Do you want to clear your mind, reduce stress levels and find a state of peace? Take a closer look at the traditional rituals of Japanese culture, which puts inner harmony above all else.
All these Japanese rituals help to listen to yourself, slow down the crazy pace of life and enjoy the beauty of life. Ideally, their nuances need to be learned for many years. However, no one bothers to master and apply their elements. We tell you how to do it.
Otonamaki
This relaxation method mimics the swaddling of an adult. It was invented by midwife Nobuko Watanabe. The ritual allows you to reduce stress, both physical and psychological.
From the outside, the whole process looks a little strange: adults take the fetal position, “swaddled” in a sheet with their heads and swing from side to side to relax their muscles and feel safe.
According to experts, in this position, a person returns to the state of a baby in the womb and regains a sense of harmony.
How to repeat. You will need an assistant. Lie in the center of a light-colored sheet, press your knees to your chest or stomach and wrap your arms around them. Have an assistant tie the ends of the fabric over your knees. Close your eyes, begin to gently sway from side to side. Don’t forget to breathe deeply. Continue for 10-15 minutes.
Attention: in people suffering from claustrophobia, the ritual can cause discomfort.
Japanese bath
Initially, baths in Japan were built at temples. And their main idea was the purification of the mind, not the body, as in Europe. Traditional Japanese bathtubs are made entirely of wood. The vat is closed with a wide lid so that the water cools down more slowly – it is heated to 42 degrees. This temperature allows you to better relax the muscles and remove toxins.
The effect of sensual pleasure is achieved through the use of a variety of essential oils and flower petals. In such a bath, it is not customary to soap or wash; you need to lie down in it already clean.
How to repeat. Take a shower with gel or soap, then take a bath. Add a few drops of aromatic oils, optionally bath salt, dried or fresh flowers, lemon or tangerine zest. Arrange scented candles. Dim the light. Immerse yourself in warm water and feel the ultimate relaxation.
Kodo ceremony
Kodo is the art of enjoying the fragrance of the resins of rare species of evergreen trees. Learning to recognize the many flavors of incense is not easy. Kodo is one of the three traditional arts in Japan, along with the tea ceremony and ikebana.
How to repeat. The kodo ceremony implies a special etiquette. However, if you do not delve into all the subtleties too much, you can relax and develop your sense of smell. You will need incense or incense sticks and a bowl to smoke them. Choose your favorite scent – cypress, sandalwood or cedar. Sit on the carpet, dim the lights and enjoy the aroma of incense.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an ancient massage technique derived from the words “shi” (finger) and “atzu” (pressure). By influencing special points, this practice helps to establish the flow of qi energy along the meridians.
How to repeat. Shiatsu massage is practiced in many clinics and beauty centers. Of course, it is more correct to sign up in an authentic place. Better – to the master from China. But some elements you can try to do at home yourself.
First, rub the back of your head with your fingertips to relieve the tension that has built up over the day. Then press your fists on the top of your shoulders to reduce the feeling of fatigue. Lastly, press your thumb on your eyebrows to help relax your facial muscles.
Tea ceremony
Tea was introduced to the Japanese by Buddhist monks around the XNUMXth century. In this ceremony, matcha is used, that is, green tea, ground into powder. He is credited with healing and tonic properties.
The process of its preparation requires a calm and meditative approach. The ritual takes about 45 minutes and is performed in special tea houses.
How to repeat. Matcha is brewed in two ways – strong (koicha) and weak (usutcha). For the first 4 grams of powder, pour 50 ml of water. For a weak per 2 gram tea, use 80 ml of water.
Tea is poured into a dry and heated bowl. Pour in water, and the resulting mixture is stirred with a bamboo whisk brush until the lumps completely disappear. With any method of brewing, tea is drunk along with tea leaves, which enhances the beneficial effect on the body.
Morning exercises
This ritual, unlike others, does not have a centuries-old history. Morning exercises – or rajio taiso – appeared in 1928 and quickly became popular thanks to the efforts of the Japanese media.
Today it is practiced in parks, offices and other public places. Exercise allows you to keep fit, tone your muscles, improve your sense of balance and, again, relieve tension.
How to repeat. On request rajio taisô on the Internet you can find a video . And you can perform them at home or, in good weather, in the park. Better in the company of like-minded people.
Source: Madame Figaro