Site icon Women Fitness

Top Seven Massage Cities in the World

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being, and as a recreational activity.

The word comes from the French massage “friction of kneading”, or from Arabic massa meaning “to touch, feel or handle” or from Latin massa meaning “mass, dough”,cf. Greek verb “to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough”. In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis, and the Latin was frictio.

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, or feet.

In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor, while in amateur settings a general purpose surface like a bed or floor is more common. The massage subject may be fully or partially clothed or unclothed.

Swedish Massage, San Diego, California, US.

 

San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, long association with the U.S. Navy, and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center. The population was 1,322,553 based on latest population estimates for 2012.

Historically home to the Kumeyaay people, San Diego was the first site visited by Europeans on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Upon landing in San Diego Bay in 1542, Juan Cabrillo claimed the entire area for Spain, forming the basis for the settlement of Alta California 200 years later. The Presidio and Mission of San Diego, founded in 1769, were the first European settlement in what is now California. In 1821, San Diego became part of newly independent Mexico, and in 1850, became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War and the admission of California to the union.

The city is the county seat of San Diego County and is the economic center of the San Diego–Carlsbad–San Marcos metropolitan area as well as the San Diego–Tijuana metropolitan area. San Diego’s main economic engines are military and defense-related activities, tourism, international trade, and manufacturing. The presence of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with the affiliated UCSD Medical Center, has helped make the area a center of research in biotechnology.

Tourism is a major industry owing to the city’s climate, its beaches, and numerous tourist attractions such as Balboa Park, Belmont amusement park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican heritage is reflected in the many historic sites across the city, such as Mission San Diego de Alcala and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Annual events in San Diego include Comic-Con, the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament, San Diego Pride, the San Diego Black Film Festival, and Street Scene Music Festival. Also, the local craft brewing industry attracts an increasing number of visitors for “beer tours” and the annual San Diego Beer Week in November; San Diego has been called “America’s Craft Beer Capital.”

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. The development of Swedish massage is often inaccurately credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term “Swedish” massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Elsewhere (including Sweden) the style is referred to as “classic massage”.

Swedish massage is the most common and best-known type of massage in the West. If it’s your first time at the spa or you don’t get massage very often, Swedish massage is the perfect massage for you. If you want deeper work and can tolerate more pressure, even momentary discomfort, to get relief from muscle pain, it’s better to book a deep tissue massage, which is another form of Swedish massage.

Swedish massage and other types of therapeutic massage are performed by trained, licensed massage therapists. A Swedish massage can be slow and gentle, or vigorous and bracing, depending on the therapist’s personal style and what he or she wants to achieve. Swedish massage is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology, as opposed to energy work on “meridiens” or sen lines in Asian massage systems. Most people get a 50 or 60-minute Swedish or deep tissue massage, but 75 or 90-minutes gives the therapist more time to work the muscle tissue and achieve results.

In all Swedish massage, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil and performs various massage strokes. These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle “knots” or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, among other health benefits. Before the massage, the therapist should ask you about any injuries or other conditions that he or she should know about. Things you would want tell a therapist include areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. You can also tell them up front if you have a preference for light or firm pressure. It’s best not to get a massage if you are ill.

After the consultation, the therapist instructs you how to lie on the table — face up or face down, and underneath the sheet or towel — and then leaves the room. He or she will knock or ask if you are ready before entering. During a Swedish massage you are generally nude underneath a towel or sheet. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on, a technique called draping. If the nudity gets you out of your comfort zone, you can keep your underwear on, and many newcomers do.

You usually start by laying face down with your head in a u-shaped face cradle so your spine stays neutral. The therapist generally starts by works your back, using various massage strokes that include effleurage, kneading, friction, stretching and tapping.

When he’s finished with the back, he or she works the back of each leg. When done with the back side, he or she holds the sheet or towel up and looks away while you turn over onto your back and scoot down; then he or she quickly covers you again. The therapist then massages the front of each leg, both arms, and generally finishes with your neck and shoulders.

Some therapists work in a different order, and all have their own style and techniques. If you only have 50 minutes, you can also ask them to spend more time on a certain area. If the pressure is too light or too firm, you should speak up and ask the therapist to adjust it. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension, but if you truly want deepter, more intensive work and firmer pressure, book a deep tissue massage.

The cost of a Swedish massage will vary, depending on whether you go to a day spa, resort spa, destination spa, a chain like Massage Envy or go to a massage therapist. Swedish massage pricing will also depend on what part of the country you live and how luxurious the spa is.

Swedish massage is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology as opposed to energy work that is more common in Asian-style massage. Both Swedish massage and physical therapy were pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839)at the University of Stockholm.

In the early 19th century he developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” which included movements performed by a therapist. These became the known as “Swedish movements” in Europe and “the Swedish Movement Cure” when they came to the U.S. in 1858. Today it is simply known as Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two.

The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. It should not be confused with “deep pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session, and that is not performed to address a specific complaint. Deep tissue massage is applied to both the superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures. The sessions are often quite intense as a result of the deliberate, focused work. When a client asks for a massage and uses the term “deep tissue”, more often than not he or she is seeking to receive a full-body session with sustained deep pressure throughout. If a practitioner employs deep tissue techniques on the entire body in one session, it would be next to impossible to perform; it might lead to injury or localized muscle and nerve trauma, thereby rendering the session counterproductive.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.
It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range.

 

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.

You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.
It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

Additional tips

Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
If it’s your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.

Recommended resources:

Reflexology: Penang/Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

 

A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.

