Testimonial - Audrey Gomes Kolb

Audrey Kolb (l) with trainers Ankita and Pinakin Shah

"This course has been a wonderful learning experience. Ankita has a wealth of knowledge that she happily shares. I would recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for wellness therapies." J

Audrey Gomes Kolb,

Dubai

Reflexology (Pro)

(18/07/2011)

10 Tips to Become a Successful Therapist (Part II)

In Part I of this blog post, we spoke of the first 5 important tips to be a successful therapist. Choose your trainer wisely, be genuine, be professional, learn by experience and hygiene and responsibility. Let us continue to the next 5 guidelines that will help you down your career path. 

6. Learn to Market Yourself – Learn the tricks of the trade, keep your eyes open for opportunities and be creative in marketing yourself. If possible undergo training in communication and marketing in the industry. Your trainer may be able to help you with it.

7. Exercise Mindfulness – Each client will have a unique response to your therapies. Remember their responses for future reference. Notice their reactions during the therapy and change your techniques accordingly. Anticipate the need of the client and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness. More than anything else, people need to feel cared about. A therapist and client relationship should be a professional but caring one. Be empathetic towards the client and mould the techniques accordingly. Avoid being mechanical just because you do the therapies day-in-day-out. Understand that you are healing a person, not just treating them for the sake of earning money.

8. Challenge yourself – Monotonous work does make the mind dull, but you should keep the interest alive in the job. Read, research, take refresher courses and keep learning. Remain updated of the latest developments on the industry and health.

9. Network – Attend conferences and workshops and participate in discussions on social media. It not only helps increase your knowledge base, but also is useful to increase business. Do not consider others as competitors. They are all in this field because they want to heal people. Keeping this in mind, if you maintain good, honest relations with others, they are sure to reciprocate. Friends in the same field can help and guide each other out in times of need.

10. The Power is in your hands – Whether you are a hired therapist, freelancer, spa/ salon owner or even learning a therapy just for the sake of hobby, the power to uplift yourself is in your own hands. There are abundant opportunities out there to learn, grow and diversify. Do not allow yourself to become lax and follow what everyone else in the industry is doing. Be original and pour your heart and soul in everything you do.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder & Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy

To learn more about Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy, click here.

10 Tips to Become a Successful Therapist (Part I)

Whether you are an employer or employee or working on a freelance basis, there are some qualities that make an exceptional therapist of you. Read on if you want to stand out of the crowd and make a sure and happy future of yourself.

1. Choose your trainer wisely – For an aspiring therapist, there is nothing worse than a ill-informed teacher. Half-baked knowledge will only make half-baked therapists who have no idea what they are doing. A trainer should be one who is always ready to answer questions, is available to you during and even after your course is over to share experiences, questions and guidance. Enrolling for a course may not be cheap, but it is a very good investment. However, like with every investment, be careful to do your homework and check if the course you are joining for is in your best interest. Read online reviews, meet the trainers beforehand, ask as many questions as you like, study the body language of the trainer and judge his / her genuineness. Take your time to decide and once you do, have full faith in your teacher.

2. Be genuine – Be honest in your interaction with your client. Do not take the client for granted. They can be even more informed and experienced than you and can make out how genuine you are. If they are happy with you, they will spread the word among family and friends and help you increase your business.

3. Be professional – If working in a spa / salon, there is no question of being unprofessional or casual. You must follow the rules of the trade, even when your boss is not looking. However, the problem arises when one is working as an individual or hobby. Many things are taken for granted. However, you can be different if you have a professional attitude. Not just the way you communicate with the client, but also your preparations, equipment, planning, etc. can be innovative and professional. For example, when going on house-calls or treating clients at your own home, keep a portable stereo with soothing music to create a mood and ambiance. Add some interesting twists or complementary additions to your therapy.

4. Learn by Experience – A trainer can only teach you the techniques and share their own experiences. However, real learning happens when you have experienced for yourself. So make sure the course you join allows you to have enough practical experience to gain confidence. Before beginning commercially, treat your family, friends and relatives for free. Get as much feedback and learning from them as possible. This will increase your field experience and confidence.

