sesame oil massage

 Ayurveda loves oil massage. Traditional oil massage is called  ABHYANGA.  Sesame Seed oil is one of the most revered oils because it is very viscous and penetrating.  It is also very high in minerals.  "Curing" the oil or heating is to 100 degrees C. makes it even more penetrating and viscous so that it can be absorbed through the skin more effectively.  

It's important to "cure" sesame oil in a careful way as it can burst into flame if overheated.  I have heard scary storied of someone heating sesame oil in preparation to give themselves an ABHYANGA and the oil burst into flame giving them severe burns.  Therefore the best way to heat the oil is to put 1 drop of water into the oil. As soon as the oil crackles because the water has come to a boil, you know the water and oil are at 100 degrees and that is hot enough. The oil is now "cured".  Time to take it off the heat.

This oil can be used to massage your whole body or any sore joint that you have.  When massaging your joints that might be arthritic and painful, go round and round in a circular clockwise fashion.   On long bones go in a back and forth long motion. A 10 minute massage can greatly improve mobility and reduce inflammation.  

Years ago I had a friend who was scheduled to have knee surgery and while waiting for the surgery she massage her knees for 10 minutes twice a day. And as a result she did not need the surgery.  The research actually shows that after 20 minutes of applying sesame oil to the skin on a joint the lubricating oil can actually be found inside the joint.

Oil massage helps to pacify Vata Dosha which is the leading dosha and then the others are pacified and it also has a detoxifying effect.  I would recommend doing an whole body oil massage at least once a week. It feels so luxurious and is a wonderful way to do self care.