Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour.

of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,

Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

Journal of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine

www.jahm.co.in
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BOOK REVIEW OPEN ACCESS

BOOK REVIEW – UZHICHILINTE TATWAM

ISRAA ISMAIL AHMED 1* JIGEESH P.P.2

Abstract
Uzhichilinte Tatwam is a book written by S.V. Govindan explaining about the basic techniques of
massage, its various forms and its utility in health and disease. The detailed explanation about each
technique and the application in various disease conditions gives the readers a clear idea on the use of
massage in treatment aspects. The inoculation of principles of Ayurveda, Yoga and Chinese medicine is
definitely an attractive feature of the book. New techniques like Self massage and Spiritual massage
designed by the author are yet another highlight of this book. For those seeking a detailed know-how
regarding massage and its possible effect in health and disease, this book is a must read.
Key words: Massage, self -massage, Ayurveda, spiritual massage.

1*
PG scholar, 2Professor and Head, Dept. of Panchakarma, Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College,
Kottakkal, Kerala, INDIA
Corresponding Email id: israa4u@gmail.com Access this article online: www.jahm.co.in
Published by Atreya Ayurveda Publications under the license CC-by-NC-SA

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

INTRODUCTION FEATURES OF THE BOOK

‘’Uzhichilinte Tatwam’’ is a malayalam Author – S.V. Govindan
paperback book written by S. V. Govindan that Period – 19th century,
details about the relevance, method and Edition – First edition, February 1985
different practices of massage. The book was Language – Malayalam
published in February 1985 by Current Books, Number of sections -20
Kottayam. It consists of 143 pages. The first Number of chapters – no division into chapters
edition of the book was originally written in Number of verse – nil
Hindi and then the author himself wrote a Translation – English – Ayurvedic Massage For
Malayalam version as per the request of Late Health and Healing (1996)
Padmabhushan P.K. Warrier who considered Total pages – 143
the book to be unique and informative. The Price – Rs 45/-
second and third edition was published in The book is currently available at Mahatma
1992 and 1996 by Current books, Kottayam. Gandhi University Library, Kerala (Ed. 2006,
The price is Rs 45. The book has been 139 pages)
translated to English and published in 2000. OBJECTIVE OF THE BOOK
The author was born at Ottappalam, Palakkad ‘’Uzhichilinte Tatwam’’ (Principles of Massage)
on December 24, 1924. He was a devoted is a book that provides deep information on
disciple of Vinobha Bhave and ardent follower the techniques and use of massage in healthy
of Gandhiji. He gained vast knowledge about persons as well as in individuals affected with
spiritual healing and massage through long various diseases. A comprehensive
years of experience. He was deeply influenced explanation regarding various types of
by Kelappaji and is also known as a renowned massage, its uses along with use of Ayurveda
social worker. The author has five other books medicated oil and yoga aims at a holistic
to his name - ‘Ayurvedic massage for health approach to massage. New techniques like
and healing’, Fundamental maxims of self-massage prompts readers to understand
Ayurveda, Massage for health and healing. He and practice massage in daily life.
has also written another Malayalam book – CONTENTS OF THE BOOK
‘Brahmavidyayude Harishree.’ He currently The book consists of 20 sections. A brief
resides at Brahmavidhya mandhir, Wardha. history and evolution of massage and its
modifications are lineated in the beginning

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

followed by a chapter dedicated to massage is also briefed at the end of this

understanding the anatomy and physiology of chapter. A comparison of the marma science
human body with special reference to the elaborated in Kalarippayattu (a martial art
science of Marma (study of vital points in the that originated in Kerala) and its specialities
body). The concept of massage is explained are mentioned in the second chapter. In the
using the malayalam word uzhichil. The need latter part of the third section, the methods of
of uzhichil, the rules or methodology to be massage with necessary precautions is
followed while practising uzhichil, necessary elaborated. A reader gets a good idea on how
precautions to be taken, preparation of the it has to be performed and what are the key
patient/individual receiving the massage and areas to concentrate. The method to massage
preparation of person performing the massage one’s own body is also provided. The author
is also elaborated. There is also a section was keen on massaging himself as can be seen
dedicated to the know-how of self-massage. in the text. The highlight of the massage
The special massages in Kerala and its utility is technique devised by the author is the
described. The influence of other direction in which pressure has to be
contemporary sciences like yoga and chinese applied. The sequential order of massage
medicine is evident in the beginning from toes up to the head is
book. Modernization of massage techniques elaborated. This technique is modified
have also been mentioned by the author. The depending upon the disease with which the
most important contribution by the author is individual is suffering. This section ends with
the concept of ‘Spiritual Massage’ which is a precautions to be followed while massaging
concept devised and propagated by the author women and children. The next section deals
that has caught international attention. The with massage oils and its preparation. The use
book is provided with sufficient diagrams and of different coloured bottles to store oils
images to explain marma points, massage which serves different purposes is also
techniques and yoga postures. included. The author recommends use of
The first chapter gives a brief outlook of the linseed oil for skin diseases. The use of
history of massage in various parts of the Ayurveda taila according to the condition is
world. The practice of massage in Kerala and also suggested.
its utility among soldiers and among Mardana, ardana, marshana, sparshana,
commoners for maintenance of health is champana, kampana, ladana and peedana are
mentioned. The western classification of the eight types of massage quoted by the