5. Hygiene and responsibility – Hygiene is extremely important not just for the client but also for your own health. Make sure you use sanitized equipment, sanitize your hands, keep your nails short and make sure that the client is not suffering from any infections or other disease that can be transmitted. It is your responsibility to ensure the client is fit for treatment and to see that no disease is spread to other clients through you. Explain patiently to the client the reason you have to refuse them in such cases. They will only respect the decision, understanding that you care about your clients’ safety.

(To be continued...)

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy

To learn more about Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy . Click Here

Testimonial - Mr. Chirag & Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

Mr. Chirag Bhatia with Mr. Pinakin Shah

"Earlier I thought, massage is about knowing the right strokes and techniques. But at Pristine I understood that KNOWLEDGE is most important.

Through very comprehensive theory classes we accumulated lot of knowledge and in regular practicals we mastered the techniques.

TODAY I FEEL CONFIDENT.

Mr. Pinakin Shah and Ms. Ankita Shah have asked us to come back whenever we have any doubts. This leaves us with a very comfortable and relaxed feeling that they are always there to back us.

To sum it up : IT'S AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO LEARN MASSAGE."

- Mr. Chirag Bhatia

03.11.2012

Reflexology (Pro), 

Swedish Massage, Balinese Massage, 

Body Scrubs & Body Wraps

Ms. Ankita Shah with Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

"We came here to learn the program and are walking out as experts. I like the professional approach Pristine followed.

After visiting a couple of spas I realized that what I have learnt at Pristine is much more professional and ideal. I would rate Pristine as one of the best places to learn such healing therapies."

- Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

03.11.2012

Reflexology (Pro), 

Swedish Massage, Balinese Massage, 

Body Scrubs & Body Wraps

Testimonial - Vaman Kamat & Lalit Bane

Mr. Lalit Bane (l) and Mr. Vaman Kamat (r)

 "For a commerce graduate like me who has very little understanding, the teachings here were really helpful to make my fundas clear. The precision and dedication with which things are taught here is really commendable and a great help to all students to become effective therapist. We were taught like a child being taught in his own house - with a lot of zeal, enthusiasm, love and urge to make us grow. Thank you very much for all the help and sharing."  

- Mr. Vaman R. Kamat

13.10.2012

Reflexology (Pro)

"The course was very good. There was enough practice and I got to learn a lot. Anatomy and Physiology was very good and easy to understand."

- Mr. Lalit Bane

13.10.2012

Reflexology (Pro)

Testimonial - Tony Ilett (Swedish & Balinese Massage)

"I initially saw the advertisement for the Pristine Senses Academy online, I emailed for information and was impressed with the prompt response.  An interview was arranged and myself and my wife attended. The interview was conducted by Mr. Shah and his daughter Ankita (both tutors at Pristine Senses)  we were very impressed with the professionalism of both of them. I already had previous experience with Anatomy and Physiology and bodywork techniques, so after an initial discussion a package was arranged that took into account my previous experience.  

Instructors Ms. Ankita (l) and Mr. Pinakin Shah (r)
with Mr. Tony Ilett (c) and his wife.

The training sessions were one to one with either Mr. Shah or Ankita. The environment was very clean, hygienic and relaxing. On my first day I was given a pack that consisted of a handbook on Swedish massage (I was also given a handbook for when I did the Balinese massage course), notebook, etc. The techniques taught were very thorough and was explained at a good pace. With each session I was encouraged to get a helper that was of varying sizes and shapes so as to aid my massage experience. I think it was nice that my learning was incorporated into giving the helper a nice, relaxing massage.  While I was being taught the lights were dimmed and soothing music was played, this also served to relax me in giving this massage.  

Learning at the Pristine Senses Academy was an enjoyable and very relaxing experience, both tutors were easily approachable and more than willing to explain things.  Me and my wife would sit afterwards and have lunch with the entire staff or have chai. I would certainly recommend learning at the Academy, it is very professionally run, all correspondence was replied to immediately with either a phone call or email. By the end of my course me and my wife felt like part of the family. Even though I passed my courses Mr. Shah told me that if at anytime I was unsure of anything or needed advice that I should contact him immediately and would even give me another session free. I will shortly go back to the UK and look forward to putting into practice what I have learned here. I wish all at Pristine Senses Academy every success in their endeavors. God Bless.".

