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Dosha Massage Oils
$25 - $50
(8 oz., amber plastic bottle)
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Introduction
In
ayurveda, oils are used extensively for therapeutic purposes.
Traditionally, numerous herbs are cooked slowly into base oils that may
include sesame, coconut and/or mustard-seed oil. KK Ayurveda massage oils
are "untraditional" in that the disciplines of ayurveda and
aromatherapy are combined to produce exceptional massage oils using the
highest-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils added to base massage
oils. Not only is it faster to make these massage oils but they're
extremely effective on doshic imbalances and they smell divine!
Essential
oils are concentrated essences of plant material that, in most cases,
must be combined with a "carrier" or base oil to be applied safely to
the skin. They are extremely potent--it takes 60,000 roses to make an
ounce of rose oil, for example--and are used safely and effectively in
massage oils because they penetrate the skin so readily. Using their
natural intelligence, the essential oils move to the areas of the body
and/or psyche where they are most needed.
(Here's an exercise you can do to experience an example of the efficacy of essential oils:
Rub
a sliced garlic clove on the bottom of your foot. Within 20 minutes,
you'll be tasting and breathing the garlic. Why? Essential oils
penetrate the skin and move into the bloodstream very quickly. Garlic
has a natural affinity to the lungs so once the volatile oil of the
garlic penetrates your skin, it moves through your bloodstream to your
lungs. Once the garlic is in your breath, you'll smell it and taste it.)
Instructions For All Massage Oils:
In
ayurveda, part of the daily routine is self-massage with oil
appropriate for your prakruti or doshic imbalance. Daily use of
medicated oils is one way to restore balance. It's also intensely calming to the nervous system which most of us (regardless of the state of our doshas) need in today's quickly moving world. The traditional way to massage oneself is with copious amounts of warm oil applied to the entire body--scalp to soles--before showering or bathing in the morning. It's a soothing and almost addictive practice. For those who don't have the time or the desire to do it the traditional way, I recommend using a medicated oil daily as a "body lotion"
after a bath or shower. This way, the oil and essential oils still get
absorbed through your skin and do their jobs to relax your nervous
system and create balance.
VATA OIL-- grounding, calming, warming
Description:
This
oil addresses typical Vata concerns such as dry skin/hair/nails,
constipation, anxiety, spaciness, cracking joints, nervousness,
tics/twitches/spasms, underweight and low or variable appetite. It's
also good for anyone who travels frequently. Dot it on the
third eye (between the eyebrows) or on pulse points to help manage
stress and provide stability. Benzoin smells like a deep, earthy
vanilla. Cardamom heats and gives its herby/perfumey scent while blood
orange lends sweetness and a sense of bottled sunshine. This oil
smells soothing and familiar. Click here for more information.
PITTA OIL--cooling, soothing, calming
Description:
This oil addresses typical Pitta traits like anger, perfectionism,
rashes/hives/acne/psoriasis, acid indigestion, redness/inflammation, proneness
to infections, diarrhea, overheating, sensitivity to light and
headaches. Fractionated coconut oil is used for its lightness (Pitta doesn't tolerate heavier oils) and because it won't harden at room
temperature. The main essential oils used are those
classically indicated for Pitta imbalance: lavender, peppermint and geranium. (Pitta Deluxe Oil is made with rare and expensive essential oils like rose, sandalwood and multani mitti attar.)
This oil is more subtly scented than the others as Pitta types tend to
have strong senses of smell. It's light and herbaceous with the subtle freshness of peppermint. Click here for more information.
KAPHA OIL--heating, drying, stimulating
Description:
This
oil perks up the lethargy, heaviness and stability of Kapha. It
addresses such Kapha traits as depression, overweight, high
cholesterol, edema, colds/mucus conditions, greed, diabetes and
couch-potato-itis. Grapeseed oil is the primary base because it's
lightweight and won't add to Kapha's already heavy and oily qualities. Ginger is spicy and
hot, cardamom is both herbaceous and floral and grapefruit is uplifting
and fresh. This is a well-balanced, stimulating, beautiful oil! Click here for more information.
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