To spread the original, universal and eternal truth, path or law of yoga, which remains forever the same in essence, yet always adapts to the time and place.

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.

Lakshmi gives Vishnu a foot massage - click to see a bigger imageIn 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.


About this page

Peter MarchandThis page on ayurvedic massage techniques was written by Peter Marchand, based on the "Ayurvedic massage" book by Harish Johari, with details on indian ayurvedic massage techniques as well as 155 drawings.

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Sanatan Society is an international networking association of students of the late Harish Johari, joining efforts to promote his teachings of yoga philosophy, tantra, worship, art and love. Sanatan Society stands for the original, universal and eternal truth, path or law of yoga. Though it is Hindu in origin, Sanatan Society is not limited to any religion, race, time or country, nor in fact to any particular organisation. More about Sanatan Society...


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