Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage

"This is a good book for new Ayurvedic therapists as well as to refer back to, LOVE IT!"
~ Written on 2008-05-08

"I purchased a copy of this book some time ago hoping it would give more insight into my ayurvedic massaging. I was disappointed to find it's filled with many misinformations. First of all, the author has no idea of differentiations between vedic, yogic and ayurvedic. Secondly there are some really strange statements ("acupuncture originated from marma therapy"), which are founded more on the author's vivid imagination and are not supported by any evidence... Thirdly, no contraindications for ayurvedic massage are given. Lastly the massage techniques are given very vaguely/crudely.
The only good thing about this book are the dosha descriptions, but that can be found in most ayurveda related books.

I strongly suspect the other reviewer who wrote two (!) positive comments must be a friend of the author.

Ultimately, a waste of both time and money."
~ Written on 2005-04-21

"Atreya's bodywork background comes to the fore in this offering of knowledge called "Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage." This book is a very detailed insight into the use of "Massage" in the Ayurvedic health system. The beauty of this book is its detail to all aspects of Ayurvedic approach to body work, from its technique based on individual diagnosis to its information on the Ayurvedic energies of oils. This book is packed full of information. It also goes beyond what is being offered in other books dealing with the subject by sharing the knowledge of the effects on the subtle body. You will find topics such as "The place of massage in Ayurveda", "The Importance of Prana in Ayurvedic Massage", "The Place of Meditation in Ayurvedic Therapies" "The Appropriate Use of Oils, Herbs and Powders" to name a few. Also of great help to my own studies and practice of Ayurveda were the chapters on "Nadis - The Subtle Currents in the Body" and "Marmas - The Subtle Pranic Points in the Body." This book contains much information on these topics with very good charts. Atreya's own experience with bodywork is his guiding light as he guides the reader through knowledge gained through practice. For my school studies of Ayurvedic massage I used what information I took in notes and then used this book (not the text book that we received) for my study. I am still referring to this book in my practice to become a better bodywork practitioner. I would also recommend Atreya's earlier book "Prana - The Secret to Yogic Healing" to any one wanting to further explore Prana/ energy and bodywork. Thank you Atreya."
~ Written on 2003-01-05

"If one wishes to read more "in-depth" material that goes into the Ayurvedic fundamentals in detail then Atreya's previous books, this book along with "Practical Ayurveda: Secrets for Physical, Sexual & Spiritual Health", "Ayurvedic Healing for Women: Herbal Gynecology" and all deal with this. As a student of Ayurvedic medicine I can honestly say that Atreya's knowledge is unquestionable. ~ Brenden Skudder"
~ Written on 2002-12-30