.] Apply oil to your palms as needed, and work your way down one shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand, using long, up-and-down strokes along your limbs and circular strokes on joints. Repeat on the other side. Massage your chest and back, and then gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction. Rub your hips in a circular motion, and massage one leg at a time, using long strokes on your leg bones and circular strokes on the joints. Sit down on the towel to massage your toes and the bottoms of your feet.

If you have time, relax and let the oil soak in for 10 minutes. Wipe the bottoms of your feet so you don’t slip, then wash off with soap in the shower. ~ adapted from Shannon Sexton, Yoga Journal

Massage can be a powerful support of wellness by reducing your stress response and stimulating your lymphatic system. (see lymphatic drainage massage) Our highly skilled therapists at Massage Therapy Center Palo Alto look forward to giving you expert oil massage sessions soon, to help you keep more relaxed and stay healthy!