Ayurvedic Massage Techniques

These
massage techniques provide relaxation, circulation and elimination of
toxins. If adopted as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can
even help to rejuvenate the body.
In ancient times,
ayurvedic clinics did not regularly offer massage, as everybody gave and
received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment were they
referred to specialists that used the appropriate ayurvedic techniques.
Today in India,
practitioners roam the public places in great number and give head and
body a go for a few rupees. Although they often have little knowledge of
Ayurveda
they do know how to work with muscles, joints and bones. Many have
received training based on the massage developed by wrestlers.
Ayurvedic doctors
who were also wrestlers developed a special system of their own that
contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic and Undani (Greek) systems of
medicine. These traditional indian massage techniques are based on the
ayurvedic doshas and marmas
(pressure points like in reflexology). They also include Muslim massage
techniques with pressure points called Muqame Makhsoos.
Specific ayurvedic massage techniques have also been developed for massage therapy,
used in certain therapeutic treatments like in pancha karma
purification. These massage techniques should only be practiced in a
particular disease condition under supervision of an ayurvedic doctor or
vaidya.
In
rural areas, weekly massage is still a family scene. People in India
enjoy it - they know that like a best friend it brings joy and
relaxation. The popular image of Vishnu reclining on a serpent and receiving foot massage from his consort Lakshmi shows it as a favorite pastime even of the gods.
Massage techniques
can also help to maintain a loving relationship between husband and
wife. After this kind of soothing relaxation, it is easier to share and
give love. Before marriage it is one of the few ceremonial massages in
the Hindu tradition that is compulsory even today. Ubtan Beauty Massage is also very popular.
It is also often used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young mothers as well as babies. Babies are typically massaged with a small dough ball dipped in vegetable oil.
ayurvedic massage oils are essential to any massage.
In ayurvedic massage, massage tables are rarely used. Instead of using a massage table, the massage practitioners create a massage mat,
usually by placing a reed mat upon an indian-style futon, a cotton
mattress. The massage mat made of reeds prevents oil from dripping upon
the futon below. A massage cushion is also rarely used - the head is usually not supported. Massage chairs
can be used for massages given in the sitting position (shoulders,
arms, haed) in case patients are not comfortable in a cross-legged
sitting position on the massage bed