Spa Therapies Of New Asia
Marma Point Massage:
Marma point massage has its origins in Indian Ayurveda, which is the oldest healing system in the world. The use of marma points in a massage is based on the belief that the human body contains a basic energy life force (prana) which accumulates at numerous energy points or centres. Marma means secret, hidden and vital, and marma points are essentially vital energy points in the body. Ancient treatises on Indian Ayurveda states that the human body contains 107 marma points, which when struck or massaged, may either injure or heal. For example, the lohit, a marma point on the leg, maybe massaged to treat paralysis. Conversely, if the same point is struck, it can cause paralysis. Today the marma point massage is most frequently practised in South India. It is believed to work best for vata types, and serves to heal and increase flexibility. You may get a therapist to do a marma point massage on you, or you may do it yourself. A marma point massage is done with the thumb or index finger. Beginning with small clockwise circles, the therapist will gradually increase the circular motion and the pressure used. A marma point that is believed to be blocked or out of balance will cause some discomfort when massaged. Traditionally, medicated oils made from Ayurvedic herbs were used in the massage; today essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint are used.
