Abhyanga (self massage) & muscle soreness

Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic practice, is a self-massage technique that involves using warm oils to massage the body. This practice offers various benefits, including helping with muscle soreness. Those with Hypothyroidism know the ever draining (sometimes daily) feeling of sore muscles that make you just want to take pain killers and do nothing. Add the ongoing fatigue to the mix, and you basically want to stay in bed the whole day. If you know this feeling, self massage is an empowering and very simple activity that you can start TODAY. You just need a little oil and a few minutes. I recommend to start with your hands (especially if you are time poor) and with the thumb and base of thumb, as most research from traditional reflexology suggests this area is connected to your Thyroid gland. Remember that your whole body is connected. And your hands/feet are a great way to access all areas.  

From the Ayurvedic perspective - Abhyanga supports balancing all doshas, but particularly Vata imbalances. The main qualities of Vata are dry, light, cold, rough, and mobile. In contrast, oil is considered heavy, warming, soft, nourishing and hence can be used to combat Vata’s inherent dry nature. Remember - from the Ayurvedic perspective - the golden rule - opposites are great healers eg. If it's dry and cold it needs warmth and moisture! 

Here's an overview of how Abhyanga self-massage can help with muscle soreness:

1. Increased Blood Circulation: When you perform Abhyanga, you massage the oil into your skin and muscles, which promotes blood circulation in those areas. Improved circulation helps deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to the sore muscles, aiding in the healing process and reducing soreness.

2. Muscle Relaxation: The act of massaging itself helps in relaxing tense muscles. Gentle strokes with warm oil can soothe muscle fibers and release tension, thereby alleviating soreness and discomfort.

3. Lymphatic Drainage: Abhyanga stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining waste products and toxins from the body. By enhancing lymphatic flow, this self-massage technique can reduce inflammation and swelling in sore muscles. Detoxification is a key component of Thyroid treatment, so this is a very important benefit. 

4. Joint Lubrication: Abhyanga involves massaging the entire body, including the joints. The oil application helps lubricate the joints, making movement smoother and reducing the strain on sore muscles during daily activities. 

5. Moisturization: The warm oil used in Abhyanga provides moisture to the skin and muscles, preventing dryness and promoting tissue elasticity. Well-moisturized muscles are less prone to soreness and injuries.

6. Stress Reduction: Muscle soreness can be exacerbated by stress and tension. Abhyanga is a deeply relaxing practice that can calm the nervous system and reduce stress levels, which, in turn, can alleviate muscle soreness caused by stress-related tension.

7. Improved Sleep: Good sleep is essential for muscle recovery. Abhyanga before bedtime can help improve the quality of sleep, allowing your body to repair and heal more effectively.

How to perform Abhyanga self-massage:

• Choose a suitable oil like sesame, coconut, or almond oil and warm it slightly. I recommend the black seed sesame oil from Ayur Organic - https://www.ayurorganic.com.au/product/organic-black-sesame-oil/ or a similar oil (note - this is not the culinary asian style sesame oil from the supermarket). Always do a spot test to check for allergies when using oils for the first time. Warm a very small amount in Bain-marie style. 
• Apply the warm oil to your entire body, starting from the scalp and moving downward. This direction - top to down - can be great for Vata imbalances and support grounding.
• Use long, gentle strokes on the limbs and circular motions on the joints.
• Spend more time on areas with muscle soreness or tension.
• Let the oil sit on your body for 15-30 minutes to allow for best absorption. Make sure you are warm during this time and ideally do some deep breathing (do not expose yourself to wind or cold when you are fully covered with oil).
• Take a warm shower to rinse off the excess oil.

I've been practicing self massage for years, and it is a key activity even before our traditional Kalaripayattu (Indian martial arts) practice. It is a gold nugget in my tool kit. And I'm very interested to hear how this practice can support you.