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 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.
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