If you’ve ever been curious about how to make ayurvedic massage oil at home, then this article is for you! Here, you will learn the benefits of using ayurvedic massage oil and the easy steps to create your own at home. Ayurvedic massage oil is an ancient form of healing that can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and soothe aching muscles. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own ayurvedic massage oil in no time! Read on to learn more about the benefits and how to make your own ayurvedic massage oil.
Contents
Benefits of Making Ayurvedic Massage Oil at Home
- Soothing and Relaxing: Ayurvedic massage oil is a natural way to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. The essential oils used in the oil blend have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to reduce stress and tension.
- Improves Circulation: The massage oil helps to stimulate blood circulation, which helps to improve the functioning of the body’s organs, including the heart and lungs. This in turn leads to better overall health.
- Reduces Pain: Ayurvedic massage oil is known to reduce pain and inflammation in the body and can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as arthritis and muscle strain.
- Boosts Immunity: The massage oil helps to boost the body’s immune system, which helps to protect against infection and disease.
- Improves Skin Health: Ayurvedic massage oil is known to be beneficial for the skin. It helps to reduce wrinkles and age spots, as well as improving the skin’s elasticity and tone.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own massage oil is a much cheaper alternative to buying pre-made products. You can save money and still enjoy the benefits of an Ayurvedic massage.
Materials Needed for Making Ayurvedic Massage Oil
- Carrier oil: The primary base for the oil is a carrier oil such as coconut, sesame or almond oil, or a combination of these.
- Herbs: Several herbs are used in ayurvedic massage oils. These may include ashwagandha, shatavari, bhringaraj, calamus, turmeric, and licorice.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils such as sandalwood, jasmine and rose are used in ayurvedic massage oils.
- Other ingredients: Other ingredients such as ghee, sesame oil, and honey can also be used to enhance the effects of the massage oil.
The combination of these ingredients will create an oil specifically suited to your individual needs and preferences. The essential oils provide a calming and soothing effect and the herbs help balance the body and mind. When combined with a carrier oil, the massage oil can be used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall health.
Steps for Making Ayurvedic Massage Oil
Gather Materials
To make your own ayurvedic massage oil, you will need a few basic ingredients. You will need a base oil such as sesame, almond, or coconut oil, as well as optional therapeutic essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus. You will also need a glass jar or bottle to store the oil.
Combine Oils
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can begin to make your massage oil. Start by combining the base oil and therapeutic essential oils together in a glass jar or bottle. You can adjust the ratio of the oils to your preference, but a typical ratio would be one-third base oil and two-thirds therapeutic essential oil.
Heat the Oils
Once the oils have been combined, you will need to heat the mixture. This can be done by placing the jar or bottle of oil in a pot of boiling water. Heat the mixture for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the oils blend together, giving you a smoother massage oil.
Add Aromatherapy Oils
Once the oil has been heated, you can add aromatherapy oils to give your massage oil a pleasant scent. Popular aromatherapy oils include lavender, chamomile, and jasmine. Add a few drops of the chosen oil to the mixture and stir to combine.
Strain the Mixture
Once the mixture is complete, you will need to strain it to remove any impurities. To do this, place a sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl and slowly pour the oil into the bowl. This will help to remove any debris that may be present in the oil.
Store the Oil
Once the massage oil has been strained, it is ready to be stored. Pour the oil into a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. The oil should be used within two weeks of making it.
Tips for Making Ayurvedic Massage Oil
Choose the Base Oil: It is important to choose a base oil that is suitable for your skin type. The most commonly used oils in Ayurvedic massage are coconut, sesame and almond oil.
Select the Herbs: Decide on the herbs you want to add to your massage oil. Popular choices include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Infuse the Herbs: The herbs should be infused in the base oil for at least two weeks before use. To do this, place the herbs in a glass jar, cover with the base oil, and store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every day to ensure that the herbs are well-infused.
Strain the Oil: Once the herbs have been infused in the oil, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth. This will remove any remaining herb particles from the oil.
Add Essential Oils: If desired, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the massage oil. Popular essential oils for massage include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Store the Oil: Once the massage oil is made, store it in a cool, dry place. The oil should last for up to 6 months.
Additional Uses for Ayurvedic Massage Oil
Skin Care: Ayurvedic massage oil is great for moisturizing skin and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. It can also help reduce oiliness and acne breakouts.
Hair Care: Ayurvedic massage oil can be used as a deep conditioner to help strengthen and protect hair. It can also help reduce dandruff and prevent hair loss.