Penang is a state in Malaysia and the name of its constituent island, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. It is bordered by Kedah in the north and east, and Perak in the south. Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. It is composed of two parts – Penang Island, where the seat of government is, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malay Peninsula. Highly urbanised and industrialised Penang is one of the most developed and economically important states in the country, as well as a thriving tourist destination. Penang has the third-highest Human Development Index in Malaysia, after the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor. Its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language, and religion. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite. Penang has been ranked by Yahoo! Travel as one of the “10 Islands to Explore Before You Die” and listed in Patricia Schultz’s best-selling 1,000 Places to See Before You Die travel book.

Kuala Lumpur (called simply KL by locals) is the federal capital and the largest city in Malaysia. Literally meaning “muddy river confluence” in Malay, Kuala Lumpur has grown from a small sleepy Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis of around 6.5 million (city-proper population of 1.8 million) in just 150 years. A cultural melting pot with some of the world’s cheapest 5-star hotels, cheap, great shopping, even better food and some of nature’s wonders in just an hour away, this dynamic city has much to offer for every visitor.

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concludes that
“The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.”

There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one’s qi. Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left. Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical treatment.

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:

“A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.”

Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing. Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure received in the feet may send signals that ‘balance’ the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce stress and pain. These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, who cite a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.


Reflexology’s claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been highly controversial, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), ‘energy balance’, ‘crystalline structures,’ or ‘pathways’ in the body.

In Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial, Simon Singh argues that if indeed the hands and feet “reflect” the internal organs, reflexology might be expected to explain how such “reflection” was derived from the process of Darwinian natural selection; but Singh observes that no argument or evidence has been adduced.

Reflexology is one of the most used alternative therapies in Denmark. A national survey from 2005 showed that 21.4% of the Danish population had used reflexology at some point in life and 6.1% had used reflexology within the previous year.

A study from Norway showed that 5.6% of the Norwegian population in 2007 had used reflexology within the last 12 months.

In the United Kingdom, reflexology is coordinated on a voluntary basis by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants are required to meet Standards of Proficiency outlined by Profession Specific Boards, as CNHC is voluntary anyone practising can describe themselves as reflexologists. When the CNHC began admitting reflexologists, a skeptic searched for and found 14 of them claiming efficacy on illnesses. Once pointed out, the CNHC had the claims retracted as it conflicted with their Advertising Standards Authority.

Practices resembling reflexology may have existed in previous historical periods. Although its origins are not well documented, there are reliefs on the walls of a Sixth Dynasty Egyptian tomb (c. 2450 B.C.) that depict two seated men receiving massage on their hands and feet.

In the book Medicina Libri octo, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, influenced by Hippocrates writes, “Much more often, however, some other part is to be rubbed than that which is the seat of the pain; and especially when we want to withdraw material from the head or trunk, and therefore rub the arms and legs.” This reference leads to the conclusion that reflexology is Greek in origin.

Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.
Reflexology was modified in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet renaming “zone therapy” to reflexology. Ingham’s theories are prominent in the United States and United Kingdom, although modern methods also exist.

Reflexology has had several clinical trials dedicated to it over the years with mixed results. One systematic review found, “The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.”

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet. How does it work?

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

the tips of the toes reflect the head
the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
low back and intestines are towards the heel
He believed that certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body. This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology.

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.

Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of “zone therapy” in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930’s into what is now knows as reflexology.

A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

What will I feel?

Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.

Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.

Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.

If you’re ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

People get reflexology in:

 

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy. Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

Typical reflexology treatment :
Precautions

Suggested centers to visit: http://www.reborn.com.my/, they have centers both at Penang & Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Suggested website: http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/

Recommended massage centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Shujin Therapy Zone Professional Reflexology Clinic
No. 15M Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, Brickfields 50470, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Telephone no is 03-2274 4925

Ayurvedic Massage Kerala, India

 

Kerala regionally also Keralam, is a state located in the south-west region of India on the Malabar coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 per the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam-speaking regions. It is bordered by Karnataka to the north and north east, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Laccadive Sea to the west. Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital among the 14 districts; other major cities include Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam and Thrissur.

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine… All of which offer you a unique experience. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers. Kerala, India’s most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India’s cleanest state. For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.

Kerala Ayurveda which originated some 5000 years ago in India, is regarded as the oldest healthcare system in the world, and is recognized as an esoteric and great science of wellness and longevity. A variety of ayurvedic rejuvenation massages, the ayurveda panchkarma, and miraculous ayurveda beauty therapy, etc., are now exclusively popular and preferred in all across India and numerous countries abroad. Moreover, there are several ailments and diseases which are not elegantly and completely treated by the modern medicines or treatment techniques, such as the lumbago, arthritis, frozen shoulder, spondylitis, slip disc, sciatica, sinusitis, stress and strain, depression, etc. These ailments are naturally and easily cured by kerala ayurveda.

The growth of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatment as a major attraction of Kerala Tourism brought a substantial increase in the number of Ayurveda treatment centers and Ayurveda Massage centers in Kerala. Many of these new born Ayurveda treatment and Ayurveda Massage centers lacked expertise and qualified technical personnel who could deliver quality Ayurvedic treatment as expected by the tourists and other people looking for Ayurveda treatment.

Ayurveda is the most ancient and traditional science, whose basic principles deal with the natural way of living a healthy life. In Ayurveda, health is defined as a state in which the structure and function of a particular individual is working optimally and the individual is in a state of physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium.

