One of my favorite Ayurvedic techniques is called Abhyanga (pronounced ab-hee-ahn-guh), which involves gently rubbing warm oil on your skin and scalp.  In addition to being relaxing and leaving your skin feeling soft and supple,  Abhyanga improves circulation, lymphatic flow, digestion issues, insomnia, swelling, edema, and even arthritis and migraines.

Using a high-quality and organic oil is key for this practice.  Organic oils are vital here because our skin is our largest organ. When we put processed junk on our skin, it gets absorbed and trashes us internally.

Without getting too deep into Ayurvedic principles, two of the best oils to use are sesame and coconut.  If you're feeling fiery/cranky/edgy, coconut oil is a good choice for you.  For everyone else, sesame oil can be a great choice.  And, side note, don't get toasted sesame oil or you'll walk around smelling like a salad all day.  I speak from experience with this one.

To begin your oil massage, heat up the oil you'll be putting on your body before application.  Do this by grabbing two bowls that you can dedicate to this practice.  I use a super small glass bowl + a small plastic bowl.

Grab your bottle of oil and pour a small amount of oil into the tiny glass bowl.  The amount varies, but you'll use less than you think -- likely around 3 tablespoons, give or take.  Once you've poured the oil into the glass bowl, fill the small plastic bowl halfway with hot water, then place the oil-filled glass bowl into the plastic bowl with water.  This is how the oil is warmed. During this time, I'll usually journal or read while my oil is heating up nicely. 

Using the same principles as a lymphatic massage, begin at your feet and work your way up.  Definitely avoid the soles of your feet here so that you won't slip, but the tops of the feet are fine.  Think of this action as you gently pushing the oil up your body towards your heart center, using long strokes, and pausing at the ankles/elbows/shoulders/knees to do gentle circular motions along the way.  In this technique, I don't go up and down but rather just up -- kind of like an upward petting motion.

When I get to my belly, using both hands I'll do clockwise circles on my abdomen.  This helps with the digestion and elimination processes.

As you work the oil up your body, keep moving towards the heart center. This helps the lymph flow optimally.  You can also apply the oil to your face as an alternative to moisturizer.

Once you're slathered in oil, you have options. You can do things such as meditation and pranayama, or you can read or even check emails -- whatever works best for your life.  Just try to leave the oil on for at least 10 minutes (but 15 to 20 is even better!) so it can work its way into all of the physical and subtle layers of your body.

One big thing to keep in mind with this process, however, is that whatever you touch will get oily.  This means any clothes you wear, any furniture you sit on, and anything you brush up against will get oiled up as well.  I have dedicated oily clothes that I put on post-abhyanga, knowing that, even though I wash them by themselves in hot water often, I'll eventually throw them out.  But you can avoid having oily clothes and instead sit naked on a thick towel that you can dedicate to this process and eventually throw out. 

When you feel ready to remove the excess oil from your body, it's shower time!  Carefully step into the shower and rinse off the oil with warm water. Be mindful that you'll be slippery in the shower, so proceed with much caution.

Also, only use warm water and no soap on your skin to get the excess oil off, allowing some of the oil to remain on your skin to work its magic throughout the day.  You can still soap up other areas like your pits and parts, just don't use the soap on the places you've applied oil to.

A few things worth mentioning with regard to Abhyanga.  It's technically a form of detoxification, which means it's not always appropriate for everyone.  If you're recovering from an illness, undergoing chemotherapy or other medical therapies, or if you've just had a baby, it's best to avoid this technique until you're on the other side of the situation. And if you have any questions, be sure to consult with your physician.  Also, since it's detoxifying, don't do Abhyanga when you're on your menstrual cycle.

By doing this technique several times a week (if not daily), your body, mind, and spirit will find a new level of calm.  You'll feel more grounded and peaceful, and your skin will be as smooth as the day you were born.