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Indian Massage – Marma-Point
Many massage techniques that later became popular in various parts of Asia actually originated in ancient India.
One of the oldest is marma-point massage. Used for thousands of years, it has now made its way into Western spas
where it's a great favorite of clients.
As with many Eastern techniques the focus is on the integration of mind and body. Marma is a Sanskrit word that
means 'hidden' and the basic idea is to reach to the hidden places to bring out the desired effect. As a result,
marma-point utilizes deep tissue massage to stimulate joints, ligaments and muscles where they meet at a point.
While the theory involves unfounded principles of Eastern philosophy, the practice is sound, providing obvious
health benefits. With light stimulation of points on the body (107 according to the ancient theory), the
practitioner applies gentle pressure that relieves joint stress.
Covering both the front and the back over a long session, finger-width pressure is applied at locations called
anguli. Encompassing an area larger than that used in acupuncture, these anguli are stimulated in turn, similar to
the technique used in reflexology.
Dating back to the southern India of 1500 B.C., the practice has its origins in the points used during a martial
art developed there called 'kalari'. According to its practitioners, the marma points are areas where a struck blow
can result in great harm. But in the massage technique these points are used to release tension and create
relaxation.
Points are stimulated with the tips of one or two fingers in a very subtle, low-pressure way using circular
movements. Practitioners work with the client, not on them, receiving feedback as the various points are worked to
ensure that comfort levels are not exceeded. Typical sessions take an hour to an hour and a half.
The technique is passed from master to apprentice, taking a long time to develop. Many require as long as five
years to learn all the points and how best to stimulate them. Growing out of Ayurvedic medicine, a dedicated
student can learn the basics, though, in a few months. Much of the preliminary training involves a study of
'doshas', which are a type of 'energy', according to practitioners.
Each point has a unique name and relation to other points. Some of the more common ones are associated with
familiar areas on the body, such as the temples, points at the base of the skull, the backs of the knees and the
like.
But whatever the underlying theory, the technique can certainly produce positive benefits when carried out
properly. Often incorporating sunflower and other oils, the result is a low-friction, relaxing
session.
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