Ayurveda is based on certain theories like Panchamahabhutha theory and Tridosha theory. Ayurveda believes that everything in this universe is made up of five basic elements. These five elements are earth , water , fire , air and ether or space and collectively they are termed as Panchmahabhuta. Ayurveda believes that every living creature in the universe is made up of the five elements, which serve as the building blocks of life. Life doesn’t exist without these five elements . The permutation and combination of these elements and its quantity in a given matter determines its properties. Tridoshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are biological derivatives of the five basic elements present in the Universe.

At the time of conception, permutations and combinations of Vata, pitta and kapha determine the constitution of the new individual. These three metabolic forces govern all biological, psychological and physiological functions of the body, mind and consciousness and have subtle properties. Vata Dosha is responsible for movement, Pitta Dosha is responsible for transformation and lubrication is provided by Kapha Dosha. Kapha Dosha also binds two things together.The nervous system functioning by modern physiology for example, can be identified with Vata. The chemical process being carried out in the human body can be attributed to Pitta, including enzymes, hormones and the complete nutritional functioning and the activities of the skeletal and the anabolic system, actually the whole physical volume of an organism and all body fluids, can be identified with Kapha.

Vata, Pitta & Kapha are considered in Ayurveda to be the representative of Air, Sun and Moon respectively in the body. Their function is similar to that of Air, Sun and Moon in nature. Moon and its representative Kapha performs the function of nurturing or greasing in the universe and body respectively. Sun and its representative Pitta performs the function of absorbing and transforming in the universe and the body respectively. Air and its representative Vata performs the function of movement in the universe and body respectively.

This reveals that the ancient medicinal form of Ayurveda is closely related to Mother Nature. Ayurveda focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. The main concept of Ayurveda is that it personalizes the healing process.

Kerala Home of Ayurveda


Of all the places on earth there is just one that is literally shaped by a tradition of Ayurveda which goes back to thousands of years. In this secret preserve surrounded by the Indian Ocean, some of the world’s most experienced practitioners open up the healing secrets of Ayurveda every day. Here, the sunshine and the very air work as a healing balm, while a unique way of life celebrates this ancient tradition. Welcome to the home of Ayurveda. Welcome to Kerala.

Kerala can easily be called the only place that has an unbroken tradition of Ayurveda. Here, this 5000 year old system of healing continued to thrive over the centuries – thanks to the land’s geographical isolation – even as its fortunes declined across India and elsewhere in the world. For centuries, Ayurveda was sought-after by the people as a prime option for healing almost every ailment. The Vaidyas (traditional practitioners) – especially the legendary Ashtavaidyas renowned for their magical healing touch -played a key role in strengthening the tradition of Ayurveda in the State.

Ashtavaidyas, traditional physicians who are experts in the eight branches of Ayurveda, as laid out in Ashtangahridayam, have contributed much to Kerala’s rise as a prominent centre for Ayurveda. The unique Ashtavaidya tradition is said to have evolved as a result of the centuries-old interaction between text-based Ayurveda practices and regional folk medical practices utilizing Kerala’s rich medicinal flora. Of the original 18 Ashtavaidya families, a few still remain in practice in the State.

Kerala’s deeply-rooted Sanskrit heritage which enabled practitioners to interpret the original Ayurvedic Sanskrit teachings was another significant factor that led to the land’s supremacy in this natural system of science. In fact, Ashtangahridayam, the user-friendly treatise on Ayurveda is widely used in Kerala – its verses familiar even to the common man.

A year-round pleasant climate. A moderate temperature hovering between 24 to 28 degrees. Ample rainfall ensured by two monsoons. Humid air. Abundant natural wealth… There is perhaps no other place in the world that provides the perfect natural setting for Ayurveda’s healing touch as does Kerala. Kerala’s tropical forests are home to over 900 different Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants and Agasthyakoodam, a peak in the southern part, nurtures some of the rarest varieties – most of them endemic to the region.

Kerala’s many sacred groves or kavus are also rich preserves of herbal wealth. What’s more interesting is that every herb in Kerala is more potent than that found elsewhere in the world – the rich alkaloid content in the soil adding to the potency. This makes the formulations derived from them extremely effective. Even the classic preparations have been proved to be superior in effect. With herbs available across every season, Kerala ensures the continuity and consistency that Ayurveda demands for making treatments effective.

Agasthyakoodam, a peak south of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs. The mountain and the surrounding Western Ghats constitute a hotbed of bio-diversity with over 700 medicinal plants.

Long before the world woke up to Ayurveda, it was a way of life in Kerala – connected to almost every aspect of daily life. An oil massage was customary before the daily morning bath and every home grew herbs that went into making simple homemade Ayurvedic remedies. The monsoon season of Karkidakam (July-August), considered as the ideal time for Ayurveda, was kept aside for rejuvenative Ayurvedic massages and diets.

Even the elephants in Kerala enjoy an Ayurvedic diet during monsoon and Ayurvedic massages have long been customary for Kalaripayattu (Kerala’s traditional martial art) artistes to increase flexibility of the body. Many seasonal rituals and religious ceremonies in Kerala also echo the tenets of Ayurveda. Though times have changed, most of Kerala still follows this exceptional way of life, a taste of which can be had while you are here.

Ayurvedic traditions find expression in Kerala’s cuisine too. Sadya – the traditional meal of the State, for instance, follows the Ayurvedic principle of shad rasas and features six flavours ranging from sweet to sour, aimed at harmoniously blending acidity and alkalinity to aid digestion.

