The proper name of the foot pressure massage, CHAVUTTY THIRUMMAL, literally means chavutty: by foot, thirummal: massage. In using the foot the masseur has his full body weight at his command, by holding a rope. More or less pressure can be applied at will and the large area of the foot is used to pressurise the muscles. A long continuous stroke from fingertip to toe tip and back is possible with the foot in a manner not possible with the hand. Special Ayurvedic oils are used, with particular oils for rheumatism and other painful conditions, and another for the head. The massage originated in Kerala many years ago with the development of the martial art Kalari. It was used to remove pain and swelling after a hit or strain, to normalise muscles, ligaments and dislocated joints, and also to expedite the mending of broken bones. Subsequently it was adopted by kathakali students to relax and rejuvenate their muscles. It tones and loosens rigid muscles and ligaments. The osteopath David Webster (President of the British School of Osteopaths). After observing a full massage in Cambridge, commented that every single muscle and ligament is covered. As the foot passes along the marma (the equivalent of the acupuncture meridians). It also affects the internal organs on a subtle level. By certain techniques, particular organs connected with the respective meridians can be stipulated or sedated.