Aromatherapy: Ayurvedic massage oil is often used in aromatherapy treatments as it can help to soothe and relax the body. It can also help to improve concentration and mental clarity.
Muscle Tension: Ayurvedic massage oil can be used to help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain and inflammation.
Joint Pain: Ayurvedic massage oil can help to reduce joint pain and improve range of motion in the joints.
Relaxation: Ayurvedic massage oil can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation, which can help to improve sleep quality.
Sunburn: Ayurvedic massage oil can help to soothe sunburned skin and reduce redness and itching.
Athletic Performance: Ayurvedic massage oil can help to reduce muscle fatigue and improve athletic performance.
Stress Relief: Ayurvedic massage oil can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help to improve mood and mental clarity.
Precautions for Using Ayurvedic Massage Oil
1. Read the label carefully: Before using an Ayurvedic massage oil, read the label and instructions on the product carefully. Check for any known allergies and sensitivities, and always consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner before using any Ayurvedic massage oil.
2. Allergy test: Before using the massage oil, it is recommended to do an allergy test. Perform the test on a small area of the skin and wait for 24 hours to see if any allergic reactions occur.
3. Store in a cool, dark place: Ayurvedic massage oils are sensitive to heat and light, so it is important to store them in a cool and dark place.
4. Avoid contact with eyes: Ayurvedic massage oils should never be applied directly to the eyes or mucous membranes. If contact is made, rinse with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
5. Keep out of reach of children: Ayurvedic massage oils should be kept out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical assistance immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to make Ayurvedic massage oil at home?
Oil is the base of any Ayurvedic massage oil. Choose a carrier oil like:
- Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
Herbs used for Ayurvedic massage oil include:
- Ashwagandha
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Shatavari
- Bala
These herbs can be found in powder, paste or oil form.
Essential oils are also a key ingredient in Ayurvedic massage oil. Choose oils like:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Geranium
- Frankincense
- Ylang-ylang
What are the Benefits of Using an Ayurvedic Massage Oil?
Ayurvedic massage oil is a great way to improve overall health and wellbeing. It has numerous health benefits, such as reducing joint and muscle pain, improving circulation and nourishing the skin. It can also help to reduce stress and tension, and improve relaxation. Ayurvedic massage oils can be used to improve the look and feel of the skin and hair, and can even help to reduce the symptoms of certain conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases. Furthermore, Ayurvedic massage oils have been used for centuries to promote spiritual and emotional balance.
Is making an Ayurvedic massage oil at home difficult?
Making an Ayurvedic massage oil at home is not difficult as long as you have the right ingredients and understand the process. The steps are quite easy and the benefits are numerous. Here are some easy steps and benefits of making Ayurvedic massage oil at home:
- Benefits:
- It is cost-effective and free from chemicals.
- It helps in relieving stress and improving the skin health.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It helps in improving blood circulation.
- Steps:
- Gather the necessary ingredients including base oil, herbs, and essential oils.
- Mix the base oil, herbs, and essential oils in a bowl.
- Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth.
- Store the oil in a dark and dry container.
Thus, making an Ayurvedic massage oil at home is not difficult as long as you have the right ingredients and understand the process.
How long does it take to make an Ayurvedic massage oil?
Making an Ayurvedic massage oil can be a relatively quick process. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. Most Ayurvedic massage oils can be made in under 10 minutes. Once the ingredients are combined, the oil can be used right away or stored in a cool, dark place for future use.
Can an Ayurvedic massage oil be used on all skin types?
Ayurvedic massage oil is suitable for all skin types. It helps to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin. The properties of Ayurvedic herbs and oils used to make the massage oil can help to balance the skin’s natural oils, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. Using Ayurvedic massage oil can help to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic massage oil is a great way to nourish and heal the body. It can be easily made at home with natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and pain-relieving properties. The simple steps outlined in this article make it easy to make your own massage oil and reap the benefits.
References
- Elavia A, Bhattacharya S. Ayurvedic Massage: An Introduction. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010;1(3):142–146. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.73915
- Khandelwal D, Srivastava G. Ayurvedic Massage: A Systematic Review. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2012;17(3):208–222. doi:10.1177/2156587211436261
- Stanford Center for Integrative Medicine. Ayurvedic Oil Massage: Abhyanga. Retrieved from: https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/ayurveda/documents/AyurvedicOilMassage_Final.pdf