What Are the Benefits of Abhyanga Massage, and How Often Should It Be Done? - #12973

Alright, diving right in – Abhyanga, is like, one of those age-old Ayurvedic gems, you know? It's supposed to get your body moving and groovin' by boosting circulation, kicking toxins out, and giving your nervous system a big warm hug. From the classical Ayurvedic texts, there’s a heap of praise for this practice because it's like, good on so many levels. Now, to your first point about muscle pain and joint stiffness, yeah, Abhyanga's great. When you rub the warm oil all over your skin, it seeps down to the muscles and joints, lubricating them and easing that stiffness. It’s almost like you're telling aches and pains, “See ya later!” And for the skin texture? Man, it’s incredible. The oils used, like sesame or coconut, are super nourishing, making the skin all soft and supple. Regular practice can bring about a pretty noticeable glow. In terms of frequency, once a week should do wonders, but if you're dealing with major stress or dryness, you could try it daily. It’s nourishing at the core. Few weeks of regular practice, you'll probably start noticing changes. Better sleep, less stress, smoother skin, kinda like you’re a more vibrant version of yourself. But, seriously, listen to your body! Everyone's constitution (prakriti) and imbalances (vikruti) are unique. Pitta people might need cooling oils like sandalwood, while kapha folks might get sluggish with too much oil. So you gotta tweak accordingly! And if a session doesnt feel right? Maybe time to rethink the oil or how often you're doing it. A quick heads-up, if you have a medical condition or are seriously unsure about something, better to check with like a healthcare pro first, right? Keep exploring and be patient. This stuff can be a game-changer when done right.