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

author. The reference is given as Vinobha. A insert the finger and rotate 4-5 times. Author
section is dedicated to ubtan which are claims it will prevent haemorrhoids and
powders or pastes used for massage on the diseases of the prostate gland. The author
body which serves the purpose of improving gives an elaborate description of massage in
skin tone and for enhancing beauty. The last each part of the body. This includes the core
section of this chapter deals with 12 points where pressure has to be applied, the
techniques of massage. Each technique is directions in which massage has to be
explained in detail along with the body part on performed. Illustrations are provided for
which it has to be done. better understanding. Massage of umbilicus
The technique of cold massage is elaborated with special reference of a pulse examination
next. A clear description of the procedure in the umbilicus is detailed. Massage of chest
along with necessary precautions are enlisted involves massage of breast and nipples. Gentle
along with the time duration of the massage. tugging at the nipples is advised. The massage
Cold massage is advised in insomnia, of back involves the massage in plexus like
hypertension and certain psychiatric solar plexus, cardiac plexus etc. The next
condition. The next part of this section deals section of the book gives an account of use of
with special Kerala procedures like chavitti different massages in certain clinical
uzhichil, pizhichil, navara kizhi, dhara, netra conditions. The author emphasises that
tarpanam etc. The Kerala method of massage alone cannot preserve health, a
continuous 14/21 days uzhichil is elaborated balanced diet, sleep hygiene etc are crucial to
here. The instructions to be followed during this. Treatment also doesn’t rely solely upon
the rest period is also included. The author massage. It acts remarkably well in certain
mentions time period of massage for each age diseases like insomnia, paralysis, obesity etc.
group. The 7 postures of Ayurveda massage is Massage with amalaka taila or oils in blue
briefed. Self-massage was widely practiced by bottles can be used for massage on head. A
the author. It is used as a tool to energize and few examples of the use of Ayurveda oil for
rejuvenate oneself. The step by step method is massage in various diseases mentioned in the
elaborated. Self-massage is to be done in book are given below. In case of fractures,
sitting posture. Cold massage, oil massage, gentle massage with Dhanwantaram taila is
powder massage can be done similarly. Special done after initial management with reduction
method to massage anus is mentioned. and immobilization. In case of paralysis,
Application of oil on the tip of the finger and

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

massage with oil in red bottles/ ksheera bala interesting to know that massage can be done
taila/ pinda taila is beneficial. on one’s own body as well for others, both for
There is also description regarding Shiyatsu rejuvenation as well as for disease. The
massage, theory of Yin and Yang and technique of cold massage is widely used
Acupressure. The author’s personal experience which means it had good results for certain
with Acupressure is also stated. A special conditions. The author was keen on massaging
rolling massage is explained for painless himself as can be seen in the text. The
labour. A rolling pin is used to massage the highlight of the massage technique devised by
feet of the pregnant woman. The author the author is the direction in which pressure
enlists yoga postures suitable for each has to be applied. The sequential order of
condition. The last topic dealt is Spiritual massage beginning from toes up to the head is
massage. This is the premier contribution of elaborated. This technique is modified
the author. Various experiences of this depending upon the disease with which the
massage is also narrated. A detailed individual is suffering. In case, there is
description about the chakra and massage on increased body heat or obesity, massage is to
each chakra is explained. be done in the reverse direction starting from
ANALYSIS the head and ending at the feet. This
The book is entirely based on the author’s technique is called cold massage, here water
journey of self -learning and experience. The at room temperature is utilised for massage. In
author has been influenced by various most instances, there is explanation regarding
sciences that contributed to shaping his deep mode of action of massage in various parts of
knowledge of massage. Massage techniques the body. The flushing out of toxins and the
have been elaborated in detail leaving no improvement of circulation by massaging
room for doubt. The illustrations and diagrams towards the heart are the explanations cited.
are used effectively to communicate the same. Massage is a natural process according to the
The inclusion and explanation of marma in the author. He uses the metaphor of animals
second chapter of the book is a clear reflection cleansing themselves by licking and the warm
of the necessity of understanding the human loving touch of a mother. Though there is no
anatomy before delving into massage. An mention of tridosa sidhanta, the influence of
attempt to compare massage to Kayakalpa Ayurveda is highly noticeable. This is evident in
which is an extreme form of rejuvenation is the section wherein the initial management of
seen in the book. The reader will find it various diseases like fractures, skin disease