Some of the most effective Ayurvedic processes and protocols that have emerged during the last few centuries owe their existence to Kerala. Here, generations of Ayurvedic practitioners have dedicated their lives to re-interpreting the theories of this age-old science – adapting them into effective healing systems for everyday life. It is in Kerala that Kashaya Chikitsa (treatment using concoctions) became a standardized protocol and the Panchakarma treatment, which is mostly a detoxifying phase, became a curative process. The Kerala Vaidyars have also made great strides in toxicology and in the treatment of fractures, arthritis, jaundice etc.

The latest immobilization techniques and hundreds of kizhis (herbal powders tied inmuslin bags) were found here. Today, a new generation of physicians, consisting of more than 12,000 Ayurvedic doctors carry forward this tradition of excellence for you. Trained in modern diagnostic techniques, they practise Ayurveda as a scientific discipline – backed by research and contemporary anatomical findings.

The Kani tribes of Kerala knew the healing power of many herbs like arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus). For many years, when allopathic medicines failed to cure critical liver diseases, people turned to a concoction called malamarunnu (literally, medicine of the mountain) that the Kani elders prepared from arogyapacha.

More than 100 Government-run Ayurveda hospitals with over 2700 beds, several private health centres, around 750 dispensaries, over 800 registered Ayurveda medicine manufacturing units… Kerala offers you one of the world’s best Ayurvedic healthcare infrastructure. Home to some of India’s oldest Ayurvedic institutions, here you’ll find several premier Ayurvedic centres, Ayurvedic ashrams, clinics, resorts and spas. Kerala also has India’s largest number of Ayurveda colleges including the country’s first Ayurvedic college started in 1889 at Thiruvananthapuram.

Today, the State is India’s most important hub for Ayurvedic studies with 16 Ayurveda colleges that offer graduate and post graduate programmes. Affiliated to universities in Kerala, these colleges play an important role in moulding a new generation of professionals who are well-equipped to heal the world.

To showcase the riches of Kerala to his superiors, the then Dutch Governor of Kerala, Van Rheede produced a tome in 12 volumes called the Hortus Malabaricus (The Garden of Malabar). In this treatise on 780 rare plant species found in Kerala, Van Rheede points out that many valuable drugs used in European cities, were actually made from medicinal plants of Malabar.

The popularity of Ayurveda has today led Kerala Tourism to take stringent measures in sustaining the quality of the products and services offered. A certification system has been introduced by the Government to classify centres into Green Leaf and Olive Leaf categories based on the quality and standard of services and products. The classifications ensure that the treatments and therapies are offered only under the supervision of a qualified physician with a recognised degree in Ayurveda and that all masseurs have sufficient training from recognised Ayurvedic institutions. The therapeutic and rejuvenative programmes offered by these centres are also approved by a special committee and measures are taken to ensure that the medicine used is from an approved and reputed firm.

The Ayurveda centres in Kerala are graded based on the quality of technical personnel, medicine, health programmes and equipment. Only those centres which are classified/approved are promoted by Kerala Tourism.

Acclaimed as one of the fifty must-see destinations of a lifetime, Kerala lets you blend wellness with leisure. Thanks to the ease and affordability of international travel as well as the improved standards of care, every year thousands of travellers from across the world arrive here to surrender themselves to the healing power of Ayurveda. In this land hailed as the ‘Mecca of Ayurveda’, they refresh and rejuvenate themselves, with Kerala’s lush greenery and pleasant climate acting as a balm to their weary minds and bodies.

The close proximity of theme destinations further enables visitors to move from one to another in a matter of hours – to enjoy a holiday by the backwaters, beach, hill station or forests. With Ayurvedic institutions, resorts and spas located in some of the most scenic locations of the State, your healing holiday will never be far away.

Ancient texts prescribe the monsoon season (June-August) as the ideal time for Ayurveda. It is during this season that the atmosphere remains cool and dust-free – letting the pores of the body open to a maximum, making the skin most receptive to therapy.

Recommended resources:

Floral Bath and Massage, Bali Indonesia

 

Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travellers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish.

Small obviously doesn’t mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes. Mellow beach towns like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan. As you stumble upon the exquisite little offerings left all over the island that materialise as if by magic, you’ll see that the tiny tapestry of colours and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.

And those are just some of the more obvious qualities. A visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia. There are pleasures of the body, whether a massage on the beach or a hedonistic interlude in a sybaritic spa. Shopping that will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list. Food and drink ranging from the freshest local cuisine bursting with the flavours of the markets to food from around the globe, often prepared by chefs and served in restaurants that are world class. From a cold Bintang at sunset to an epic night clubbing in Kuta, your social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude.

The Floral Bath

It has been practised for centuries, passed from generations to generations – the secret of beauty of the Asians, and sometimes as a mean for a good fortune – Floral Bath

Floral bath is famously known by the Asians. People from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and China practice them as a ritual for beauty, good future, to dispel bad luck, to help refreshing the mind and body, and to overcome body ododr problem. As with the different countries, the methods for floral bath also vary.

The Chinese practiced it for good fortunes. When one is feeling unwell, or facing hardshp and misfortunes, or even when one is need for better luck, floral bath is one of the option to restore their good fortunes. The types of flowers used is not an important matter – as long as the ingredients include kaffir lime fruit (Batavian lemon) and pomelo (Chinese grapefruit) leaves. These two ingredients are believed to have the ability to dispel evil and to exorcize bad fortunes.

In Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailands, floral bath is performed as a ritual to enhance a person’s beauty. Ritual includes recital of incantation by the bomoh (the medicine lady) and a few hours of traditional beauty treatment.

Several ingredients are needed to be prepared before the ritual begins, that is just before midnight comes. These ingredients are usually include different types of fragrant flowers, coconut leaves, betel leaves, betel nuts, limau purut (Citrus hystrix) and akar sintok (Cinnamomum sintok). They are to be used together with other materials which include wax, unprocessed thread, chalk, and face powder made from grains.

The ceremony begins with the bomoh weaving four strands of coconut leaves into a shape. Then the wax is melted with the thread used as a wick. When that has been prepared and put aside, eight pieces of limau purut, some of its leaves, seven types of flowers, akar sintok, four betel leaves rubbed with a little chalk, and some ripe betel are kneeded thoroughly and placed in a special vessel filled with water. The bomoh then recites an incantation over the prepared ingredients while sprinkling grains of uncooked glutinous rice around the maiden.

After the incantation has been recited, the bomoh bathes the girl with prepared liquid (it should be mentioned here that the maiden is usually dressed in a sarong while the bathwater is poured over her, and the entire ceremony is conducted with a selected audience).

Over the years, different variants of floral bath have immerged transcending cultures. Now, floral bath can be enjoyed without having to think about tradition and ritual, and it is done not only to enhance one’s beauty, but also as a therapy. Where and how they want it to be done is optional – whether to go to Asian spa resort or by doing it themselves.The reason to practice it is also less mythical – to have fresh skin or to refresh mind, body, and soul.

One of the variation that is commonly done now is to select a few types of flowers that have fully bloom. Suggested flowers including red rose, white rose, jasmine, purple orchid, lily, cananga, lotus, and michelia. These flowers not only pretty, but also possess positive scent or energy that can refresh mind and soul and stabilize one’s aura.

In preparing the floral bath, these flowers must first to be soaked under the sun in an ember filled with warm water (you can also use crystal or glass container), until the flower looks a little wilt (about 3 to 4 hours). When the bath is ready, you can soak in your body into the water and let the flowery warm water pampering your skin and indulge your mood.

It is not suggestible to let other people keeping you company while preparing your floral bath – their negative energy might interfere with the positive energy of the flowers.

No scientific evidence as to how effective these baths are in achieving the desired result or if they do really work. However, several researchers had found that flowers do have ‘energies’ to cure illness and to enhance mood. For example Edward Bach, who was the founder of Bach flower remedies, found that remedies made out of flowers are able to affect one’s soul to be stable and harmony. It is not scientifically proved, but whatever it is, there is no harm trying – at least it is fun, refreshing, and smells good!

Mandi bunga (Floral Baths) are practiced by the Malays, Chinese and Indians in Malaysia. As with the different cultures, the methods of the mandi bunga also varies.

The mandi bunga is performed to dispel bad luck (bad vibes) – “buang sui” or “buang sial”. The rationale is that once a person is void of bad luck, he’s able to attract good fortune.

Kaffir Lime (limau purut) and pomelo (the Chinese grapefruit) leaves are commonly used ingredients in the mandi bunga ritual.

The Chinese believe that pomelo leafs dispel bad luck. The Chinese has been practicing mandi bunga for centuries – when one is feeling unwell, or facing hardship and misfortunes or even when one is in need for better luck, he/she should wash his/her hands, face or take a bath with boiled pomelo leaves with water.

Common name: Pomelo.
Scientific name: Citrus grandis.

Malay name: Limau bali, limau besar, limau tambun, limau abong (Malaysia), jeruk bali, jeruk adas, jeruk machan, limau kibau, limau balak, limau besar, limau betawi, jambua (Indonesia). Other common names: Shaddock, Batavia lemon.

The Malays and Indians believe that bathing with kaffir lime can dispel evil and bad luck. The fruit is cut and blended with plain water and then bathe with as part of spiritual cleansing to “buang sial”.

“Limau purut”, the Malay name for kaffir lime, or its scientific name citrus hystrix is of the rutaceae family.

Over the years different variants of mandi bunga have emerged transcending cultures. There is a practice of having a bath fusing both kaffir lime and pomelo leaves together.

Another variation is to select one flower for every color of the rainbow. It doesn’t matter what type of flower it is, and it need not have a fragrance. Different colour flowers are used because in Tibetan Buddhism it is believed that each color carries a specific energy or vibration. Healing using colors is ‘supplementary’ to other types of healing.

First, run your bath water. Then, add whatever other ingredients you desire into the bath – it could be pomelo leaves and kaffir lime. Lastly, place the flowers in your bath water with their stems on; or, you can pull off the petals and place only the petals in the water. Don’t place the flowers them directly under the water. Instead just sprinkle them around the entire tub.

Leave the flowers in the water for at least 15 minutes prior to your getting into the bath. After soaking the flowers for 15 minutes, completely soak yourself and stay in the water for at least 15 minutes – you can even completely submerge yourself in the water. After the 15 minutes, you can either choose to remain in your flower bath or you can get out.

Balinese massage

Balinese massage is an approach to massage developed in the Indonesian province of Bali, with influence from the traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Balinese massage techniques include acupressure, skin rolling and flicking, firm and gentle stroking, percussion, and application of essential oils. The practitioner may also apply stone massage. The combination of manual therapy and aromatherapy is intended not only to relax the patient and loosen fascial restrictions, but to stimulate the lymphatic system and the flow of blood and qi.

Recommended resources:

 

Traditional Massage in Laos, Vietnam

 


After years of war and isolation, Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching as hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries is as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.

Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken.

The Lao wilderness is drawing travellers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it’s the community-based trekking that is most popular because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the ‘real Laos’ with a village homestay – while spending your money where it’s needed most.

There is undoubtedly a growing tourist trail in Laos, but that just means there’s plenty of roads off Rte 13 where you can make your own trail. After all, half the fun of travelling here is in the travel itself – the people you meet, chickens you share seats with, wrong turns you take and lào-láo you drink with the smiling family at the end of the road less travelled.

An experience of a visitor to Laos, Vietnam, “My first Lao massage since arriving in Laos three weeks ago. I do not know why we have not been getting those every day, they run about $8.00 an hour. Although a lot of the techniques they use in the Lao massage are similar to techniques used in Thai massage, there are some big differences as well. First difference I noticed is that you do not strip down for a Lao massage, you get into a ‘massage outfit’. It resembles something the Genie from Aladdin would wear, big baggy pants and a matching shirt. The fabric is kind of rough, which kind of feels good on your skin when they massage you. In a Thai massage, you typically undress and lie under a sheet. I imagine the reason is that the people of Laos are much more sensitive to showing any skin. In Thailand, people dress pretty modern, jeans, tank tops, dresses, etc. Here in Laos, people still where traditional skirts and blouses. Most of the people exposing any leg are tourists (and most of them are out of shape!).

The second main difference is that the Thai massage was super rough, where as the Lao version was just pleasantly rough. In Thailand I had several women standing on me, pulling on my legs, pulling me backwards over their knees, twisting my body around. Of course, I thought it felt great – but then again a great massage to me is being smacked around with a 2×4. The Lao version was a little lighter on the wrestling, and more about getting deep in there with their fingers. I swear, those girls are 5’4, but they have a grip of iron.”

Another narration of a visitor to Laos ” I just came back from a trip to Vientiane in Laos – and there are many massage shops, particularly in the town center. The prices are very low, you can get a one hour massage starting around 25000 Kib (around $3), and maybe even cheaper if you look around more – for which I didn’t have the time.

But I’m not really someone who likes cheap massages – I am someone who likes GOOD cheap massages. And that’s a different. There are plenty of places all over the world where you can get cheap massages, but it’s those kind of “you get what you pay for” places, and in the end, you’re mostly happy when you’re through with it.

And rest assured, there are places like that in Vientiane too, and I’m gonna get to that a bit later. But for now, I want to talk about the GREAT massages I got there.

Vista Wifi Cafe is directly in the heart of the tourist centre, and there you can get a 1h oil massage for 35000 kib – and it’s great. My masseuse was “Mimi” (or Meme?). Small girl, very strong hands. Her movements are rather fast and hefty, not the slow gentle kind of oil massage – and usually I don’t like that. BUT in case of Mimi, I absolutely did like it – it was intense at just the right points, and afterwards I always felt great.

You can also use the internet in that cafe for free when you get a massage.

Then, there is another place just down the road (in direction of the river), on the same side of the street. I think it’s “Dao” massage? The prices here are rather upscale, and so is the clientel. Upscale by Laotian standards I should say though – a foot massage for 45000 kib. It’s located in a nice wooden teak house – at least the part upstairs. The foot massage was good, but not awesome. The woman didn’t speak a word of English, was around 50 and rather reserved. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate her foot massage skills at 6. Given the prices, I’m not going to go for a foot massage again.

Another place is called “Happy Land”, and they do traditional massage. It’s a rather weird place I must say. When you walk in, it’s a cafe/bar. The reception ladies wear heavy makeup. I was kind of wondering whether this is a special massage place. I requested a massage, and a unhappy looking woman came out and brought me to a place to wash my feet and then into the massage room. She seemed to have a cold and was constantly coughing. The massage was… well, I got up early, paid the 40000 kib and walked away.

Then there is another massage shop in Rue Setthathilath, at the western end of it. Outside, you can see a mutlicolor neon-lit sign that says massage, and when you walk inside, it’s a rather dingy and choatic looking place. The reception woman was friendly though, and guided me inside the room were old massage mats where laid out, separated by think makeshift walls from each other. She started to massage me. The aircondition was too cold, but they couldn’t – or wouldn’t – adjust it. In the middle of the massage, she walked out and said that she had a headache to one of hear colleagues, who then continued to massage me rather mechanically and with an obvious lack of interest in her work – she seemed to just watch the time. I don’t remember exactly how much for the massage, I think 40000 kib.

On Rue Samsenthai, in the vicinity of Rue Chao Anou and Boulevard Khounboulom, not far from a small gas station, there was another massage place, but the sign read “MASSAGE & KARAOKE”, and I skipped that. I guess this is a sexy massage shop in Vientiane.

And then there was another place somewhere around Rue Samsenthai where I got a foot massage for 45000 kib. The shop was nice and clean, the staff very friendly, and the massage was good.”

Recommended resources:

Thai Massage, Pataya Thailand

 


Pattaya is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is mostly famous for its go-go and beer bars, but local authorities have made some efforts to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities. Although the sex industry is still going strong and sex tourism remains the key money earner for Pattaya, the resort also attracts local families and holidaymakers from around the world. If you are going to be offended by the sight of fat old men hand in hand with young Thai women, then Pattaya is probably not the place for you.

