Ayurveda is a vast and beautiful science because of its deep insight into each individual, even catering an entire lifestyle around the unique traits of each person. But we admit, Ayurveda can sometimes become complex. What is my constitution? What is my imbalance? Wait, my imbalance changed?! What is my imbalance now?!
While being keenly aware of your constitution and current state of balance is ideal, in today's fast-paced world, it is just not possible to always know every detail of what is going on in your being. Further, there are some people with complex imbalances—not just one dosha, but sometimes two or all three doshas may be out of balance.
Take massage for an example. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and we have become increasingly aware of how the skin has a powerful ability to participate in communication with the brain. Our skin is extensively connected to the brain through a variety of hormones, including many that control activity at the level of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.1 For this reason, massage is immensely powerful. This is well researched, and if you are interested in learning about all the recent research done on the benefits of massage therapy, check out the American Massage Therapy Association website.
But we are not just talking about the massage you get from your favorite masseuse (though having that daily would be awfully nice!). The beneficial effects of touch extend to the contact of your own healing hands on your own body. The ritual of self-massage (see our guide for free instructions on how to perform this incredible practice) does wonders for grounding, creating a sense of self-love, toning and nourishing the skin, calming the mind, and creating a centered attitude through the day and more restful sleep at night, amongst many other benefits!
We would love for everyone to reap these benefits from self-massage, regardless of constitution or imbalance. For this reason, we created Daily Massage Oil. This oil was formulated to balance all three doshas. The base uses both warming and cooling oils to allow the oil to have a simultaneously penetrating and soothing effect. The oil is then cooked according to traditional Ayurvedic practices with herbs like guduchi to soothe and rejuvenate, bala to strengthen, and arjuna and tulsi to invigorate, promote circulation, and support the lymphatic system. Brahmi (gotu kola) and bhringaraj are added to further support and steady the mind.
Because the skin is the largest absorptive organ in the body, it is of major importance to use the highest quality products on your skin. The oils and herbs we use are organic, sustainably sourced, and fairly-traded. So while you are giving nourishment to your body, you can have peace of mind that the products you are using are ethically sound.
