'How to' guide for massage at home (when you cannot visit your local therapist!)

Today, I am sharing with you the "how to guide for massage at home"- personal experience from the BeautyProphet!  

I have been very fortunate to have been in the "wellness" industry for many years. This afforded me some great advice and convenient connections at some very key points in my personal history. Close to 30 years ago, I visited an Ayurvedic doctor in New York City.  I was a resident at that time and had developed a horrible and persistent rash that no dermatologist or specialist could seem to solve.  So, let’s say I was trying Ayurveda as a LAST RESORT!

To make a long story short, part of my “prescription” was self massage (in addition to changing my diet and consuming some natural herbs). So, although I had been very familiar with professional massage therapists, it was interesting that this Ayurvedic doctor was concerned with my at home routine. I was prescribed to do this each morning when I woke up and before bedtime.  The purpose of the massage was to stimulate my circulatory system.  Although I was a runner, and pretty athletic, I apparently had a very slow moving internal circulation and my “doc” wanted to move the sludge to the point of elimination.  I did not understand this fully at the time, but 30 years later, I do.  Sorry for being so graphic! I learned a way to "self" massage that provides benefits every day in the convenience of my home.

So, what is self massage? Very simply, you are using your own inertia when you do not have the benefit of anther to do it for you.  (Hello Corona Virus!)

A side note, before you start:  after a year long problem of this rash (that left scars) – in one week of no coffee and self-massage + herbs, I was cured.  To this day, I practice self massage daily.  It also helps you wind down after a long day!

1. Start with your arms:  with a nice, natural massage oil, massage arms from top down on the outside and then up from the hands to the armpits, on the inside.  Focus extra time massaging the wrists, palms and the inside of the elbows, as you are moving up or down.
2. Tummy and back:  Circular motion on tummy, for as long as it feels comfortable. Massage down on the back as far as you can reach, down to the buttocks.
3. Legs:  Again, down on the outside of the leg.  Up on the inside of the leg, spending extra time to use circular motion at the inside of the knee.  Of course, you can spend some extra time on feet as you reach that point – they need extra care too, as this is how your body stands erect.  Healthy feet = healthy body!

With Ayurveda, there are seasonal preferences for massage oil but as a beginner, just start with what you have or can obtain.  I actually used organic oils from the health food store when I began this practice because there was not much available commercially. The disadvantage of that is that they turn rancid on your skin as the day passes and your friends may notice a strange odor.

Here's a roundup of my favorite products for massage at-home:

Tropical Nuts Melting Body Balm from Cinq Mondes

This ultra-nourishing, luscious balm with its creamy texture will make you melt! Loved by professional massage therapists, its packed with natural Tamanu, Coconut and Kemiri Nut oils.  It has very unique texture, starting off solid and then melting into your warm skin, imparting a clean, intoxicating aroma.

Sumptuous Dry Body Oil from Cinq Mondes

This is a dry oil, meaning lighter-weight and quick-absorbing, but still extremely effective for massage. Containing a high-quality, balanced blend of Argan, Sesame, and Olive oils to deeply nourish the skin, leaving behind a delicate, but intoxicating aroma of Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Cedarwood.  Great choice during the summer after excess sun or for dry skin.

Wood Rejuvenation Body Oil from Elemental Herbology

Based on the five elements of Chinese Medicine, the wood element rules spring, a time of awakening and new growth.  This oil contains an herbal blend of Ho Leaf, Rosemary, & Nutmeg essential oils that relieve and warm tight muscles, improve circulation to invigorate a tired body and stimulate the mind. Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Peach Kernal oils provide a smooth, luxurious massage base while hydrating the skin.