Why are Ayurveda and detox massages appearing in the Epstein document release?

Newly released files linked to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein contain references to what are described as “massage techniques” and Ayurveda originating from India.

The US Justice Department on Friday released thousands of documents related to Epstein, following a bill signed by President Donald Trump last month that mandated their disclosure within 30 days. The release comes amid sustained political pressure, particularly from Democrats, who have long called for the files to be made public due to Epstein’s links with several powerful and influential figures.

The issue remains politically sensitive, as Trump had been acquainted with Epstein for years before the two reportedly fell out — a relationship that has continued to attract scrutiny. However, the newly released files include only a small number of photographs of Trump. The Justice Department also acknowledged that the disclosure of documents was not complete.

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Among the exhibits made public is material referring to the use of massages and Ayurveda for detoxification. One document states: “Many practitioners in the West are now offering massage and other treatments based upon this 5,000-year-old system of natural healing from India.” The files also include articles titled ‘The Art of Giving Massage’, which mention the use of sesame oil as part of detoxification practices.

The release also features a series of photographs of former US president Bill Clinton, as well as an image of Epstein with the late pop star Michael Jackson. Neither Trump nor Clinton has ever been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges alleging that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls.