Pleasure as Medicine: Body Oiling

Body oiling can be a luxurious and nourishing way to anoint yourself before ritual, sleep, and dreamwork. It helps move lymphatic fluid, soothes the nervous system and allows you to arrive back in your body to feel comfort and pleasure. 
Use your favorite infused body oil such as mugwort, St Johns Wort, lavender or any oil or fat you have around the house. It doesn't have to be fancy, even simple olive or coconut oil will do.

Add a few drops of skin safe essential oils, if desired. If making your own concoction 5-8 drops is plenty for a 2oz bottle of oil.

Begin rubbing oil starting at the neck and working your way down until you are oiled from head to toe. Massage any sore spots and places that need your attention. As you are anointing your body, express words or thoughts of affection to your earthly vessel. Sometimes when I've had a particularly hard day I anoint from outside in, starting at my hands and feet and working my way to my heart spending extra time setting sweet and gentle intentions.

A full body oiling may take up to 20-30 minutes. Take your time with it and really feel yourself arriving back in your body.
Ease into the relaxation and notice the energetic shift you feel as you draw up protective boundaries or self-love through this self care ritual. Thank your strong body for carrying you through this world if you haven't in a while, it works really hard!