Over the past several years, I have been practicing an Ayurvedic massage technique called Abhyanga. At times, it has been a daily ritual for me, but I normally have a tendency to practice once per week. I love it because I thoroughly enjoy the practice itself, plus it seems to make me feel more nourished and refreshed afterward.
Ayurveda, an ancient holistic health science, highly recommends Abhyanga, or self-massage, as a key practice for everyone. This is because Abhyanga is thought to offer a wealth of benefits that are thought to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit without any side effects.
I use about an ounce of oil per Ayurvedic massage session. Right now, I have our Kukui Nut oil going. I have also used our resin-infused olive oil blended to 10% specifically for Abhyanga self-massage with 30% each of RoseHip, Kukui Nut, and Meadowfoam oils.
Here's how to make my 8 oz abhyanga massage blend:
- 24ml of Resin-Infused Olive Oil
- 72ml (2oz plus 12 ml) each of Rosehip, Kukui Nut, and Meadowfoam Seed oils
(Optional: I like to add about 5ml of essential oils (that's about 2% of the blend). I prefer frankincense and myrrh. Sometimes I add Hawaiian Sandalwood, Rose, Agarwood, or Neroli). If you'd like me to make this for you, use the chat at the lower right-hand corner of our website. Let me know if you want essential oils in your blend. I can even help you select oils to use.
When you indulge in Abhyanga, you're not just massaging your body and nourishing your skin with natural, therapeutic oils; you're also engaging in a practice to quiet your mind. It's like receiving a loving embrace from nature, helping to detoxify your system, stimulate circulation, and promote relaxation.
Quality is key when it comes to the oils used for Abhyanga. Always opt for high-quality, virgin, unrefined, organic oils. A few drops of essential oil can also be added for an extra boost of healing properties.
And remember, the practice of Abhyanga is not just a massage; it's a ritual. Take the time to appreciate each
stroke, noticing how it feels. Getting in touch with your feeling sense is one of the best ways to gain wisdom and self-awareness. It's a beautiful way to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Home Practice of Ayurvedic Massage
Bringing Abhyanga into your daily routine at home is easier than you might think. You can use one or any combination of our carrier oils, which are packed with nourishing and healing properties. Even better, why not make your own blend of carrier oils, tailored specifically to you?
Don't know which oil or oil blend to use. Tell me a little bit about your experience in your body, and I will recommend one for you. Just start a chat at the bottom right of any page on miraclebotanicals.com. Ask for me, Hope Johnson, and I'll help you out.
To elevate your Abhyanga practice, consider enhancing your chosen carrier oil with essential oils. These potent botanical extracts not only heighten the sensory experience but also offer a myriad of therapeutic benefits.
Creating Your Personalized Ayurvedic Massage Oil Blend
Crafting your own blend of carrier oils and essential oils allows you to create a formula that is uniquely suited to your skin's needs. It's easier than you think! Here's how:
1. 
Choose your carrier oil: Our Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil, Arnica Oil, Castor Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, or Tamanu Oil are great options, each offering its own healing properties. Use one or mix a few to create your base. You can even add a small amount of Rose Hip Seed Oil or Pomegranate Seed Oil to compliment the blend.
2. Select your essential oils: Essential oils are potent botanical extracts that provide a range of therapeutic benefits. You may want to choose Lavender for its association with calming the mind, Peppermint for its invigorating essence, or Frankincense or Buddha Wood essential oil for grounding. There are many different essential oils to choose from.
You can even use one of my signature blends, like Faery Woods (a customer favorite), or Integrity (a blend I made for times of intense challenge, like lava running over your house and town), or Malu for soothing and inviting a sense of serenity.
3. Measure and mix: For a 1-3% dilution, add 6 to 18 drops of essential oil to each 1 ounce/30ml of carrier oil. This ratio ensures that the essential oils are effective without being overwhelming.
To mix, pour your carrier oil into a dark glass bottle, add your chosen essential oils, and close the cap. Then turn the bottle upside down and top side up about 5 times, and twirl gently for at least a minute to combine. Voila! Your personalized oil blend is ready to use!
