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I was offline for several days, and right now maxxed out, so copying some useful info I have on hand rather than indepth herb info which I have to type out. But I will be doing much more on herbs soon. Here are two self massage methods that if practiced often (best is daily, only take a few minutes) have palpably good effects. I notice a huge difference when I force myself to do them regularly. Even after one day - less joint pain and stiffness, more energy, skin of course feels better and less dry/itchy whatever.

The tradition Ayurvedic Abhyanga (Self massage) uses a lot of oil and gets everything all oily. I can’t handle it, so I do the simple after shower/bath method using less oil and it works just fine. I do the Abhyanga with oil first, and then the meridian massage. Sometimes i just do 8 times on each limb rather than 12 but I need all the exercise I can get, so need to do 12 times. The whole routine with both kinds takes a very few minutes, and does not get clothes oily, since the oil is well rubbed in. I use a mixture of sesame (refined) and coconut, with some essential oils.

Ayurvedic Self Massage

Massaging one’s body with oil, specifically sesame oil (refined and not the Chinese toasted kind either!) is an extremely health promoting habit. Other oils such as coconut or almond, even sunflower, can be used. Coconut should not be used by people who feel cold a lot.

The benefits are not only numerous, but you feel better immediately - joints are freer moving, pain anywhere is lessened, the body feels lighter, easier to “wear”, mind feels a bit more clear and uplifted. If helps strengthen the entire system, if done regularly.
Since the hands and feet have reflex points that help the entire body, it’s helpful to pay extra attention to them. If a person cannot do it daily, at least try to do it a few times a week. The goal is to rub the oil in well, not ignoring any area.

A daily full-body warm oil massage acts as a powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.

Benefits

The Ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower. But whenever you have time is fine. You can use sesame oil, an herbalized massage oil, or an aroma massage oil. Herbalized massage oils contain a blend of carefully chosen herbs known for their ability to strengthen the physiology and balance the mind.

Aroma therapy massage oils also deliver double the benefit – the healing aromas in the massage oil blend, if properly chosen, are particularly effective in balancing the emotions and doshas or constitutional elements, while the act of the massage works on both body and mind.
Ayurveda recommends different base oils and aroma blends depending on what you are attempting to balance. Anyone can add essential oils they like or feel are beneficial for them. Even plain oil is extremely beneficial.

It is nourishing, pacifies Vata [ether and air elements] and Kapha [water and earth elements] , as well as helping Pitta [fire and water elements] relieves fatigue, provides stamina, enhances sound sleep, the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body. When the views expressed in the different Ayurvedic texts are put together, here are some benefits that can be expected from regular performance of this pleasant daily habit:

• Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
• Imparts tone and vigor to the tissue
• Calming for the nerves; stimulates internal organs and circulation
• Lubrication of the joints
• Increased mental alertness
• Improved elimination of impurities and toxins from the body
• Softer, smoother skin
• Increased levels of stamina through the day
• Better, deeper sleep at night
• Strengthens immune system and resistance to stress
• Improves sensory perception
• Slow the aging of the body; improves longevity
Pacifies and harmonizes vata, pitta and kapha

Massage Method – Before bath/shower

Use comfortably warm massage oil. (Store your massage oil in a plastic flip-top and warm it by holding the container under running hot water for a few minutes - although no need in a warm climate, or just pour it into your hands and rub together before applying to your skin.) Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and apply it well all over the body. Massage the entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand – palm and fingers.
Apply light pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. Use more oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as the soles of feet, palms of hands and along the base of the fingernails.

Use long strokes over the long bones and circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints. Massage the abdomen in the direction of the intestines, and massage the chest/breasts in circular motions, making sure to also massage the armpits and chest wall to reach the lymph glands and promote circulation there. Oil all the orifices of the body including the navel (be gentle with navel) as well as nose, ears, and genital area.
Follow with a warm bath or shower. You can always follow the warm shower with a cold rinse off if you like for wakeup purposes.

