Self Massage With Oil

You may not think so at first, but giving yourself a head massage with oil can be as nourishing as receiving it from someone else. It is definitely worth trying, for it is very rewarding and is something that can easily be incorporated into your normal pampering and body-care routine. As oils have such a therapeutic effect, it would also be an ideal opportunity to extend the massage to other parts of the body, rubbing and smoothing oil on other areas, such as your arms, legs and feet as well as your face and neck. Always work up towards the heart when massaging other body parts.

Getting Started

Preparing the space for yourself is as important as if you were preparing it for someone else. In western culture we are not used to self-massage and reactions such as futility, doubt and dissatisfaction are common to begin with. Giving positive attention to creating the right atmosphere sends a strong message to your subconscious mind that you are worth it. This is a good opportunity to play self-healing or affirmation tapes, while relaxing background music will give you something to focus on if you feel bored. Wear something loose and comfortable and that won't matter if it gets marked. Prepare everything else you may need for your pampering session. This will include a few towels to wrap yourself or your hair in, plenty of tissues, some water or herb tea and maybe some reading material and beauty preparations. You also need to have all the oils ready to hand plus a suitable mixing bowl and comb.

Warm up a little oil in the palm of your hand and apply it to the top of your head. Loosely ruffle your hair and work it in. Then apply some oil to the sides of your head and work this in. If you have long hair, you may need to lift it up and work outwards from the roots to the tips. Apply more oil, working from the front to the back of the head. Using the pads of your fingers, go on to make circular strokes across your scalp with medium pressure. Work methodically from the front to the back, covering the whole head. You should feel your scalp more underneath your fingers. When you have finished, cover your head and leave the oils to sink into your hair and scalp to do their work. This can be anything from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Using a warm towel around your head accelerates the penetration of the oils into the hair and scalp. Wrap it around your head "turban style" and use the time to catch up with yourself and relax.

To continue working with oil you can follow the basic self-massage sequence. However, because of its slippery nature there will be more "give" with oil, and you will have less of a grip than with dry massage, so the experience will feel very different. With oils your strokes are likely to be smooth, gliding over the skin in a continuous movement.

After you have finished with your hair, you may want to use up any remaining oil on your face and neck. Place your hands on your face and gently smooth the oil into the skin with small circular strokes, being particularly careful around the eyes. Move to your neck and glide your hands up and out to the sides. You can leave the oil to soak in or wipe it off with a tissue.

Remember that when giving self-massage you are both the giver and the receiver. As the giver you are your own therapist, so be sympathetic and understanding to how you feel inside. As you massage you could inwardly thank the different parts of your body for serving you so well each day. You may also notice how your thoughts stay away or become negative, worrying or busy. When this happens, bring your attention back to the self-massage. As the receiver, you have the opportunity for self-empowerment and healing. If it hurts, you can instantly lighten the depth of your touch. Alternatively you can apply pressure for much longer than is conventional if it feels good to you. You also know exactly where it hurts and can find the precise location of any knotty and painful spots.

As you massage, make sure that your strokes give you pleasure, adjusting the pace so that it is faster, slower, deeper, or more loving. Be responsive to your own needs and be flexible in your approach. A basic guideline is to recognize that the body has a wisdom of its own and that if something feels good, it is likely to be doing you good.