MASSAGE

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body.

Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves.

Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally and physically healing. Particular massage techniques may either stimulate or calm the body's muscles and tissues to create a desired effect.

When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals, in combination with the healing properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. Massage may also enhance well being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones.

KALARI MASSAGE

Touch is a powerful sense of human body and this can do miracles. When we do touch in flow it becomes massage or an art of touch .In a holistic way Ayurveda consider mind, body and spirit as one.Inthe same way Ayurveda Kaari massage not only affect the body also the mind has a participation in it , and integrated with various physical Exercise, logic disciplines and meditation.

Massage the biological necessity of human body is a natural to prevent and cure diseases. Which involves the movements of vital energies in the body . the is possible by applying pressure through the vital points, muscles and nerves with the help of various herbal oils, which helps to preserve the vital energies in the body .

Ayurveda trying to stimulate the self-healing mechanism of the body, using herbal medicines, medicated oils and massage. In Ayurveda massage with legs is known as" ULTSADANA" and that with hand is known as" SAMVAHANA" when there are two persons to administerate the massage , it is called "SUPARITHALA KRIYA". To effectively administer the massage one should understand the human anatomy and vital points of the body. the reason is that massage effects not only the sperficial tissues but also the deeper body structures. and the effect of massage depends upon the rhythm, the number of rubbing and the pressure applied.

For treatment purpose, massage is given as a course 7 days or 9 , 11 or 14 days . The initial day massage administerate in a slow pressure, Gradually the amount of pressure and number rubbing is increased unitil it is adequately sufficient for the patient. Then gradually the pressure is decreased to the initial days light touch. While douing the massage the patient has to follow some restrictions, should not over expose to sunlight and heavy breeze, should not strain, do not get agitated, abstain from alcohol activities and the patient is allowed to have only a controlled diet and daily habits. It will improve the body chemistry and also improve the self-healing mechanism of body . Different ailments require different massage, and that should be done keeping patients conditions in mind. The speed , force ,number of rubbing and system of massage vary from person to persons as a per physically strength, age and ailments.

THREE MAIN FORMS OF MASSAGES

1. SUKHA THIRUMMU (RELAXING MASSAGE):
This massage provides relief from aches and muscular pain. This is administered for providing physical relaxation. This massage is very good for those people who are engaged in vigorous works. Based on the health and the age of the person. This massage is given in varied degrees.

2. RAKSHA THIRUMMU (TREATMET MASSAGE):
This treatment is given to those suffering from some sort of trauma. Even for the elderly , this kind of massage will give considerable relief. This promotes the blood circulation. This massage is helpful to relieve Rheumatic arthritis,dislocation, heaviness of the Head, Asthma ,Migraine and Constipation etc. Raksha Thirummu ( is give as a course , ordinarily for 7 days or 9,14 & 21 days. For this massage , according to the requirement of the patient specially prepared herbal oils (kughambu) are being used.

3. KATCHA THIRUMMU ( FLEXIBILITY MASSAGE ):
This form of massage is given to increase the body flexibility , required specially to those who practice martial arts and classical dance forms like KATHAKALI ,Bharatanatyam etc.This will also help to reduce thse body weight. This course is combined with Yoga Asanas and given as a course for 7 days or 9 days.

Kalari massage can activate the lymphatic system. The lymph system work as a cleaning agent for the body and providing antibodies and also carrying food supplies to all the cells.It is important to keep the lymph systems like digestive system , the blood and circulatory system , the flesh and skin,the bones marrow, the fat the semen are being treated under this system of massage.

ADVANTAGES OF MASSAGE

1. Massage helps to increase body flexibility and reduce fate .
2. The skin has new freshness .
3. The veins and arteries gain elasticity and body becomes more efficient .
4. If your skin has lost its vitality due to chronic diseases ,after massage the skin can regainthe lost vigour.
5. Massage improves blood circulation and helps body organs to function efficiently.
6. Proper blood circulation can clean the impurities collected at different points in the body through outlets like breath, sweat, stool and urine.

The organs like kidneys, rectum ,and lungs are strengthened and work more efficiently ,the same is the case of digestive organs like liver, small intestine etc. Sense organs and especially sensual organs have a new vigour. After massage bone centers, joint centers,muscle centers, nerve centers can work more efficiently, and you can escape from old age physically unfit to do exercise you can find massage an ideal substitute, as it can improve blood circulation. Patients suffering from ailments like rheumatism, O paralysis, Headache ,Muscular problems, Nervous ,Weakness , Back pain, disc prolapse, stomach trouble ,joint dislocation , Anxiety,Sexual disorders, Weakness,Irritability, fatness, Obsity, feeling of insecurity and agitation etc get relief with massage .

It is useful to promote sleep, for calming psychotic individuals,to give rest and improved mood to depressed patients ,and also good for those persons withdrawing from drugs, alcohol and heroin, because massage can improve self-mechanism of the body and increase immunity towards environmental changes , at the same time self-confidence and will power is increasing.The process of massages starts with a prayer and bow to the deities kalari. While doing the prayer the massager imagines "Felicitous in this mine hand. Yet more felicitous in this. this hand contains all healing value ,and this makes whole with gently touch"The final stage is doing meditation in Shavasana, that is after the administration of massage , breathing exercise and yoga therapy.

The process of Kalari massage is physically cumbersome to the massager.He has to adopt many difficult postures, and it id possible only to a trained Kalaripayat persons . While massaging there is transference of vital or electrical energy from the body of the massager to the receiver . The fingertips of the massager and skin of the massager act as a vehicle for this transference of vital life energy.The professional massage therapists will experience this loss of energy, thy to take some precautions. they should also receive massage regularly and relax after every massage by lying in Shavasana.