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

and paralysis are briefed along with the elaborated. A table is given at the end of the
suitable Ayurvedic oil for massage. Adoption book regarding the same. The author’s
of integrated management of Ayurveda, expertise in massage is evident through the
massage, yoga and meditation for the narration of different cases managed by
treatment of diseases as well as maintenance massage. At an event in Wardha, a person’s
of health is a key feature of the book. A brief blood pressure was lowered by massage which
outlook on the massage practices that existed was very high prior to it. This is an illustration
during the author’s time and its variations is of the utility of massage in emergency
also available in the book. The special mention situations.
of women masseurs is such an example. The Massage was not confined to the limits of
practice of Kerala panchakarma and certain simple application of pressure to the body, but
quotes can also be seen. The book is a a knowledge regarding movement of joints is
reflection of the sincerity and the strictness also included. This is even more appreciable
with which the author practiced and when there is advice to perform massage
propagated massage. Step by step narration is towards the direction of heart in diseases of
very useful for the reader. The utility of joints like Sandhivata (painful conditions of
massage during that time was not restricted to joints like osteoarthritis). The massage of
improving physique alone but also to improve promoting sexual health is also clearly
the tone and texture of skin. The inclusion of described. The author has presented the
ubtan and various recipes is a matter of massage techniques in such a way that even a
interest. Recipes to improve skin tone without common man with no experience can
the use of chemicals is in great demand today. understand and try learning it. The
These recipes should be tried and tested. comparison of massage to techniques in
There is updated information regarding the Kalaripayattu and Kayakalpa is the reflection
use of electric massagers and vibrators. But of use of massage for protection, revitalization
according to the author, the massage by a and strengthening of the body. The extensive
human is always better. The author’s literature regarding Japanese massage-
knowledge of the plexus in the body and its shiyatsu and chinese massage is a direct
relation to chakras is evident. The relationship indication of influence of other cultures and
of chakra with various glands in the body and techniques. It is also a reflection of the fact
how the spiritual massage of these chakras will that massage was popular in the Eastern part
combat diseases affecting these glands is also of the world.

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 Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

The concept of spiritual massage, a understand disease onset and treatment

contribution by the author is an inoculation of throughout the book.
the science of yoga along with massage CONCLUSION
techniques. While in yoga there is a need to The book is a treasure of information for the
focus on those 6 points in the body along with ones seeking practical aspects and technical
pranayama (breathing techniques/ controlled know- how of massage. It is like a handbook to
breathing) etc, the author utilises the explore the world of massage. The authors
technique of massage along with meditation. experience in different parts of the world
The science of reflexology is also utilised. The validates it even more. The simple
use of mantra and music to do spiritual presentation and systematic arrangement of
massage along with the time duration is also topics helps in better understanding of the
explained. technique and its usefulness in multiple
The book ends with the description of yoga contexts. Readers seeking scientific
nidra(sleep). The perfect time for yoga nidra explanation to the effect of massage will find
and its experience is also narrated. Its this book convincing and encourage them to
experience is also narrated. The concept of practise self-massage. The cosmetic benefit of
spiritual ojas is another contribution by the massage and natural ingredients to boost skin
author. This ojas is connected to the well - health are definitely some of the attractive
being of the body and any disruption in the take away of the book. The emphasis on
same will cause disease. The practise of spirituality and its role in well- being will catch
spiritual massage is intended to maintain the the attention of readers. Hence, massage
optimum state of spiritual ojas. It is described could be considered as a mode of effective
as a way to obtain relief from pain and misery. treatment along with the administration of
It may be noted that the fundamental Ayurveda medicines to address both physical
concepts of Ayurveda have been adopted to and mental diseases.

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Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam. Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine, Volume-IX,
Issue-V (Sept.-Oct..2021)

Image 1: S.V. Govindan performing massage (Image courtesy – Google images)

CITE THIS ARTICLE AS

Israa Ismail Ahmed, Jigeesh P.P. Book Review – Uzhichilinte Tatwam, J of Ayurveda and Hol Med
(JAHM).2021; 9(5):20-27
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None Declared

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