Here are some very simply yet powerful methods to stay invigorated and refreshed to get the morning going for us.
Many of us wake up stiff, tired, forlorn, discouraged, bored and we do not want to face the day for many reasons. However, developing good rituals help us to get ready for the day and to have some energy on reserve to face what we all must.
In a blog or so ago--I spoke of taking warm water to open the shrotiyas or the subtle digestion channels within the body.
Today, I wanted to write about the process known as Abhyanga---a very ancient, simple and powerful method for several reasons:
1. One it wakes us up !!
2. It calms and soothes us while stimulating our muscles, circulation. gums-brain-- and lymphatics. It lessens morning stiffness and fatigue.
3. When practiced regularly,-- it can help us eliminate unwanted toxins into the colon and bladder for elimination. The substance known as Ama accumulates in our lymph, circulation, and muscles and so the maneuvers mentioned below will help to eliminate this ama that causes stiffness and fatigue.
Ingredients:
Take some sesame oil, almond oil, and some eucalyptus oil (if it is winter-time)--a little eucalyptus oil goes a long way---In the beginning do not use eucalyptus oil---it may be too overwhelming a feeling.
Also, keep some chick pea flour on hand--powdered for later use---after practicing the method below
Mix two parts sesame and one part almond oil.--and gently warm the oil---in a saucepan---until it is nicely warm but not hot.
Pour a little into both hands and vigourously and rapidly with some pressure---begin to rub the head/scalp and hair back and forth---in a forward to backward movement until the whole head is treated. ---Do this for 4 to five minutes---Use plenty of oil! Don't worry!---because you will shower afterward or leave the oil in after rinsing and towel drying off the excess oil.---depending on how dry your hair is. Be sure to focus on the top of the head, the temples, the back of the ears and the forehead.
Then in a rapid firm, vigorous, circular motion do your face from top to bottom for a few minutes--especially under the eyes and around the jaws--where much tension is held particular for teeth grinders. Take some oil and massage the gums as well---it is actually better if you do this before you brush your teeth. And then with your finger tips use a sweeping motion to move your skin toward the center of your face from top to bottom. The idea is to move the lymphatic fluids to the center of the body to the center of the body--to help eliminate accumulated waste.
Next do the same for your neck, trunk abdomen--- back (where you can reach), hips, gluteal region and upper, middle and lower legs: Again, go in circular motion and then end each section by sweeping the finger tips towards the center of the body --after doing vigorous rubbing in circular motion of each part. Do not be shy and include the genital region--however, obviously the purpose is "different" in this exercise. You can even lie down over a towel and do a circular clockwise motion around your abdomen, imagining a clock---with the navel at its center.---Start at 12 o clock and do circular rubs clockwise at the very outer abdomen, finish one round and the do a middle area and then an inner circle around the navel. Then again in a clockwise motion with your finger tips, do a deeper sweeping motion from outer towards the navel as you rub clockwise. This greatly aids in moving the lymphatics and colon---Regular bowel movements ensue--and elimination of accumulated waste makes us feel lighter and fresher if practiced regularly.
Make sure you do the feet as well and use pressing motions as well as circular motions for the feet.
When you feel comfortable--add some eucalyptus oil, menthol oil or spearmint oil--you feel of course heat and burning --and this is very good for the winter time.
Also --after going through the oil--you can add some chick pea flour, oil and water and rub the entire body in this manner----don't worry--it all rinses off well---Chick pea flour absorbs pollutants in the skin and helps bring waste products to the surface for elimination. Make sure the chick pea flour is well pulverized or it will feel too rough.
The whole process should take no more than 10 minutes to 15 minutes. If you do not have time--then focus mainly on the head. The massage will also stimulate the brain and get you ready for the day.
If you have a partner---each can greatly benefit and intimacy can greatly deepen when done for the other.
Be sure to take a good warm/hot shower--and avoid soaps that are too drying. Some people simply rinse off --and then use soap the next day--as the oil is already quite cleansing.
Only practice will show the results----one will feel the difference that will help us get through those challenging and tension filled days.
Dr. Rama
Dallas Texas
http://www.drrama.com/
Remember: no diagnosis or treatment is being rendered on this blog. These are suggestions based in Ayurvedic Medicine from the East, part of Dr. Rama's interest and education. Always consult a licensed physician for complete and further medical interventions in person. ---
No comments:
Post a Comment