Ingredients – Sesame oil, licorice , brahmi, Manjishtha,triphala

Sesame Oil - Sesame oil helps in gently removing accumulated sebum, dead skin, dirt, oil-soluble toxins, and other pollutants from the skin. It acts as a natural cleanser. This, in turn, helps brighten the skin and make it supple and smooth. Sesame oil makes your skin baby soft and moisturized. Loaded with antioxidants, sesame oil has an age reversing effect on the skin. It helps prevent premature aging while making your skin appear youthful. The fatty acids and vitamins help repair damaged skin cells while reducing enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines on the skin. When applied regularly to your skin, it can visibly prevent fine lines and wrinkles from showing up. The nourishing and healing properties of the Sesame oil help heal cracked heels during winters. Apply the oil to the cracked soles of your feet before going to bed and leave it overnight. You can also use Sesame oil to moisturize your feet when doing a pedicure at home. Sesame oil is rich in Vitamin B and E, which help soothe skin rashes and fade scars. It is also very effective in treating skin conditions like inflammation, eczema, athlete's foot, psoriasis, and redness.

The calming, warming and nourishing Sesame oil is one of the most popular oils for an Ayurvedic self-massage. Sesame seed is sweet, astringent, bitter, and pungent with a heating effect. The warm and soothing properties of the oil are especially balancing for Vata Dosha (those who often experience dryness when out of balance). The healing properties of the oil also make it perfect for Kapha Dosha. It promotes physical strength, supports the comfortable joint movement and promotes sound sleep patterns. It also nourishes the bones and muscles and boosts the body's ability to handle stress.

Licorice - While melanin formation is a complex process, the main enzyme responsible for discoloration is tyrosinase. Licorice root extract is known to inhibit the secretion of tyrosinase, which helps to prevent dark spots from forming on the skin. But licorice root extract not only stops new dark spots in their tracks, but it is said to help fade existing ones. The root also contains a flavonoid, a plant polyphenol with antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from pre-mature discoloration, aging, and environmental stress.

These same properties make licorice excellent for reversing hyperpigmentation, a condition where the skin forms dark spots on the skin that makes it look uneven in tone and texture. It also helps to reduce melasma, which can happen due to sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Licorice is an attractive natural alternative if you’re looking to brighten your skin in a milder way.Licorice root in skincare also plays a role in sun defense. In addition to helping brighten skin already affected by sun damage, licorice contains glabridin, which is known to help stop discoloration in its tracks during and immediately after sun exposure. UV rays are the primary cause of skin discoloration, but glabridin contains UV blocking enzymes that prevent new skin damage from occurring.

Licorice root is also a go-to for treating acne scars. Sometimes we experience scars from breakouts or injuries that occurred due to no fault of our own. Licorice can speed up the healing process by inhibiting the production of melanin, an amino acid responsible for pigmentation in the skin. Although melanin does help to guard the skin from UV ray damage, too much melanin is a whole other issue. Excess melanin production during sun exposure can result in unwanted effects, including dark scars and even skin cancer.

Licorice is said to have a soothing effect on skin and helps to ease inflammation. The glycyrrhizin found in licorice can reduce redness, irritation and swelling, and is used to treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Licorice can help the regeneration of our skin’s collagen and elastin supply, both of which are necessary to keep our skin elastic, smooth, and baby-soft. Not only that, but licorice helps to preserve hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule with the ability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water and keeps skin plump and bouncy.

Manjishtha possesses potent skin-brightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and pigmentation irregularities. The herb inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin darkening, thus resulting in a brighter and more even complexion.

Triphala is full of antioxidants that can protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by the activity of free radicals.It can impede the onset of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of premature skin ageing.There has been a widespread use of Triphala churna for skin pigmentation. The antioxidants in Triphala can help in skin healing and can work wonders for dimming down the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Topical application of skincare products that are endowed with Triphala can help in boosting collagen production. This can work like a dream for taking care of your overall skin health by augmenting its luminosity and elasticity. Triphala is an abundant source of Vitamin C. Therefore, it can help in locking in the moisture levels of your skin while making it look soft and supple. When your skin is well hydrated, it will look happy and healthy. Owing to all the distinguished properties in Triphala powder, consistent application of the oil can help reverse the signs of sun damage and premature ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, dryness etc. Triphala has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in taking care of any kind of rashes and redness on your skin. People who are suffering from skin problems like eczema can find great relief with Triphala infused oil.

How to do a complete body massage

Begin with the head and scalp. You can choose to use Yogavahi hairoil appropriate for your hair. If you do not want to apply oil on the head, then one should begin with the legs. Massage your soles and feet and then apply oil on your legs completely. Massage the knee area gently with the help of circular movements of the thumbs together. Use your palms and pressure to massage calves and thighs from bottom to top in circular movements . Then apply oil on your chest and stomach. If possible lie down while massaging the front portion of your body. Sit up and apply oil on your lower back and then keep moving up. Apply oil on your shoulders and then on your arms. Move from fingers upwards towards the shoulders. In case of any cardiac conditions , the massage strokes should be from top to bottom always. Massage in circular movements around the navel region. Body massage should be done on an empty stomach or two to three hours after a meal. Do not sit in air conditioned room or top speed fan when massaging yourself. Do not expose yourself to cold or hot winds post massage. Do not cold water immediately after massage. Normal water could be had after fifteen minutes.If possible take a bath atleast thirty minutes post massage. If you have time keep it for two hours. If there’s no time at all , then warm water bath can be taken immediately.

When not to do a body massage

• In conditions of fever ,cold and cough , oil should not be applied on head or body
• In any kind of ongoing infection whether viral or bacterial , oil massage should be avoided.
• In case of loosemotions, body massage should not be done but in case of constipation it should be done .
• If there is any external injury or surgery then massage should be avoided till it is healed completely
• Body massage should preferably be done during day time before bath. At bedtime gentle massage with very little oil usage is recommended.
• Do not massage immediately after a meal
• Do not massage immediately after a workout
• Do not massage immediately after coming back from hot sun exposure.
• Empty your bladder before sitting down for a massage
• Do not massage immediately after any strenuous activity. You can do it after you have rested and cooled down.

It is good to massage yourself daily and if not possible as frequently as possible in all seasons. Massage could be your meditative activity which will result in feeling grounded and the best way to love yourself and to take care of yourself.