which is conducive to a state of health and peace. Further information about medi-
tation can be found in Chapter 16.
Massage.
Marmatherapy is a massage technique focusing on 107 sensitive points, called mar-
mas, located on the skin. These points are similar to the acupuncture points called
hsueh in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Marma therapy predates the Chinese
approach and is likely the parent to acupuncture and acupressure. Marmas are acti-
vated through various methods. One is through yoga movements that gently stretch
specific marma points. Warm oil dripped on the center of the forehead, a major
marma point, can be profoundly soothing. A daily self-massage with oil can reach
all the marmas on the skin, and can be found, along with further information on
massage, in Chapter 11.
Aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is based on olfactory stimuli used to help balance the doshas as each
responds to specific signals. Specialized olfactory cells provide instant connection of
odors with the brain. The hypothalamus responds through regulation of bodily func-
tions, the limbic system responds with emotions, and the hippocampus responds
with memories, which explains how smells can elicit memories so vividly.
In general, Vata is balanced with warm, sweet, and sour aromas such as basil,
orange, rose geranium, clove, and other spices. Pitta is balanced by sweet, cool aro-
mas such as rose, mint, cinnamon, sandalwood, and jasmine. Kapha is balanced
using warm aromas with spicy overtones such as juniper, eucalyptus, camphor, and
clove. People whose doshas are out of balance are given specific oils to restore dosha
balance. Aromatherapy may be used at any time but is often prescribed at night as
it helps induce sleep. Aromatherapy is discussed further in Chapter 9.
Music
India has a long tradition of merging music and medicine. Unlike most Western
music in which the notes are distinct, the tones tend to blend together, creating a
soothing, unifying sound. As with taste and smell, doshas can be balanced with
certain tones and rhythms. The three doshas peak at different times of the day and
traditional Indian music smoothes the process of these transitions. An example of a
rough transition is the inability to fall asleep because one’s mind is racing with
many thoughts. Ten minutes of music can be used as a gentle wakeup in the morn-
ing, after a meal to settle digestion, just before bedtime to aid sleep, and during the
recovery period from an illness.
CHAPTER 4 AYURVEDIC MEDICINE 63
