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Ayurveda

Treatments: Massage

In Ayurveda, the various massage techniques are also known as "abhyanga" (pouring oil on the body) as they involve applying oil and stimulation to different parts of the body. The effect of touch in Ayurveda is considered a powerful and positive influence. The simple act of holding a hand can have a profound effect. We say something is “touching” when it tugs our heartstrings and causes us to respond emotionally. Our emotions are intimately connected to the sense of touch that we receive from others. We sense touch through the skin, which is the largest organ of the body and which is filled with blood vessels and nerve endings. Through the skin, massage stimulates the entire nervous system.

Ayurvedic massage techniques are used for various imbalances, from rejuvenation to the elimination of toxins, muscle trauma, arthritis and mental clarity. Specific massage techniques have been developed and are used depending on the treatment required.

The Ashtanga Hridayamone of the three classical texts of Ayurveda recommends abhyanga be given daily for disease, and also as a preventative measure.

Marma Point Massage (Indian Reflexology)
Vital body parts are known as “marmas” (a Sanskrit word meaning “hidden”) in Ayurvedic medicine. A marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, or joints. Marma points are much more than a casual connection of tissue and fluids; they are also intersections of the vital life force (prana). The marmas are located throughout the body and are classified into 108 points (the Ayurvedic equivalent of acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology points). Through massage, these various points are stimulated and activated which have corresponding effects on each of the doshas. Marma treatments are often practiced by instructors of Indian martial arts.

The marma points range in size from 1 to 6 inches in diameter. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago by Sushruta Samhita (6th Century BC), considered a founding father of Ayurvedic medicine, in his classic Ayurvedic texts. Major marma points correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the torso and limbs. The points cover both the front and the back of the body and lymph nodesSmall, bean-shaped nodes located throughout the body along the channels of the lymphatic system, and which remove waste from body tissues and filter the fluids that help the body fight infection, including 22 on the legs, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and stomach, 14 on the back, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered the 108th marma). Specific points are also associated with each dosha. Marma points are relatively easy to find and are located and measured by using the widths of the finger from various body parts.

During the aging process, factors such as stress and anxiety, poor diet, or erratic habits cause disharmony among the doshas. Over the years, doshic imbalances begin to block the movement of vital energy in the body. Eventually, the stagnation opens the door to physical and mental discomfort and disease. Marma point massage cleanses blocked energy by either stimulating or calming the doshas. Like a television with three channels, each marma point has three receptors that align with the three doshas.

During a marma-point massage, the points are stroked in a light yet deliberate sequence using specific essential oils. Different techniques are used depending on whether the points are being stimulated or calmed. Similar to acupressure, one or more fingers are used to apply subtle pressure and stimulate each marma point. The number of fingers used depends on the size of the point.

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