Ancient Massage Techniques - India

“Disease don’t go near the one who massages his feet  before going to bed,just as snakes do not go near the eagles”---Ancient Indian Scripture.

I think ‘massage’ must have been the first and foremost medical treatment known to human beings, when no other medicines were known.

Massage was in practice to sooth sore muscles, joints and headaches for thousands of years in most part of the world –mostly as a quick, safe and healthy way of relieving everyday’s fatigue. Over the years it is expediting towards scientific approach.

Today we know that a massage done according to natural laws of human anatomy,energy flows and movements – offers excellent health benefits. It vibrates and energizes skin, muscles and joints that help to relax and lighten the body .It makes you glow with radiance of skin.

The strokes and pressure variation of technically designed massage procedure helps in drainage of lymph ,increases  circulation of blood and lymph in organs and skin. Heat generated through massage soothes deep tissues and relieves from deep muscle strains and stiffness .Increased  blood circulation increases blood nutrient supply to damaged tissues and muscles-especially useful for athletes, sportsmen and exercise lovers.

There are many types of massage techniques developed in different countries-mainly India, China, Thailand, Turkey, Russia and Roman Empire. Each one use their unique method with choice of oil, soft foam, plant leaves, muss, dry powders etc.

In a series of articles, we will discuss the different types of massages developed by Ayurveda for the therapeutic purpose as well as for beauty purpose.A history of more than 2500 years of research into the development of these unique methods have a scientific evidence of results they produce.

Classification of massages can be done by following ways:

Based on body parts

1.Full body massage

2.Head massage

3. Foot &/ or palm massage

4.Spinal massage

5.Joints massage

6.Marma(vital points)massage

7.Lympatic massage

Based on materials used:

1.Oil massage

2.Dry powder

3.Crushed Herb

4.Leaves of medicinal plants

5.Hot poultice

5.Soft foam of salts

6.Mud

Based on movements:

1. Tapping

2. Kneading

3. Rubbing

4. Squeezing

5. Gentle pressure

Among all, Ayurveda has a well-developed system of massage treatments that most of the Ayurvedic center and ayurveda tourism recommends and even practice as usual procedure of initiating any treatment. Panchakarma- a healthy and commended procedure of Ayurveda treatment includes medicated oils or powdered or hot poultice massages.

How important is the massage for our body?

Ancient Indian Hindus studied human health and its diseases in depth.They observed that a dullness in circulation of blood or lack of energy in body leads to some kind of disease.Massage works well on these three systems of our body – Blood/Lymph Circulatory system, Nervous system and Musculoskeletal system.We will first look at the full body massage and its effects on Circulatory system in this part.

Massage for Circulatory system-Lymphatic System

We know that fluid called “Lymph“is a fluid that flows between tissues, and is major carrier of nutrients as well as toxins. The slow movement of it causes delay in supply of important nutrients to tissues and thus unwanted toxins tend to build up between the tissues .Massage and regular exercise are the ways to regulate the proper flow of blood and lymph.

What is lymph and its importance?

Lymph is found everywhere in our body between the cells, except in some places like bone marrow, central nervous system, spleen and cartilages. There is a fine network of lymphatic vessels in our body just like the blood vessels network. All lymph in the body flows through tiny vessels with valves towards the chest that ultimately mixes with blood. On the lymphatic route we have lymph nodes on various parts which can be felt under the skin.

This lymphatic system plays vital role in our body’s defense against diseases. Enlarged lymph nodes are indicative of underlying abnormal conditions. Lymph plays primitive role in nutritive function and drainage of toxins as well.

How massage helps our body and lymph circulation?

-Massage increases temperature in the area, which induces to formation of lymph.

-Massage increases the movement of lymph towards chest by way of muscular action.

-Mostly the pressure points on palms,foot,abdomen,legs and arm correspond to the lymphatic plexus and lymph nodes.

-Gentle vibrations created by strokes of hands by the masseur increases lymph flow which in turn reduces blood pressure.

-Regular massage of abdomen relaxes the system and helps to improve digestion, passage of accumulated gases by stimulating lymph flow of intestinal lymph nodes.

Who should get this massage and how long should be the duration?

Infants upto 3 years-for 15 minutes

Healthy young person-Age between 5-18 years-for 30 to 45 minutes

Healthy adult-Age 18 -40 years-for 40-45 minutes

Healthy adult –Age 40-60-As per the state of health/requirements

Older person –As per state of health requirements.

As a rule, the pressure and area in older person and child below 3 years should be considered carefully by masseur. Focus should be given to problem areas.

Who should not get the massage?

Those having cough related conditions, fever, vomiting, constipation, chronic indigestion and who are under treatment for active disease should not take massage.

Benefits of regular massage-

-Increases virility, vitality and rejuvenation

-Relief from fatigue

- Regulates the “Vata” component of body constitution

-Vision improvement of eyes

- Strengthens muscles

- Longevity

-induces sleep

- Improves skin texture and glow

- Improves immunity against diseases

- Improves recovery from injuries

- Improves overall resistant  to effects of pollutants and allergies

In subsequent articles we will discuss more about how ideal massage works and “Marma” massage.

If you have any questions regarding this,please sent your questions to the author.

_Dr.Shubhangi Sambrey

Email: info@ayurmir.com

+79269563425.

About Author: Dr.Shubangi Sambrey is a qualified Ayurvedic physician with 10+ years of experience. She had been a speaker on medical seminars speaking on the benefits of Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga. She is the owner AyurMir- A Wellness and Healthcare Tourism Company.

About AyurMir:  AyurMir is a Wellness and Health Tourism company. We are partnered with diverse authentic and original Ayurveda and Naturopathy Centres across globe. Being a medical tourism company, we are indulged to build a disease-free and healthy world through natural and ancient method of treatment.  The ancient Ayurveda and Naturopathy had been answer to many uncured diseases and AyurMir is is trying to connect this mode of wellness globally in an easiest manner.