Efforts by local authorities over the past few years have improved the quality of the beaches, but they are still lacklustre by Thailand’s standards, and over-development has long since destroyed some of the natural charms the area once had. However, the plethora of hotels and guest houses, and easy access from the capital and airport, make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over five million annual visitors, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating options and a wide variety of things to do. Its population is a colourful mix of nationalities and ethnicities from near and far.

Pattaya occupies most of the coastline of Bang Lamung District (one of the eleven districts that comprise Chonburi Province). This article only deals with Pattaya proper, which spans the areas to the east of Naklua Beach and Pattaya Beach, plus the Buddha Hill headland (which is immediately south of Pattaya Beach). Jomtien is covered in a separate article, and contains Jomtien Beach and the areas east of it, including Dongtan Beach. The beaches of Jomtien are much broader and generally in a better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented than at Pattaya Beach.

Thai massage is a system of massage and assisted stretching developed in Thailand, and influenced by the traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Southeast Asia.

This form of bodywork is often performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage.

In the Thai language it is usually called nuat phaen thai, Thai-style massage or nuat phaen boran, ancient-style massage), though its formal name is merely nuat thai, Thai massage according to the Traditional Thai Medical Professions Act, BE 2556 (2013).

The massage recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothes and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large room. The receiver may be positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions during the course of the massage, but deep static and rhythmic pressures form the core of the massage. The body will be energized and rejuvenated after the massage.

The massage practitioner leans on the recipient’s body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure. The massage generally follows the Sen lines on the body—somewhat analogous to meridians or channels and Indian nadis. Legs and feet of the giver can be used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. A full Thai massage session typically lasts two hours or more, and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, and arching the recipient into bhujangasana (or cobra position). There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the practitioner will adjust to fit each individual client.

The true practice of the art of healing in traditional nuad boran (thai massage) is the compassionate intent of the healer. The Buddhist spiritual practices associated with thai massage cultivate humility, awareness, and concentration in the healer designed to bring the practitioner to a deeper level of awareness of herself and the client. This compassionate state of being is termed “metta”, which usually translates as “loving kindness”.


In Thailand, Thai massage is one of the branches of Thai traditional medicine (TTM), now recognized and regulated by the government, and is widely considered to be a medical discipline used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. On the other hand, Thai massage is also practiced and taught by a number of non-medical massage technicians in the spa and tourism industries. In North America and Europe, an increasing number of practitioners and teachers of Thai massage have emerged since the 1990s. In Europe and the United States, Thai massage is a growing modality among clients of massage clinics and massage therapists seeking continuing education.

The founder of Thai massage and medicine is said to have been Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Komarabhacca), who is said in the Pali Buddhist Canon to have been the Buddha’s physician over 2,500 years ago. In fact, the history of Thai massage is more complex than this legend of a single founder would suggest. Thai massage, like TTM more generally, is a combination of influences from Indian, Chinese, Southeast Asian cultural spheres and traditions of medicine. The art as it is practiced today is likely to be the product of a 19th century synthesis of various healing traditions from all over the kingdom. Even today, there is considerable variation from region to region across Thailand, and no single routine or theoretical framework that is universally accepted among healers.

“Nuat boran” is the Thai name for a type of body work native to Thailand (nuat = massage, boran = ancient). Thai massage is also known as northern-style Thai massage, “nuad paan bulan”, “nuat thai”, Buntautuk style, Old Medicine Hospital Style, traditional Thai massage, Traditional Thai Medical Massage, Ancient Massage, Thai Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage, Yoga Massage, Thai Classical Massage, and Thai Bodywork.

Generally speaking, practitioners of modern Thai massage operate on the theory that the body is permeated with “lom,” or “air,” which is inhaled into the lungs and which subsequently travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called “sen,” or “vessels.” Typically, massage therapists manipulate a handful of major sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. In most models, the sen originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. A significant part of the practice of Thai massage also includes yoga-like stretches which are intended to stimulate the sen and move lom through the body via a pumping action which is connected with the patient’s breathing.

The theory of sen and lom is often translated into English as “meridians” and “energy.” While there are some superficial similarities to Chinese meridian theory, the Thai system is in fact more closely related to the nadir of the Indian traditions of yoga and Ayurveda. It is said in the Thai tradition that there are 72,000 sen lines. This should not, however, be taken literally, as this number is a traditional Buddhist way of indicating an infinite amount — the point being that each cell in the human body is linked to every other cell through this infinite and intricate mesh of energy. This energy is known as prana (Sanskrit), chi (Chinese) or palang sak(Thai). The pranic networks permeate the body of any living being, and vibrate in response to physiological, psychological, and spiritual experiences. No one can name or diagram all of the body’s infinite energy circuits. However, 10 main sen are commonly taught and used in Thailand’s massage schools to treat the entire body.

Recommended resources:

 

Chua K’a massage in London, UK

 

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, and the largest city, urban zone and metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its founding by the Romans, who named it Londinium. London’s ancient core, the City of London, largely retains its square-mile mediaeval boundaries. Since at least the 19th century, the name London has also referred to the metropolis developed around this core. The bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, governed by the elected Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is one of the world’s leading financial centres and has the fifth- or sixth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world depending on measurement. London has been described as a world cultural capital. It is the world’s most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has the world’s largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic. London’s 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. In 2012, London became the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.

Chua K’a is a three-part massage technique developed by Oscar Ichazo. The purpose of Chua K’a is to remove physical and psychic tension held in the body, through the focused application of physical pressure and ‘conscious awareness.’ It is also defined as “a holistic counseling system of muscle tension release that emphasizes clarification and cleansing of the mind and emotions.” Chua K’a is primarily practiced as a form of self-massage.

