Why you need to start rubbing oil on your feet - Ancient Ayurvedic foot oil massage

Disease does not go near one who massages his feet before sleeping, just as snakes do not approach eagles." - Ancient Indian Saying

 

When we keep ourselves constantly busy, self-care becomes last on the priority list and quick fixes jumps to the top. I challenge you to take a couple minutes each and every day for self-care and self-reflection to increase your happiness and quality of life. One of the best ways to do this is to look at some of the ancient rituals tracing back to our ancestors. These rituals often have true healing power and can benefit your overall health and well-being. One of the rituals I practice is an Ayurveda Foot Massage

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, which means “life knowledge,” is a form of alternative medicine tracing back to India. The practice proposes three elemental substances in the body (doshas called Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that result in health if they are balanced and illness if they are unbalanced. In Ayurveda medicine, it is believed that a blockage of fluids in certain channels can cause illness. This is where Ayurveda Foot Massage comes in. These foot massages use various essential oils and Swedana to unlock these channels and reinvigorate body fluids. This can affect your entire immune system for the better. 

 Ayurveda foot massage has the ability to heal, revitalize and improve circulation throughout the entire body. Daily foot rubs will not only relax the body but can also offer a host of healing benefits for various ailments and illnesses.

Some of these benefits include:

1. Better sleep
2. Increased energy
3. Maintain eyesight and hearing
4. Calm the mind/reduce stress
5. Boost immunity
6. Aid digestion
7. Ward off bacterial and fungal infections
8. Cure headaches
9. Balance hormones
10. Improve foot and leg muscle tone

 

 Give Yourself an Ayurveda Foot Massage

 *Start by soaking your feet in a warm bath with your favorite salts and herbs. Some examples are; crushed ginger, lavender, sea salt, mint and rosemary.

 *Dry your feet and apply your favorite oil - The Goddess Shaping Body Oil or The Heal All Oil, to one foot and begin the following Ayurveda massage techniques for about 10-15 minutes per foot.

1. Massage the ankle and lower calf area, using your fingers and thumbs to apply pressure

2. Massage the area just below your ankle, using circular strokes under the ankle bone.

3. Move to your toes and gently massage each toe

4. Use your thumbs and apply firm pressure and circular motion to the arch of the foot and the heel.

5. Intertwine your fingers with your toes and gently rotate your foot in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to loosen up the ankle and leg muscles.

6. Finish by rubbing the sole of the foot once more before using your palm to slap the area, which is thought to increase circulation.

7. Optional: finish with an additional salt foot soak to further draw out stress and toxins from the feet.

Remember to take a few moments out of your day for self-care and reflection. The result will bring you deep gratitude and consciousness into the present moment. Not only will your mind and body thank you, but everyone else will feel the shift in you and it is like a domino effect from there.

To learn more about alternative therapies check out The Golden Secrets to Optimal Health Book