Why Learn Indian Massage

Massage is an important part of the Indian culture. It figures in almost every stage of life of an individual in India, especially because it has its roots in Ayurveda, India ’s ancient science of medicine. As one of the Ayurvedic methods, massage has been used for about four thousand years to improve the health and treat different kinds of illnesses. No wonder thousands of people around the world were encouraged to learn Indian massage.

Indian massage falls under the Panchakarma aspect of Ayurveda. Panchakarma consists of five therapeutic treatments, all of which are aimed at purifying and relieving the body of toxic elements. Massage does this by working on two levels—the mental and the physical aspects of an individual.

The rubbing and pressure exerted on one’s body result in heightened blood circulation and bodily warmth. These then improve the lymphatic system and clear the blood vessels of accumulating clogs, giving the body systems a more efficient functioning. It also increases the flow of certain hormones in the body that promotes growth. And as the body is massaged, the individual gets an overall feeling of tensions getting eased, of relaxation of the physique that extends to the mental aspect or psyche of the individual.

Though massage does not have a hundred percent guarantee on its healing powers, it complements other medical methods in treating illnesses and thus hastens healing. It also helps ease pain. But for you to be able to do massage properly, you should have knowledge on the different pressure or marma points in the human body. Massage may often start on the head or on the feet. That’s because different portions of the head and foot are sort of connected with the other parts of the body.

Pain at the back of the head and of the areas near the temples, for example, may indicate urinary infection and kidney problems. Soreness of the eyeball may indicate over acidity, while pain of the eye sockets may be a symptom of gastritis. With the parts of body being connected to each other, massage therapy can thus be used to treat or ease the pain due to arthritis, tension, back pain, high and low blood pressure, insomnia, rheumatism, and cramps.

Aside from healing and pain relief, massage is also used as an important ritual in Indian culture. Women that have just given birth are given massage daily for 40 days after giving birth. Couples that will be married are required to undergo massage therapy before the wedding ceremony. Couples are massaged with oils so they would be relaxed and look good as well as have the strength and stamina they need.

Oils are always used in Indian massage. Aside from the fact that they lessen friction and make massaging easier, they also contribute a calming effect and soothe dryness of the skin. Massage oils often used are made from sesame, mustard, jasmine, jojoba, wheat germ, and almond.

Knowing all these benefits of Indian massage, you need not ask why for thousands of years, Ayurvedic massage has been practiced by Indians and passed on from generation to generation. Now why don’t you start experiencing it for yourself and eventually learn Indian massage, so you can share it with your family and friends? That way, you won’t just be able to improve the health of the ones you love. You also get to bond and strengthen your relationships.