Massage Challenge: Mar ’23

Massage Challenge: Mar ’23

Massage is an important element of yogic life…

Typically, when we think of a massage, it is usually something along the lines of getting a massage by a professional masseuse etc. The yogic system of massage is something quite different: self-massage. And that is what our focus will be for the month of March 2023.

In yoga, massage is focused on the joints, skin, and glands. In addition, it is for particular home-health remedies. However, far and away, the main time massage is done in the yogic system is after the asana (yoga postures) practice and directly before shavasana (corpse posture). The idea is that the yoga postures are glandularly based, and by massaging the body after one’s practice one can maximally benefit from the various glandular secretions. Not to mention, it has a soothing effect on both body and mind.

At the end of each of our Chair Yoga classes we do incorporate a full, self-massage that covers the entire body from head to toe. It only takes 2 -3 minutes yet delivers a wonderful result. And during the course of this month, we shall be incorporating it more regularly into our Yoga Flow classes as well.

Beyond that, this challenge is also an invitation to engage in simple, self-massage techniques to relieve tension in the neck, shoulders, and eyes while at your desk, or at other times when the body is feeling tense or overworked such as during or after a long drive, after exercising, or gardening etc.

Finally, self-massage is also a great self-care practice before going to sleep.

However you choose, find times in your day when you can incorporate a self-massage. For tips and ideas about self-massage check out one of our classes this month….