One therapist is in charge of heating and re-heating the stones, while the other alternates between oil massage, stone massage with oil, and placing stones at key points on the body. As the treatment progresses, a rhythm is established. One part of the body is being massaged, while a strategically placed stone sends heat deep into another part of the body; as the stone cools, it is replaced or taken away and another stone is placed elsewhere. After the back, legs and arms have been seen to, the client turns over, and is then invited to lie down on eight stones that run up either side of the spine. The heat is then twofold: coming up through the back, and down from stones on the front.
Stones are often basalt, a black volcanic rock with a high iron content, that absorbs and retains heat well. Such stones are believed to improve energy flows in the body.
With soothing music, firm massage strokes and the wonderfully nurturing warmth from the smooth stones, this is an experience to savor. The mind wanders and returns, the body sighs in acceptance, the spirit is soothed. Unfortunately, it seems all too soon when the treatment comes to an end. Nonetheless, the benefits linger and if this therapy is prescribed as a daily treat during a long-term stay, the effects are magnified considerably.
marma massage Pressure Point Massage
Indian pressure points are known as marmas and are similar to Chinese acupressure points. Translating from the Sanskrit as “secret” or “hidden”, they are found at junctures of the body where two or more tissues, muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints meet.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are thousands of such points, but only 107 exist in the Ayurvedic system. Consisting of major points that correspond to the seven chakras and minor points that radiate out along the torso and limbs, they are measured by finger units (anguli) to detect their correct locations. There are 22 points on the lower extremities, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and stomach, 14 on the back and 37 on the head and neck. The mind is considered the 108th marma point. In the Sushruta Samhita each point has a Sanskrit name.
Ayurveda states that every marma point is placed at a junction of different channels of prana movements in the body. Prana, similar to chi in TCM, is considered the subtle vital energy that pervades every part of the body, nurturing the cell systems. If marma points become blocked or ruptured, prana flow is interrupted and organs may become diseased. If they are clear, prana is free to travel the meridians or nidas unchecked — and the body is healthy.
The idea of massaging the marma points began in Kerala at around 1500 BC when masters of kalari payattu first used the marma points as points for injury. It was only a matter of time before Ayurvedic physicians realized that these points could also be used for healing — and began to experiment with massaging the points to trigger a healing flow of energy. Today, marma massage is practiced at clinics and spas for a number of different reasons, be it therapeutic, relaxing or revitalizing.
Marma massage generally combines soft, flowing movements (abhyangam) with pressure point therapy. For the latter, the therapist uses one or more fingers depending on the size of the marma point, and either presses directly or in circular motions on that particular point. It is believed that clockwise movements stimulate and energize a marma point, while counterclockwise motions break up blocked energy and toxins held within a point. The practice is quite similar to Chinese acupressure or Japanese shiatsu, the origins of which lie in Ayurvedic practice. Benefits of regular marma massage are a general balancing — emotional, spiritual and physical — resulting in clarity, calmness and confidence.
Showing both chakra points and meridians, this educational drawing (left below) shows how prana or the vital force needs to flow around the body. Specific points (left and below) are pressed to release blocked prana.
champi Indian Head Massage
In spite of its name, Indian head massage involves work not only on the head but on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face too. In much the same way that Traditional Chinese Medicine dictates that certain points on the feet are directly aligned to internal organs, Ayurvedic texts relate certain parts of the head to other body parts and/or symptoms or diseases. Therefore, a champi or head massage does not only affect the immediate areas massaged: it can be a healing, rejuvenating and thoroughly stimulating experience as well.
The moment a baby is born, the fontanel on the top of its head is covered immediately with cloth soaked in oil with a bala root decoction to strengthen the head, sight and intelligence. Mothers massage their babies’ heads to facilitate strong skull and brain development, and later, give their daughters head massages to stimulate the scalp and infuse conditioning oils into the hair. Men are used to receiving a sharp rubdown at the barber’s shop and another place you are likely to receive an Indian head massage is in a salon or spa.
The massage normally takes 30 to 60 minutes and is given seated in a chair. It may be dry or oils may be used to both condition hair and calm the nervous system, as hair roots are connected to nerve fibers. Techniques vary, but the therapist usually start by gently kneading upper back, shoulder and neck muscles, then works up to the head. Here, the scalp is squeezed, rubbed and tapped and hair may be combed or pulled. The therapist locates the marma points along the head and spends time tugging and pressing earlobes, before moving on to the face. Facial massage is usually a mixture of acupressure and gentle manipulation, ending with soft stroking.
People who suffer from vertigo, headaches, migraines, insomnia, tinnitus and depression are all reported to find champi helpful. As the therapist works on the three higher chakras, the vissuddha (the base of the throat), ajna (the forehead) and sahasrara (the crown), mental and emotional stress is immediately released. In addition, the localized massage improves the supply of glucose and blood to the brain, improves the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, dissipates accumulated toxins and opens pranic channels. Results include improved memory, clarity of mind, better eyesight and concentration, and clearing of the sinuses.
The therapist at the Ayurvedic Penthouse at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, first prepares for a 60-minute Indian head massage session by creating an atmosphere of calm with candlelight and aromatic oil burners. Then, she starts the therapy with pressure point massage to stimulate the vital energy points in the skull, thereby increasing the flow of subtle energies in the body. The result is a client comforted, nurtured and relaxed.
udwarthanam Dry Massage with Herbal Powder
A stimulating massage that uses dry powders not oil, udwarthanam is vigorous, energizing and not for the faint hearted. Dry herbal powders, chosen according to one’s dosha, are rubbed into the skin in the opposite direction to hair growth with strong repeated movements. The friction of the powder during the massage creates body heat that increases circulation, breaks down cellulite, firms muscle tone and reduces fat by improving the metabolism of the muscles. It is recommended for those who want to lose weight, as it reduces cholesterol levels and adipose tissue and promotes better digestion and. It also removes toxins and exfoliates the skin, leaving skin tingling, soothed and soft.
Most Ayurvedic massages tend to use long, flowing strokes that go away from the heart and from bottom to top, but udwarthanam