Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind Paperback - 1996

HEALTH / MASSAGE One of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, Ayurveda views the human being as intimately connected with the environment and all other life-forms. As this healing art evoloved, massage practitioners who were also Ayurvedic doctors developed a special system based on their own understandings of the needs of specific body types and their knowledge of the marmas, subtle energy points that respond to gentle physical manipulation. Providing a comprehensive introduction to Ayurvedic massage, this is the first book to make these techniques available to both the novice and the more experienced massage practitioner. Ayurvedic massage works on both the physical and mental levels, transmitting a life-giving energy that assists all systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. If enjoyed on a regular basis, it can relieve muscular tension, tone the body, restore agility to stiff joints, and stop premature aging and wrinkling. In clear and accessible language, author Harish Johari guides the reader through each step in the full-body massage, explaining what oils work best for particular body types and showing how to relieve imbalances and stimulate self-healing. More than 115 beautiful drawings illustrate his techniques. He also gives instructions for using massage during pregnancy and labor as well as after delivery to provide the new mother with an extra measure of support and comfort, and he follows up with a section on massaging the newborn baby. An additional chapter on therapeutic massage outlines special techniques and natural remedies for treating specific disorders, including arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and insomnia. The author also offers a complete guide to the traditional forty-day beauty treatment as practiced in India that includes a wide variety of recipes for fragrant massage oils prepared from rejuvenating herbs and spices along with formulas for nourishing facial creams and masks and beautifying clay baths. HARISH JOHARI began his training the the principles of Ayurveda at an early age, studying in his native India with several different vaidyas, or traditional Ayurvedic practitioners. He is also the author of numerous books, including The Healing Cuisine, Tools for Tantra, Chakras, Numerology, and The Healing Power of Gemstones.