Tony Ilett,

U.K.

Swedish & Balinese Massage Therapy

(11/10/2012)

Reflexology and Reiki for PCOS

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Symdrome (PCOS/ PCOD) is not clearly known, although it is linked to hormonal imbalance. In PCOS, the ovaries contain multiple cysts which produce excess masculine hormone. This results in many symptoms like excess hair on the body, irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, overweight, Diabetes and Hypertension.

The condition as well as its medical treatment is emotionally harrowing for the patient as they have to undergo many hormonal treatments to conceive or even to reduce their symptoms. Alternative Healing Therapies like Foot Reflexology and Reiki help complement the treatments, help reduce side effects of medication as well as in some cases (based on claims of patients and practitioners) even help in curing the disease.

Reflexology for PCOS

Traditional Foot Reflexology involves stimulating areas on the feet that correspond to specific organ systems of the body. It is believed that all diseases are caused by an imbalance in energy flow of the body which is also affected by accumulation of toxins. This imbalance can be due to many reasons but one major reason is stress.

Many ladies who have received reflexology therapy around the world have claimed that Reflexology has helped them overcome the symptoms of PCOS and even helped them conceive. Reflexology focusing on the Endocrine System, helps regulate hormone levels in the body.

In fact, a pilot study conducted in Denmark by The Triangle Fertility Clinic and Forenede DanskeZoneterapeuter shows that Reflexology showed significant effect on:

•     Regulating the menstrual cycle.
•     Reducing the number of follicles in the Ovaries.

Irregular menstrual cycle and increased follicles in Ovaries are two out of three major symptoms of PCOS.

A well known Reflexologist in Devon, Jane Holt, has many clients who claim that Reflexology has helped them conceive.

Although the effects of Reflexology on PCOS and hormone balance in the body still requires further scientific and medical study, many people who have undergone the treatment claim effectiveness of the therapy. As is the case with most alternative / complementary therapies, it is always difficult to tell whether it was only the therapy or a combination of medicine, therapy and other lifestyle factors that helps cure a particular disease.

However, since Reflexology is a completely non-invasive therapy, it is worth trying the treatment on a regular basis.

Reiki for PCOS

Reiki has proven to be very effective for swellings, pain and emotional turmoil. It helps heal a person on all levels- physical, emotional and spiritual. It consists of positive healing energy of the universe passing from the therapist via the hands to the patient. Reiki is generally given on the Chakras of the body but is also given on a specific affected area.

Women suffering from PCOS undergo hormone therapy and many other invasive medical therapies that can be prove to be emotionally taxing. Medical practitioners do not have the time to counsel each patient for what they go through emotionally. This is where Reiki comes in. Through personal experience we have found that in any disease, Reiki provides a certain will power, strength and faith that are required to face the situation. The relaxation resulting from Reiki is “Out of this world,” in the words of many of our clients. Those who are anxious, stressed and undergoing rigorous medical treatment have trouble sleeping and Reiki helps in enhancing sleep and mind and body relaxation.

There are mixed claims of patients in regards to Reiki. Some say it helped cure them of PCOS while others say it did not cure them but helped relax and reduce the symptoms. However, again, Reiki is not a religious practice, nor is it invasive. Even those who did not believe in it, start having some faith in the therapy after experiencing its effects first-hand.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Reflexologist, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

The Close Relation Between Stress and Diabetes

What Does Mental Stress Do to the Body?

When there is mental stress, the body perceives an unknown threat and reacts to protect itself. The body becomes stiff and tight, heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, digestion slows down and the Adrenal Glands secrete more Adrenalin (the fight and flight hormone) to combat the situation.

Effects of Stress on the Pancreas

The Endocrine System (hormonal system) is complex and all Endocrine Glands are inter-related. So, when a person is stressed, the Endocrine System gets disturbed and this causes a chain reaction in all the glands.

The Pancreas generally secretes ferments that are essential for digestion and absorption of food. It also secretes Insulin which is needed to regulate the sugar levels in the blood. In stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete these in the required amount.