The technique was developed by Oscar Ichazo and is taught in the Chua K’a Bodywork training by certified instructors through the Arica Institute.

According to the Arica School website: “Chua K’a—deep bodywork done on oneself—enables the body to evolve to its highest degree of sensitivity and awareness. The impact of life experience creates networks of muscular tension (pain) that are remembered fears. Working the tissues with precise hand and finger positions and a stick called a k’a, we learn to transmit energy and heat to the bone, removing the tension. When we release physical tension, we release psychic tension as well.”

Chua K’a divides the body into 27 regions called zones of karma, each of which is associated with a particular fear or other psychic manifestations, whose memory is stored in these zones. For example, the fear of death may manifest as “feeling weak in the knees”; our cheeks may go red with shame; our jaw may be clenched in revulsion; or we may feel that we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.

The complete Chua K’a procedure consists of a comprehensive massage of the 27 zones of the body, followed by a rolling of the skin (skin rolling), and ending with the application of the k’a stick. In the technique of skin rolling, developed by Ichazo, the skin and subcutaneous tissues are rolled over the deep structures, lifting the dermis and hypodermis off the deeper fascia. This technique is recognized to reduce pain, restore mobility, and to stimulate circulation and lymph drainage. The three-part Chua K’a method integrates these physical aspects of bodywork with a systematic practice of ‘conscious awareness’ by directly applying the vital energy flow in the body, originating from the point in the lower belly recognized in Chinese medicine and martial arts as the tan t’ien (known in the Arica method as the Kath).

Chua K’a was first introduced by Oscar Ichazo to a group of Chilean students and then to a group of Americans in Arica, Chile in the 1960s. In teaching the method, Ichazo referred to an old legend about Mongolian warriors, who were said to have a way of removing pain and tension from their bodies that enabled them to return to battle without fear. The same perspective would apply to Chua K’a in that the pain of tension and the accompanying psychic fear would be eliminated, allowing the individual to be able to approach and live life without the limitations of these physical and mental distractions. There is no documentation or reference to Chua K’a that predates Ichazo.

Chua Ka was self massage practiced by the Huns which they believed would increase success in battle. Today it can be used to clear cellular memory and increase success in whatever personal battles you face. Cellular memory is the physical remembrance of occurrences that were not cleared on the emotional and mental levels. They can take the form of past injuries, but more often than not it is just that dull reoccurring ache that acts up once in a while.

Sometimes people become emotional during massage because massage can trigger and clear cellular memory. I have been with several clients that have suddenly reacted emotionally because the emotion that had been blocked is now seeking expression. As the therapist, I usually don’t know (and often the client doesn’t know) what the experience is, and it is not necessary for either of us to know. After the emotional release very often the client feels better emotionally, and the body has more movement and range of motion in the area I was working on that triggered the emotion.

I also find that people have more range of motion in their lives as afterward. What I mean is that a release of cellular memory is often followed with a new reaction to an an experience that has already occurred often in the person’s lifetime.

As a very basic example, if someone played softball once as a kid and was hit in the arm with the ball, but wasn’t able to express the pain that he/she was experiencing at the time (due to embarrassment or whatever), that person carries that cellular memory around until it is released. If that person comes to me and starts crying when I massage his/her arm, the next time he/she is asked to play softball, he/she might agree to play even though, previous to the emotional release, the same person had refused for years.

The Huns practiced Chua Ka (also described as “cleaning the bones”) because felt that if they were still energetically holding on to old issues and experiences when facing the challenge of a new battle, those experiences would hold back the warrior emotionally, physically, mentally and psychically from performing the best warriorship that he could.

The Art of Chua Ka

Chua Ka is a very slow process so put at least an hour aside. The Huns would spend several hours ‘cleaning’ every bone in the body, but I highly recommend you start with the feet (which will take some time, since there are 26 bones in each foot) and work your way up. It is better to take your time than to rush through the whole body.

I like to enjoy Chua Ka as a special ritual, so I take a salt bath beforehand, and then light some candles, release a few drops of aromatherapy essential oils into a burner (I like myrrh essential oil because it reminds me of the incense they used to burn in church when I was a kid) and put on some instrumental music or a CD of nature sounds. Sometimes I also place my favorite crystals around me for even more energetic healing support.

Take 5 minutes to breath deeply and relax. If you know how to ground your energy, this is a great time to do that. If you don’t know how to do that, become aware as best you can of the energy field around you. Imagine a bubble of white or colored light around you, ten feet in all directions, and that there is one cord connecting you to the center of the earth coming out of the bottom of your spine, and another cord coming out of the top of your head connecting you to the infinite heavens.

Gently place your hand on the bone you are choosing to work on. Allow it to stay there for a while and become aware of the different levels there, both the soft tissue and bone.

Gradually apply more pressure. Imagine your hand actually sinking into flesh, through the layers of fascia. If you do this slowly enough, you will feel as if your hand has sunk into the body and that you are touching the hard surface of the bone.

This is the part that involves a bit of creativity. When I get to the point in the Chua Ka ritual when I am ‘touching’ bone, I imagine a white light radiating from the tips of my fingers. I consider it to be energy drawn up from the earth and drawn down through the heavens through the cords I created earlier. I visualize the white light surrounding the bone (or part of the bone, if you’re working on a big bone like the femur) and that this light is washing away any and all debris around the bone. I visualize the debris gently falling off into the ground to be neutralized. I send love to that area of my body through this light.

Recommended resources:

Exit mobile version