Abhyanga anyone?

I was noticing some people talking about the lymph system in the natural healing thread, and I thought I'd start a thread about a routine I started over a year ago. I started it because I develop abnormal scar tissue and I still had scars which were red, bumpy, and uncomfortable more than a year after surgery.  And thanks to the forums here, I became aware and somewhat knowledgable about lymphedema.  I've never developed it, and don't think about it as much anymore, but knowing I'm at risk is at the back of my mind at any given moment.  

I was reading several books by Deepak Chopra at the time.  That's where I first learned of abhyanga.  It is a practice of massage using sesame oil from head to toe.  I don't follow the directions to the letter, but I have been faithful to my own rendition of the practice since August 2006.  I immediately felt some relief in my abdominal scar, the one that causes the most discomfort.  I apply the oil there first so I gets the most time to absorb oil from that session. 

I also have hope that the practice reduces my risk of developing lymphedema.   I just googled abhyanga and read the articles at 4 different sites.  Not one of them mention benefits to the lymphatic system specifically, but I believe in my heart that abhyanga does my lymph system worlds of good.  One site says it will also relieve fatigue and constipation.    Wish I could report better results on those fronts.  Those are my top two complaints more than 2 years after completing radiation treatments.  I've also been faithful to walking 30-40 minutes every day since radiation.  Simply cannot imagine how I'd feel if my lifestyle were absent the things I do to nourish myself.  

Perhaps recovery is just a very long process after such rigors.  I do recognize in myself that I have a bad habit of wanting to be further down the road than where I am at present.  I want my vitality back, and I want now, yesterday, last month, last year, and the year before.  I alternate between trying to be at peace with where I am, and pushing and striving to be better than where I am.  I think I'm on the right path, and I see my practice of abhyanga as a luxurious and glorious form of self care that nourishes my soul, body and spirit.  Just wanted to share this and hope that it inspires others to join in.  

I enjoy it tremendously Tina.  I consider this practice the cadillac in my regime of self care.  As long as you don't go around bumping into walls and doors, it's really not messy at all.  I started taking baths rather than showers several years ago.  I use a aloe vera bubble bath and I keep three empty bottles on the edge of the tub.  I start the water when I get to my legs, although I may alter that timing after some more reading on this subject.  Letting the oil stay on for a few minutes is recommended by some people who write about abhyanga. 

I like to get in the tub while the water is still running and fill the 3 empty containers.  I use this to rinse my hair after shampooing.  Then I fill the containers again and use that water to rinse out the tub when I'm finished.  On a consistent basis, my routine takes about 30 minutes.  Considering one needs to bathe anyway, it's not very much extra time added at all.  And if you're pressed for time, the routine can be done faster.  And if you're really on a clock, you can just do your head and your feet, skipping everything else.   I put a dry washcloth over the toilet bowl lid when I sit down to do my feet.  The mess factor really is a nonissue imo.