Moreover, even if the Pancreas does secrete right amount of Insulin, stress also affects functioning of each cell in the body. As a result, the cells may become insensitive to the amount of Insulin in the blood, thus affecting the blood sugar levels.

Blood tests then show presence of excess sugar and the person is declared a Diabetic. It is important to note here that sometimes we may be assuming a person is Diabetic even though Insulin levels in the blood are normal. It is the cells’ insensitivity that may be causing the rise in blood sugar.

How Does this Affect Digestion?

As mentioned earlier, due to stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete right amount of ferments required by the digestive system. As a result the person belches, experiences a sour burning taste in the mouth and looks for medication and antacids for immediate relief. But pills do not help remove the root cause of the problem.

Medication

The pills taken for Diabetes artificially regulate the blood sugar levels, not giving the body a chance to correct or adapt to the situation on its own. However, after a certain stage, taking these pills and injections becomes necessary. But to avoid reaching this stage, we can try our best to control or reverse the condition through natural ways.

What is the Solution Then?

Firstly, we must understand that disease is caused by a disharmony in body, mind and spirit. We should treat ourselves on all three levels.

Especially in the starting stages, Diabetes can be reversed by lifestyle change, control in food habits and exercise.

Lifestyle & Exercise

• Incorporating some yoga exercises and relaxation techniques helps combat stress.
• Try and develop a hobby that involves physical activity. This helps quieten the mind.
• Try and avoid getting angry.
• Keep a positive attitude in everything you do.
• Morning walk of 45 minutes helps maintain health, weight and blood circulation.

Food Habits

• Eating Papaya is good for the stomach as it has enzymes that help in digestion.
• Restrict intake of Proteins and processed sugar.
• Avoid overeating and eating in between meals.
• Avoid drinking water with meals.
• Eat lots of roughage i.e. salad and raw fruits (which are low in sugar)

Alternative Therapies

Swedish Massage helps to relax the body and mind. It improves blood circulation, helping to prevent Neuropathy. It stimulates digestion and elimination, thus improving absorption of nutrition in the body and removal of toxins from the body. When emphasis is given on lymphatic drainage, massage helps in improving immunity and maintaining functions of the body.

Traditional Foot Reflexology has been found to be a great stress buster. It helps maintain blood circulation in the feet and stimulates organs for better functioning. It helps stimulate each Endocrine Gland and remove toxins.

A Diabetic patient needs to take care of his / her skin. Many a times, especially in the feet, a lot of dead skin accumulates. Body Scrubs help in removing it. Click Here to read more about it.

Body Wraps help keep the skin supple and taut and helps in breakdown of excess fat.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

Reduce Fat with Body Wrap

People find it hard to believe that you can ‘reduce’ with something like Body Wraps. Most of them wave it off as a marketing gimmick.

However, if we look a little deeper into the science of Body Wraps, we might understand why such a claim is made.

Firstly, body wraps may not help you lose weight, but they do help in losing inches.

How Does This Work?

A body wrap contains certain special herbal ingredients like kelp, mud, chocolate, coffee or seasonal fruits etc. These add their own unique properties to the wrap and work on the skin. A generous layer of the wrap is applied on the whole body. The client is then covered with a warm sheet or blanket.

While the client relaxes for 20-45 minutes, the wrap slowly tightens the skin and makes its firm. It helps mobilize the thick layer of cellulite (fat cells) in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This mobilized fat dissolves internally and is removed by the body through natural ways.

Many times, results are seen after the first wrap itself. Regular wrap regime help maintain firmness, glow and health of the skin as well as aid in inch loss.

Other Factors for Inch Loss

Many clients ask or demand for a guarantee that a body wrap will help then reduce fat. At this point it is important for the therapist to explain as well as the client to understand that Body Wrap is an alternative therapy. It works slowly but surely.

However, there are other factors like lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise, stress, etc. that also contribute to fat storage in the body. If the client continues to follow wrong habits, fat will keep accumulating every time and Wraps would provide only temporary relief.

Small, positive lifestyle changes clubbed with Body Wraps, however, speed up the process for healthy fat reduction.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

Mumbai

How is Power Yoga Harmful ?

Click on the picture below to enlarge and read.

