A Four Part Series - Part Two

Self-massage is a feature of Ayurveda 

In Ayurveda, self-massage is called Abhyanga and is considered an important habit to integrate regularly into our lives to help us heal and maintain healthy functioning, to strengthen all bodily systems and tissues. Abhyanga is well understood to promote musculoskeletal and nervous system health, improve circulation and lymph drainage, enhance the health of skin, hair and even reduces stress and anxiety. It is still practised today in Ayurveda, after thousands of years of verified experience, to promote graceful aging and overall health and well being. This practice of massaging our own body is very relaxing and calming for the mind and body and optimises the Prana or vital force. It involves using high quality cold-pressed plant oils that are often combined with specific essential oils. Gently warm the massage oil by placing the bottle in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes can warm the oil.) It is recommended to spend at least 15 minutes on self-massage, devoting love and attention to each of the tissue layers as we nourish them with warm, scented massage oil.

The oil is massaged into the skin using long strokes, following the direction of hair growth. We can pay special attention to joints and marma points that are energy hubs like acupressure and meridian points. This includes the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and the scalp. After massaging, we shower off the excess oil that has not been absorbed. Repeat the process daily for optimal benefits. 

TCM and self-massage are complementary

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and self-massage complement each other beautifully. TCM views the body as an intricate network of energy pathways (meridians) and acupoints, which can be stimulated to restore balance and promote health. This enhances the flow of Qi (life energy) and supporting overall well-being. We can refer to the many illustrated maps of these energy lines in books or online.

We can use the fingers or thumbs to apply gentle pressure to specific acupoints along the meridians. For example, the "Zusanli" point (Stomach 36) on the lower leg can be massaged to boost energy and digestion. We can massage along the paths of the meridians, using long strokes or circular motions to stimulate the flow of Qi. For example, we can massage the Liver meridian on the inner thigh to support liver function and emotional balance. Another easy example for self-massage is acupoints: PC6 “Neiguan” that is located on the inner forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons. Rubbing this area relieves nausea, motion sickness, and anxiety. It's also beneficial for relieving chest congestion and discomfort. Try pressing and rubbing on “Yintang” (Hall of Impression), this is located between the eyebrows, at the midpoint of the forehead - the third eye point. It will help relieve stress, headaches and promotes relaxation. These are but a few of the many points we can perform self-massage to exact simple remedial outcomes.

It can also be helpful to incorporate TCM-inspired tools like jade rollers, gua sha or acupressure balls into our self-massage routine to enhance the effects. Besides rolling, pressing and stroking, sometimes it is helpful to be more persuasive and firmly and rhythmically slap or even thump gently, this is effective on the legs, arms and hips. 

Reflexology Foot and Hand massage

Reflexology is based on the ancient knowledge that our hands and feet are precise mirrors to the rest of our body’s parts, organs and systems and that they provide a map of specific points (or reflexes) to access and treat the entire body.  We massage these points on the feet and hands (bottom, sides, and top) and apply prolonged pressure on areas where we need to focus for healing. Massaging the feet and hands works like a stress reducer in the nervous system relaxing the entire body. It provides stimulus to pressure sensors prompting a reflexive response as the body automatically and unconsciously resets its stress mechanism. Apart from a general relaxation response and a specific reflex effect, hand and foot massage greatly improves the flexibility and functionality of these distal parts that are overworked yet seldom looked after. Most of us can reach our feet to massage and massage one hand with the other; it is all very doable.

Reflexology is founded on the theory that the body is split into 10 equal zones which dissect the body vertically. These zones are reflected on the feet, each foot represents a vertical half of the body. The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. found there. The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body in the same way. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot. The good thing is that we can easily perform massage on our own hands and feet. We can find excellent reference reflexology charts online to ascertain exactly where to focus. Reflexology is helpful because it is so accessible and relief from a broad array of bodily issues is quite achievable if it is performed properly and consistently. The feet are a permeable interface into our whole body and the particular nature of the soles allow them to absorb essential oils readily and cleverly disperse and integrate their healing magic.

Our ear is our foetus

The ear represents a holistic map of the body’s overall health. Ear reflexology, also known as auricular reflexology, is a form of massage that promotes overall health using the ear as a microcosm of the body’s macrocosm. This concept is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, where the ear is mapped with points corresponding to various organs and systems of the body. The ear contains many nerve endings and reflex points that, when stimulated can block pain signals and promote the release of endorphins that help calm the nervous system.

The shape of the curled-up ear is often associated with the shape of a foetus in the womb. The ear is a unique area to massage for healing, especially when considering its connection to the foetus during pregnancy. The ear is thought to hold memories and emotions from the prenatal period, influencing foetal development and well being, which makes it a valuable area for prenatal care.

Just like with the hands and feet, ear reflexology involves stimulating pressure points on the ear that correspond to every part of the body because of the constant flow of energy and blood through the meridians and vessels. Ear massage can provide relief from headaches, jaw pain and other types of pain. The ear is connected to the brain, making it a key area for neurological and healing old emotional wounds. Ear massage techniques vary but generally involve gentle rubbing, kneading, or pressing the ears and earlobes. We can rub inside both ears as far as the finger can reach and also outside, all around the ear.

Stay tuned for part three...

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