Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind

Good

Sriman Harish Johari is an excellent teacher and author, who can explain in-depth and sometimes quite esoteric knowledge in an easy-to-understand and grasp way. His books are always excellent and this is no exception. Having been trained in authentic Ayurvedic massage therapies, I can definitely commend and the explanations, diagrams and techniques here as being genuine and practical.I read and pratcised from the first edition many moons ago whilst my love for Ayurveda was blossoming, and I can tell you you feel like a novice to expert after going through and putting into practise what is taught here, though practical, professional guidance is always recommended, you will definitely learn a lot from this book; the theory, amazing health benefits and the pratcical applications.Starting with guiding principles of massage, Harish Johari goes further to explain the benefits, to whom, and with what oil formulas are best and includes contraindications (when certain health problems would not benefit or should not have massage). The book is well illustrated and has points to hit and start from along each technique and stroke. The oils and formulas are not difficult to obtain and make, being basic oils and can usually be easily found in an Indian grocery store or nowadays, with the great push for Organic oils, on the internet!In summary, this is a beautifully presented, well-written and crystal-clear explanation which makes this wonderful science and art truly accessible to the layman and also has great wisdom and facts for the practitioner!

Nice note accompanied book. Book was a advertised. Well packaged.

Have only read the first two chapters, but love it! Shows the importance of massaging yourself (on a daily or weekly basis)! Author has written it very well and seems to be very knowledgable.

I have tried Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga) at the local store and loved it. Therapist placed me on traditional indian massage table (made out of beautifully crafted wood) and used sesame seed oil with traditional Indian herbs to soothe my aching muscles. I am also esthetician and I love body treatments that help detoxification and exfoliation process. I was intrigued to learn more about this technnique and for that reason, I purchased the book.Book has very detailed explanations of how to perform this type of a massage and it also has pictures that explain hand placement and movements, which is very helpful. Some people who are more modest about the massage techniques may be off standish in adopting this technique or having this massage performed on their body. However, if one is open minded, remember that this massage technique has been used in India for thousands of years and there is certainly some merit to it providing health and relaxation benefits to the human body.I am not sure that therapists in the West would perform all movements described in the book on all clients, because some of them may appear as overstepping client's personal boundaries. Book is very helpful about explaining the massage, the technique, sequencing and movements that help relieve particular ailments.