This article appeared in Bombay Times 

on 9 July, 2012. 

Self Healing with Traditional Reflexology

Click on the picture below to enlarge and read.

This article appeared in July 2012 issue of 'Life Positive (English).'

Visit our website http://pristinesenses.net for more information.

Dangers of Getting Massage from Untrained Therapists

Click on the picture below to enlarge and read.

This article was published in The Hindustan Times on 3rd July 2012. 

How Does Exercise and Massage Boost Immunity?

The Lymphatic System is our immune system which filters out harmful substances from the blood and body. Lymph nodes are a gathering of lymph glands at certain places in the body like the neck, arm-pits, groin and other parts of the body like the lungs and stomach.

The Lymph nodes are connected by lymphatic vessels and continuous circulation of the lymph is very essential. The Lymphatic System does not have a heart to pump the fluid around. The only way the fluid circulates well throughout the body is through gravity, exercise, walking, massage and a balanced state of mind.

Long hours of sitting at work or while travelling, leads to slowing down of the lymphatic circulation and makes us feel tired and weak. In turn, we become more prone to diseases and infection.  

This is why regular morning walk for 45 minutes, yoga Asanas, massage and reflexology are so essential in improving a person’s immunity. In massage, the trained therapist gently pumps the lymphatic nodes to promote better lymph circulation. In reflexology, the points on the feet that represent the lymphatic system are stimulated by thumb walking and pivoting technique and this stimulates healthy lymph circulation. Regular therapy ensures a healthy immune system.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah
Body-Mind Therapist, Founder of Pristine Senses Academy, 
Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.
Contact: pristinesenses@gmail.com

Reflexology for Asthma

Asthma is a medical condition which is caused by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system. This narrowing is generally caused by an inflammation due to allergic reaction or infection. Asthma can be hereditary but can also depend on an individual’s constitution.

General symptoms of Asthma are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath at night or on exertion, violent coughing and tightness in the chest. In Yoga, it is said that an Asthmatic patient generally has weak exhalation. Hence they are made to do more of breathing exercises to improve their exhalation.

Asthma is a physiological condition but it can be triggered by emotional imbalance. Other triggers are allergens in food or air or certain irritants in the environment, like the presence of a pet, pollen, toxic fumes from paint on the walls, dust, unclean carpets, etc.

Is there a Cure?

It is said that Asthma has no cure. The inhalers and steroids invented by modern medicine help in opening up the air passages during an attack. But how to prevent it?

Yoga and Alternative Therapies like Reflexology help in preventing attack and maintaining good health.

Pranayamas and Kriyas taught in Yoga help to improve the breathing capacity as well as strengthen immunity. Kriyas like Jalneti especially help in preventing infection that can easily trigger attacks. Yoga also helps in keeping a balanced state of mind which, when achieved helps keep emotions in check. This helps prevent attacks due to causes like anxiety, stress and emotional distress.

Reflexology

Lung Press

Reflexology is known for its relaxing and stimulating effect. The warm-up techniques, especially the lung press, upward thumb friction on the soles of the feet as well as massaging between the metatarsals on the upper surface of the feet help to relax the patient and triggers slower, deeper respiration.

The main areas to focus on in Reflexology are the Nervous System, the Respiratory System and the Lymphatic System.

The Nervous System helps stimulate better nerve function and will keep the person calm and relaxed. The Respiratory System obviously needs to be worked on as it is the main system that gets affected. Thumb/ finger walking and pivoting can be done on the lung area on the sole as well as the upper surface of the feet, the nasal passage and sinuses are also the areas to focus on. Working on the Lymphatic System helps improve immunity and remove stress.

Reflexology is especially effective on children. They immediately begin to relax, their breathing slows down and they also fall asleep almost immediately. It has been found that Reflexology triggers overall healing, not just in the body, but also the mind and the spirit.

(Please note: For areas of each system mentioned above, you can refer to the interactive reflexology chart given at the bottom of the blog.)

News: Pristine Senses Academy Conducts FREE Demo Seminars

Pristine Senses Academy conducted the first of a series of FREE demonstration seminars on healing therapies and natural home-made products on Wednesday 16th May, 2012 at Goregaon, Mumbai.  

