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Modern counterpart of the traditional oil bath
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Come Sunday, and a good oil bath followed by an afternoon nap was definitely on the list of the day's chores. But with a drastic change in lifestyle, people now prefer to go to a professional masseur and enjoy every bit of the experience.
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IT'S ONE one of grandma's most popular and effective remedies for almost anything. A nice good oil bath. There were times when people would strictly adhere to their weekly oil bath that would rejuvenate their whole outlook to life. But not anymore. People hit by the "no-time'' syndrome and the guys n'gals of the "instant-what-have-you'' generation, prefer to hand themselves over to professionals for the job. No wonder there are so many pairs of hands making big money by giving people a good rub-a- dub.
Massages have always been a luxurious respite from aching bodies and taut nerves. But a good ''maalish'' was not always affordable for people from all classes of society. The masseur was mostly courted by kings and princes, while grandmas and mothers massaged their families to shining glory. Maybe things changed when women began seeking jobs. Or when a range of cosmetics pretended to stand in for the benefits provided by the regular oil massage. There was a phase when the craze for artificial means of looking good subdued the voice of tradition. All until the words `herbal' and `ayurvedic' became marketing mantras.
Through health spas, rejuvenation centres, cosmetic and slimming clinics, and even some specialised massage centres, people are rediscovering the age-old tradition of massage. It is not only about beauty consciousness, say most of these service providers. It is about increased stress levels and above all, a
willingness to spend for such luxuries.
Says Venky Hegde, a young businessperson: "I try to get a body massage done once a month as it feels very good and relieves back and neck pain which I get due to bad posture and sitting late at work.'' He recommends an ayurvedic massage over a normal one as he feels "even better'' and the "ayurvedic oils are more aromatic and relaxing''. A regular at Charisma, a rejuvenation centre, in Koramangala, he says the effect of a massage lasts well over 15 to 20 days and one does not tire easily.
Mercy and Suresh, a couple trained in ayurvedic massage, who have come from Allapuzha in Kerala, to work at Charisma, reiterate the increase in the demand for their skills. "While the owner of this place has planned every room of this health parlour well, he has spent the most on our work room, the massage parlour. So obviously he believes that the returns will be high in this particular area.'' They indicate the specially created "ayurgram ambience'', incense, lamps, flowers, a specially shaped table for the massage and facilities that he hopes will entice customers.
Even as an alternative therapy, ayurvedic massage is becoming very popular, the couple say. Patients with spondilitis, osteo-arthritis, paralysis, osteoporosis, and children with motor problems find their way to these remedies as a last resort. "If the patient comes in the early stages and completes the course, we can guarantee complete cure,'' say the couple.
But going to unskilled persons can backfire, they warn. "Massaging is a highly skilled activity and it can harm the body if it is not done properly,'' says Mercy, who mostly massages women with particular joint pains or ailments. Few people know, however, that there are many restrictions when one is undergoing treatment through ayurvedic massage such as eating only fresh food, foregoing the afternoon nap (as that causes swelling of joints), and not drinking cold water or curd. "This treatment is not like a pain-killer which makes your
pain vanish but cannot stop it from returning,'' they say. "It is a slow but permanent cure that has to be combined with other changes in lifestyle.''
Charges in most places are well above Rs. 500, while the exact amount varies depending on the oil. Usha Vasu, a beauty consultant in Rajajinagar, agrees that there is a distinct rise in the number of people who want body massages done. "In naturopathy, we believe that massage improves body circulation and mobilises fat cells, so we recommend regular body massage to people who are trying to reduce weight. It works well along with exercise and diet.''
``My gym was offering this service for just Rs. 100 more. As it is good for the skin and body I wanted to get it done. But I was not comfortable with the woman doing it. The place and person has to be reliable for a massage,'' says Priya, a working woman. Vijaya, a corporate manager, agrees with this. "If the lady decides to be chatty or talkative, the whole purpose
is defeated,'' she adds. "I went to Ayurdham in Jayanagar for an early morning massage session. When I came home I just slept the whole day,'' says Vijaya recalling the experience. The sheer feeling of feeling fresh and relaxed made her want to go back.
Higher pay scales bring along higher stress levels.
And as the "let-me-spend'' and "I-love-to-pamper-myself'' attitudes don't belong only to the youth anymore; anyone can seek an appointment in a massage parlour.
CHARUMATHI SUPRAJA
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