How to Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage)
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic massage technique that you can do at home. In fact, it's recommended that everyone do this daily. This practice is not only considered nourishing to the skin, but it's also said to calm the nerves and rejuvenate the body. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Warm your oil: Warm up your oil blend in a small container placed in a bowl of hot water. The oil should be comfortably warm to the touch.
2. Start at the extremities: Begin at your feet, applying oil generously and massaging it into your skin with love and care. Work your way up your body, moving next to your legs, then your abdomen, chest, arms, and finally your head.
3. Use long strokes on limbs and circular strokes on joints: The goal is to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow, promoting detoxification and rejuvenation.
4. Let the oil soak in: Once you've massaged your entire body, allow the oil to soak into your skin for 15-20 minutes. You can use this time to relax, meditate, or practice gentle, naked yoga.
Remember, Abhyanga is a practice of self-love and care. As you perform this ritual, imagine you are infusing your body with health and vitality. Your skin will glow, your mind will be put at ease, and in turn, everyone around you will be more at ease.
Your Role in Your Healing Journey
There's an ancient adage that resonates with our philosophy here at Miracle Botanicals "Patient, heal thyself." This saying speaks to the inherent power each of us holds within ourselves to foster healing and wellness in our experience.
It's not just about addressing symptoms or ailments, but nurturing a holistic sense of well-being that addresses the root of all perceived problems...mental self-attacks.
I've always been aligned with this concept. The idea that we, as individuals, hold the keys to our own vitality is both empowering and inspiring. For me, it's a call to action, urging me to take a look at how my thinking makes my experience.
The saying, "Patient, heal thyself," has been a reminder of my responsibility in my own wellness journey. It's about making a choice between thoughts that promote health and balance and thoughts that lead to sickness and disease. It's about observing my body sense, understanding the difference between the voice of my inner healer and my inner critic, and it’s about willingness to follow guidance on what steps to take and medicines and remedies to use.
All medicines and remedies are like magical potions, bringing us the results we want to see. However, we’re mostly unaware of what we want to see because most of our wanting is mostly done in secret, occurring below the level of perception.
The body cannot really heal because it cannot be unhealed. As a mental projection, the body merely follows what the mind orders it to do.
Your body reflects a mind that’s in a continuous process of healing, and we're here to support you every step of the way!
If the goal of healing is resolving our loveless thoughts, that’s where essential oils’ helpfulness goes well beyond their indications for symptom relief.
Essential oils reflect a part of our mind that perceives us without the possibility of sickness or aging of any kind. Not only are they useful for making magic in terms of physical healing, but more importantly, they encourage the secret part of our mind to release thoughts that bring on sick manifestations.
Featured Self-Care Products
We're excited to spotlight our Rejuvenating Face and Body Butter. Hannah just made a fresh batch while I was traveling in India. This all-natural formula is for making your skin appear and feel deeply hydrating and nourished and to instill a feeling of a revitalized and radiantly healthy body and mind.
Our Skin Rejuvenation Formula and the Eternal Beauty Skin Serum are amazing for your skincare routine. Each product is expertly crafted by me to promote deep nourishment and a beautiful, healthy glow.
Experience relief from pain with our Advanced Pain and Nerve Formula, a potent blend designed to not only relieve immediate pain and discomfort but also to help the patient recognize and get released from the underlying cause of pain.
Our selection of hydrosols, including soothing Lavender (we just got a fresh batch made by Riand right here on our Island), romantic Rose, invigorating Rosemary, calming Helichrysum, Hawaiian Sandalwood.
We also still. have some of the sacred Hawaiian Ulu Fern and Hawaiian Turmeric (both are made by Riand). All of our hydrosols offer a moment of relaxation and self-care that you truly deserve.
For those seeking a natural detox, our Smoke Detox Blend is the perfect solution. You don’t have to stop smoking to use this blend. It’s also useful for smoke inhalation due to fires.
And let's not forget our Chakra Line of Essential Oils, meticulously crafted by me to balance and restore the energy centers that affect how we perceive the body.
