Mrs. Gita ramesh, joint managing director of kairali has written a pictorial manual on ayurvedic herbal massage, published in two languages – english & dutch. Spa ayurveda is the oldest world science and has been serving mankind for the last 5000 years. This book is an effort to acquaint you with the healing methods of the world’s most original medical science, which doesn’t just cure ailments but also brings new health and life to your body, mind and spirit. Excerpt - a healthy glowing skin, an agile body and a complete sense of well-being is everybody’s dream. In these days of hectic lifestyles, with everyday tensions in a pollution-ridden urban life increasing, there is a ray of hope, a distinct possibility of bubbling with vigour and vitality. For this we must look to our ancient system of healthy living, ayurveda. Ayurvedic massage has a hypnotic effect on the body and mind; it is deeply relaxing and boosts the body’s circulation. When the body and mind are both at peace, one’s face reflects the inner calm. Moreover, rubbing the body with medicated herbal oils works as a tonic and increases one’s energy. Much of what we consider to be everyday routine and do mechanically such as rubbing oil on the whole body and taking a warm bath are, in fact, techniques of health care. These are the very routines preached by ayurveda. Ayurveda advises the practice of daily massage of the body with oil. This is the best way of preserving youthfulness; massaging the whole body has a greater impact: it relaxes, cleanses and creates a harmony between the mind and the body. The massage is performed by two ayurvedic therapists working in perfect synchrony. It is followed by a steam bath which helps the oils to penetrate thoroughly, cleanse the body and remove the toxins lodged deep within the tissues. The steam bath is followed by a warm shower. The shower removes all the dirt and revitalises the body. Bathing every day not only removes dirt, but also revitalises the body, stimulates appetite, prevents itching and chases lethargy away. If we do not take time out for these seemingly small things, we will diminish the quality of our lives. Massages are recommended for children too. They assist in growth and strengthen the immune system. Oil is needed in a massage for the masseur’s strokes to be smooth and flowing. The masseur’s hands must be able to slide against the surface of the skin without friction. Each part of the hand is employed in the massage the heel, thumb, palm and fingers. Only warm oils should be used. Massage helps in loosening muscular tension, opens up the pores of the skin and improves its tonal quality. During a massage, the body is rubbed vigorously to allow the oil to be absorbed; the pressure being firm, yet not uncomfortable. Different types of oils are used for the head, face and the body. Ayurvedic massages are done with herbal oils only. Various herbs are used in the preparation of oils; some are listed on pp. 72-79. The oils to be used are selected depending on the body type.

Mrs. Gita ramesh, joint managing director of kairali has written a pictorial manual on ayurvedic herbal massage, published in two languages – english & dutch. Spa ayurveda is the oldest world science and has been serving mankind for the last 5000 years. This book is an effort to acquaint you with the healing methods of the world’s most original medical science, which doesn’t just cure ailments but also brings new health and life to your body, mind and spirit. Excerpt - a healthy glowing skin, an agile body and a complete sense of well-being is everybody’s dream. In these days of hectic lifestyles, with everyday tensions in a pollution-ridden urban life increasing, there is a ray of hope, a distinct possibility of bubbling with vigour and vitality. For this we must look to our ancient system of healthy living, ayurveda. Ayurvedic massage has a hypnotic effect on the body and mind; it is deeply relaxing and boosts the body’s circulation. When the body and mind are both at peace, one’s face reflects the inner calm. Moreover, rubbing the body with medicated herbal oils works as a tonic and increases one’s energy. Much of what we consider to be everyday routine and do mechanically such as rubbing oil on the whole body and taking a warm bath are, in fact, techniques of health care. These are the very routines preached by ayurveda. Ayurveda advises the practice of daily massage of the body with oil. This is the best way of preserving youthfulness; massaging the whole body has a greater impact: it relaxes, cleanses and creates a harmony between the mind and the body. The massage is performed by two ayurvedic therapists working in perfect synchrony. It is followed by a steam bath which helps the oils to penetrate thoroughly, cleanse the body and remove the toxins lodged deep within the tissues. The steam bath is followed by a warm shower. The shower removes all the dirt and revitalises the body. Bathing every day not only removes dirt, but also revitalises the body, stimulates appetite, prevents itching and chases lethargy away. If we do not take time out for these seemingly small things, we will diminish the quality of our lives. Massages are recommended for children too. They assist in growth and strengthen the immune system. Oil is needed in a massage for the masseur’s strokes to be smooth and flowing. The masseur’s hands must be able to slide against the surface of the skin without friction. Each part of the hand is employed in the massage the heel, thumb, palm and fingers. Only warm oils should be used. Massage helps in loosening muscular tension, opens up the pores of the skin and improves its tonal quality. During a massage, the body is rubbed vigorously to allow the oil to be absorbed; the pressure being firm, yet not uncomfortable. Different types of oils are used for the head, face and the body. Ayurvedic massages are done with herbal oils only. Various herbs are used in the preparation of oils; some are listed on pp. 72-79. The oils to be used are selected depending on the body type.