While a number of authors have written on "ayurvedic massage," most of them have not truly integrated the massage techniques into the science of ayurveda with the background and depth of knowledge of the authors of this volume. Readers of this text will gain a background in ayurvedic theory, as well as applied therapy. Ayurvedic massage can be seen as a therapeutic tool in its own right as well as a predecessor to panchakarma treatment. For the first time the important concept of "marma massage" has been explained and described. This book can be considered to be the authoritative text on Ayurvedic Massage Therapy in the field and is sure to be a classic work referred to by ayurvedic massage practitioners around the world.