These seminars are targeted at all women, whether they be professionals, therapists, beauticians or home-makers. The purpose of these seminars is to increase awareness about alternative healing therapies and how they can help the common man remain healthy and stress free.  

The seminar was a great success with a group of women of all ages and occupations having an interactive and enlightening session. Among the topics discussed were the need for natural living and alternative therapies in this day and age, the harmful effects of chemicals present in cosmetics, beauty and health products, the need to use natural home-made products devoid of artificial colorants and fragrances and the importance of research and information on all things we consume.  

Each of the women had a chance of experiencing different therapies during the demonstration and we received enthusiastic and positive feedback at the end of the seminar.  

We at Pristine Senses Academy hope to continue spreading awareness and knowledge on health and wellbeing in society. After all, it is said that if we educate the woman of the house, we educate the entire family.

Prevention v/s Cure

God has made nature according to a beautiful, foolproof design. He has created our body with a strong immune system that fights its own battles with foreign pathogens and with every new type of infection, the body learns and evolves on its own.

But, the pathogens that infect us are also living organisms that have to keep evolving to survive. They keep changing and infect the body. But since the body too is evolving, an ongoing battle ensues between them, which finally results in survival of the fittest. This process leads to many tweaks and improvements in our immune system over generations.

However our present generation is fast depleting in health and immunity. Why is that?

Most of our grandfathers and forefathers are known to have healthy body and sharp mind and have lived to 80-90 years of age. But these days we see even 25 year old men dying of heart attacks, obese teenage women, more and more people with blood pressure and sugar problems and lower life expectancy.

The difference between our ancestors and us is that they lived a more physical life. Recreation involved games in the fields, climbing trees, playing marbles and gili-danda. There was no TV and occasionally some radio programs. But today, we have video games, iPads, movies and books to replace all the physical activity. This sedentary lifestyle coupled with faulty diet of junk and preserved food is the first step towards our own downfall.

To top that, with every cold, flu and infection, we are now more dependent on artificial cures like chemical medication, surgery etc. that is provided to us by modern medicine.

Due to this dependence on medicine and antibiotics, the natural immunity of the body is not given a chance to develop and it keeps weakening and loses its ability to adapt to changing environments. With even a common cold, we have got into the habit of popping pills and antibiotics, because we want comfort and quick results.

What’s worse is that at the same time, the pathogens that are infecting us are adapting continuously to fight these chemicals and overcome them.

A recent report from The Independent by Jeremy Laurence, published in the Times of India has shown that many antibiotics are now proving to be useless in face of the evolved pathogens and soon, even a minor cut can lead to deadly infection.

Click on the picture to enlarge and read.

Our mistakes here are very clear. We need to live according to nature’s evolving design rather than depending on artificial substances. Of course, modern medicine has its own place. In some cases when one requires immediate attention for a chronic condition, one needs medicine to keep the situation under control. But otherwise, God has given our body everything it needs to survive. Let us work more towards prevention.

We cannot avoid stressful work conditions in this day and age. However, there are age old therapies that help us to remain relaxed, keep the mind and body healthy and help prevent diseases by increasing immunity.

Swedish and Balinese Massage are perfect for physical and mental wellbeing. Not only do they help maintain muscle tenacity but also help in stress relief, improving digestion, improving blood circulation, prevent muscle damage, keep the joints fit and remove toxins from the body.

Specially made body scrubs and wraps, with their herbal ingredients, help in times of fever, joint pain, improve blood circulation, help reduce excess fat and help in pain relief.

Foot Reflexology also has been an ancient healing and preventive therapy. Using the points on the feet, the whole body is stimulated for better functioning. It too helps in removing toxins from the body, pain relief and preventing and curing diseases.

Finally, if one follows the Yoga way of life and maintains fair amount of discipline in sleep and meal habits as well as in the mental attitude, one remains physically and emotionally strong.

Let us take advantage of these foolproof ancient sciences of life and become self-sufficient. A healthy body and sound mind leads to a happy and peaceful life. 


Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy (Mumbai) strives to spread the knowledge & awareness of ancient arts of holistic healing through its customized training programs & therapies.
Email: pristinesenses@gmail.com

Balinese Massage: for an amazing De-stressing and Relaxing Experience

Bali, Indonesia

Traditional Balinese Massage dates back to almost a 100 years ago. Many ancient manuscripts in Indonesia record the use of herbs and mantras in healing diseases.

Being an island rich in spices, Indonesia was exposed to Hindu traditions from India, Buddhist traditions from China and other foreign cultures which were integrated to form a unique blend of healing tradition characteristic to Indonesia.

And so Balinese Massage is a rich blend of many massage techniques from around the world. Being an exotic island with many foreign visitors, Indonesia developed into one of the major spa destinations of the world and Balinese Massage became popular the world over.

Balinese Massage is a deep-tissue full body oil massage that includes dry massage on the face and head. It’s techniques are adapted from Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic Massage etc.

Balinese Massage

Balinese Massage is generally done with coconut oil with added aroma oils for soothing the senses. It has many benefits that relate to body, mind and soul. It helps restore vitality, helps de-stress, improves blood and lymph circulation, eases headaches, helps improve sleep, improves metabolism, reduces depression, improves immunity, helps reduce excess fat, eases stiff and aching joints and is, in fact, recommended for certain sports injuries.

Balinese Massage requires a broad strong massage table as many times, the therapist is required to climb up to provide appropriate pressure. It takes a great deal of stamina to give a Balinese Massage and so those who wish to learn it must care for their own fitness.

The massage lasts for about 90 minutes but can vary depending on the treatment package. It can be followed by a unique Balinese Scrub and Wrap, steam and an aromatherapy or milk bath.

It is the ultimate de-stressing treatment one can give or get and is highly recommended for those who wish to learn to heal as a hobby or profession.

Keep Healing!

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah

Body-Mind Therapist, Owner and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy,

Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.

Contact: pristinesenses@gmail.com

Body Scrubs for Diabetic Patients

Recently we treated a 78 year old Diabetic lady who just underwent a surgery on the foot. She has been suffering from Diabetes and Neuropathy since more than four decades now.

A typical sign of diabetes patients is that their skin starts showing black spots and patches. Especially for those suffering from Neuropathy (a condition where feelings are numbed in the feet), it is difficult to keep the feet clean and maintain healthy skin. The skin needs to be kept moisturized regularly and dry, black skin needs to be exfoliated and removed regularly.

My daughter and I used our whole gamut of treatments- Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, a few Reflexology techniques, Reiki as well as massage techniques to help maintain the health of her feet. (Of course, this was done with the permission of the doctor).

The doctor visited her every alternate day for dressing her wound and had suggested scrubbing the feet (exempting the wound area) to rid her of dry skin and the danger of more infection. I must say that we saw great results with our home-made body scrub. After just the first session, the doctor exclaimed about the change in the look of the feet. They looked cleaner, whiter and healthy. Another one or two sessions and all the dry and dead skin would be completely gone.

The patient felt very good and positive on seeing such a drastic change. It gave her positivity and faith during her healing process. The scrub was warm in property and gave a soothing warm sensation to the aching and healing feet. It was a relaxing and luxurious, first-time experience for her.

I am specially sharing this experience because there is a common belief that body scrubs are only for beauty and are an unnecessary luxury. But in most cases, it helps in moisturizing the skin, keeping it healthy, removing dead skin, thereby giving a nice soft glow and helps in healing. The herbs used in the scrub help detoxify the body, increase blood circulation, in many cases help in pain relief and most importantly, make a person feel good and positive. Positive state of mind is very important for giving hope, will power and strength to a patient to cope with the long and tedious task of healing after a surgery.

As an additional remedy for any dark pigmentation on the skin, we added an application of honey and lemon after the treatment, to keep the skin moisturized and to help bleach it.

Anyone suffering from dry, dead skin and also dark patches on the skin, should give scrubs and wraps a try. Most people feel the difference from the first session itself. However, a word of caution – make sure you get the treatment from a trained therapist who knows about different kinds of skin conditions and how to treat them. Also, in cases of a diabetic patient or someone who recently has undergone surgery, one must have the permission of a medical practitioner.

Pinakin Shah

Body-Mind Therapist, Owner and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy, 

Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.