Since the oil is hard to wash out of towels, I usually save a couple of smaller towels just for drying off after doing the oil massage, since some oil remains on the skin even after the shower, and it’s best to wash them in hot water with good detergent and maybe some white vinegar. Also it is best to minimize the use of soap during the shower, and to use soap that is mild and natural, like Pears or Kirks Castile, or Dr. Bronners, and while showering, scrub with a washcloth, rather than use tons of soap. Body washes are usually detergents and not good for the skin.

Alternative Simple Method -

Do the oil massage after the shower, using less oil, and rub in very well, so the oil doesn’t get on your clothes. The above method could be done occasionally, for instance before going for a swim. I have found it very difficult (or impossible) to wash oil out of towels or clothing. Doing the massage with less oil after a bath or shower has the similar benefits.

Dry Friction Massage
Instead of oil, you can use alternatively a loofah or fiber wash cloth or mitt, this is specifically good for Kapha (or people who want to lose weight, have cellulite, or have circulation problems) but can be done by anyone now and then. Follow the same pattern of massage as described above, using vigorous energizing strokes but don’t be too rough or scratch the skin. You can alternate a dry friction massage one day, and an oil massage the next. The dry friction massage is particularly good for reducing Kapha, symptoms would be excess weight or congestion in the body.

Another type is a salt massage, which is considered to help detoxify the body and increase circulation. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn off. Have a small bowl with salt, and take handfuls and rub vigorously all over the body, avoiding mucus membranes of course. When all salted up, turn the water on again and wash off with a washcloth. The salt can be mixed with a little oil first.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for a daily massage, try and squeeze it in at least 3 or 4 times a week.

Meridian Chi Massage

The body has channels called in English meridians, and Chinese Traditional Medicine counts 12 major meridians in the arms and legs. This massage follows the general path and direction of energy flow in the meridians, helping to undo blockages or stagnation (which is often associated with pain), and promoting the free flow of energy in the entire body.

Stand unlcothed or with underpants on (unclothed is best if you’re using oil), preferably facing East. Facing North is acceptable, or West, but not South. This is especially good to practice in the morning but can be done any time.

This simple massage can be done using oil or without. If using oil, you can briefly rub some oil on your arms and legs first, or do this after the Abhyanga with oil, which is what I do. The hand that is doing the massage should be firmly pressed against the limbs maintaining full contact of palm and all the fingers.

Arms:

With your Left hand, start pressing the top of your Right hand at the very tips of the Right fingernails, moving up the outside of the Right arm up to the shoulder cap, then turn your Right arm over and continue the stroke, using your Left hand, down the inside of the Right arm, from armpit and carry the stroke off the ends of the Right fingertips. Do this at least 12 times.

Then do the exact same movements using the Right arm to massage the Left arm – starting at the Left fingernails, up to the shoulder cap, turning the Left arm around and rubbing from the armpit down off the ends of the Left fingertips. Repeat at least 12 times.

Legs:

Using both hands at the same time, bend over, and starting at the tips of the toes, massage in one continuous stroke (as for the arms), keeping the palms pressed against the legs firmly. Move up the feet, getting the inside edge of the feet, up the ankles and inside the legs up into the abdomen. Repeat this stroke at least 12 times. If one is weak and needs energy, more times can be done on this stroke.

Then, standing, start with both hands on the back of the hips by the lower back, rub down the back and outside of the legs, all the way to the outside of the feet and stroke off the ends of the toes, at least 12 times. If one is detoxifying or overweight, more times should be done on this stroke.

If there is time, one can then massage the chest with both hands, making circular motions on the pectoral area, then the abdomen, making circular motion (in the direction of the intestines), also up and down on the lower back, squeezing the shoulders, and carefully massaging the face. One can also try masssaging the ears – pinching, gently rubbing and pulling, and massaging the soles of the feet.

Even just a few minutes spent every day invigorates the body and helps the flow of energy in the meridians, thus benefitting all the bodily organs and systems.