MASSAGE NOTE TANTRA MASSAGEN.TXT ************************************************************************ After the examination of the face, and prior to the bath one should massage the body with oil. This may be done dally, or at least two or three times weekly. Massage helps to balance the doshas and enhances the movement of energy within the body. It also acts to stimulate the lymphatic circulation, which is essential to the defense system of our body. Different oils should be used according to the constitution of the individual. Mustard seed oil is the all around best type of oil. However, as it can irritate some peoples skin, you may want to test it on yourself first. For vata types, sesame oil is recommend with strokes going against the direction of body hair growth. This helps the oil to penetrate into the skin as the vata type constitution generally has very dry skin. Stroke should be very light. For the pitta type constitution a cooling oil such as sunflower or sandalwood should be used. Again, massage strokes should be light. For the kapha person, they may use corn oil, calamus root oil, or no oil at all. Mustard oil would be especially good for the kapha type person due to its heat. Massage for the kapha type should be deeper.