Celebrating Gandhi’s Passion for Nature Cure

On 2^nd October, Gandhi Jayanti, we remember a great man who was instrumental in changing our nation through some very powerful tools of Truth and Non-Violence.  A man deeply rooted in principles, he always wished for the welfare of the nation and its people.

A well known fact is that Mahatma Gandhi was a great promoter of Naturopathy, i.e. the use of natural elements like water, air, sun, earth, correct diet, etc for healing and treatment. His experience and experimentation with naturopathy made him believe that it is a must better and more affordable line of treatment than modern medicine.

In fact, having benefitted immensely from nature cure, Gandhiji established a nature cure centre close to Pune where people from all walks of life could take advantage of this ancient science.

Some important elements in Naturopathy treatment include many hands-on healing techniques like massage, face and body mud packs, etc. Over hundreds of years, forms of massage have been used to improve the blood circulation and elasticity of the muscles. It also helps in better functioning of the body organs and removal of toxins from the body. Even body scrubs and masks have been used for detoxification and beauty using natural ingredients.

So can you imagine, if even one person in every household has the knowledge of these healing therapies, how much better and healthier the world would be? We would be less dependent on painkillers and medicines. We would be one with nature, just like our bodies were meant to be. And so many problems could be avoided at all stages of life.

At Pristine Senses Academy, we have made it our endeavor to change the world, one household at a time. By introducing international standard, easy and fun to learn short-term customized courses in Swedish Massage Therapy, Balinese Massage Therapy, Foot Reflexology, Body Scrubs and Body Wraps, we wish to empower at least one member of every family to be able to heal themselves, their loved ones and even others.

Learning these therapies provides a good opportunity to use these skills as a profession or as a selfless service to the society. Knowledge, after all, never goes waste, especially the knowledge of healing.

So join us in celebrating Gandhiji’s legacy and help heal the world through love and positive energy. 

Write to us today to find out more.

pristinesenses@gmail.com

www.pristinesenses.net 

When Not to Give/Take Massage

Many a times our body craves a massage, especially when we are sick and the body is aching. But is that the best time to get a massage? Should a responsible therapist give a massage at that time?

Massage is a very non-invasive and safe alternative therapy. But it can be harmful in two cases:

• If done by an untrained therapist and
• If done when contraindicated.

In the first case, we can ask for the qualifications (proof of qualifications) of the therapist. Beware, due to lack of licensing and standardization of massage training in India, even good spas may not have well trained therapists, as some of our students have experienced first-hand. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to do our research well and get the therapy from them at least once.

In the second case, there are a few points to remember where massage is contraindicated:

Fever/Infection – at this time, the body needs only rest, not stimulation. There is also a danger of the infection spreading within the client and to the therapist also.

Hypertension/Cardiac conditions – Massage generally helps in calming the body and mind and reducing stress. However, vigorous, stimulating massage should be avoided by anyone who has High BP or cardiac conditions. If one is taking blood thinning medication or has recently undergone surgery, they must avoid massage unless recommended by their doctor.

Diabetes – Again here it depends on the nature of the disease. If one is suffering from diabetic neuropathy, they may not feel the pressure during massage and may ask for more, but the therapist must not relent as it could be harmful. A doctor’s permit before treatment is recommended. In case of cuts or bruises or gangrene, there is a chance of infection spreading in the client as well as the therapist.

Injury/fracture/skin conditions – Any part with injury or infection should be avoided. In such cases it is better to avoid massage until the part is healed. In case of fracture, there should be absolutely no movement in the part and massage is strictly contraindicated. Some skin conditions are harmless, such as Psoriasis, Leucoderma, etc. But others may carry infection or be painful and massage on and around the part should be avoided.

Under influence or alcohol/drugs – If a person is taking strong prescription medication, a doctor’s permit should be acquired before massage. If under influence of alcohol, massage is strictly contraindicated as the nervous system is affected.

Cancer – Light, gentle massage can be very beneficial for cancer patients. However, in some cases, there are chances of it spreading in the body with massage. It is best to have a doctor’s permit for massage therapy.

Varicose Veins/Inflammation – Massage directly over varicose veins is contraindicated as well as in case of internal or external inflammation.

If massage is done to someone with any of the above contraindications, it can have an adverse effect. This is why a good, responsible therapist take the case history of the client before giving treatment. A client should be aware of these points before trying any therapy and the therapist should help educate the client for the same.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

Massage for Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis are two degenerative diseases that come with age. As such, they do not have any known cure. Aging is a natural process that cannot be reversed and there will be degenerative consequences. The main problem, where these become known as diseases is that they create a lot of pain and discomfort in the patient.

Certain experiments have shown that a person can live a painless, healthy life even with Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis if the muscles of the body are healthy enough. If you look at a car, it has shock-absorbers which not only protect the people inside it from jerks but even the car from damage if it goes on bumpy roads. Similarly, muscles act as the shock-absorbers of the body. If they are healthy and elastic, any jerks and shocks generated by any activity we do are absorbed by the muscles. But if the muscles are too tight, they can damage easily, while if they are too weak, the bones underneath them are more prone to damage.

This is why those who work out too much or participate in sports without enough warm-up and stretches have very tight muscles which are prone to injuries. And this is also why older people who have weak or under-exercised muscles, tend to easily fracture their bones with a fall. The central point here is muscle health.

The best way to keep the muscles strong and elastic is through Massage and Yoga Asanas. Yoga Asanas ensure that all the muscles of the body, external as well as internal, are used and kept healthy, like a well used and well oiled machine. Massage ensures that stressed and contracted muscles are relaxed through specific manipulating techniques and they get enough fresh blood supply to keep them healthy. Mental relaxation, which is a result of massage, help in improving body functions, including digestion and absorption of important nutrients like calcium.

Massage also helps in draining out toxins from the muscles and the body in general, which helps in better functioning of the body and has also anti-aging in property. Geriatric Massage is very important for the physical and mental health of senior citizens. However, it is important to note that degenerative diseases are a long-term process. They can start at a younger age and only show themselves through symptoms when we get older and when the condition worsens. And so, if we start taking measures at a younger age, it helps to slow down the degenerative processes and thus can even help in preventing these diseases to a certain extent.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

10 Steps to Reduce Pot Belly for Men

 'Pot belly’ or ‘beer belly’ is a very common condition that almost all men suffer from after the age of 25. Unfortunately, this condition is not taken very seriously, except in terms of aesthetics and looks. In fact, large abdomen in men is a warning sign for many diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, endocrine conditions, etc.

Why wait till it’s too late? Why not take some preventive or remedial measures from now. You do not need to go to experts to reduce the belly, unless it is an extreme case. There are some simple steps you can take to make small changes in your lifestyle that will work wonders:

1. Start Early: You may not even have a pot belly right now, but that does not mean that you will not in the future. Most diseases that occur at an older age are a result of our actions when we are younger. If you are a smoker or drink heavily, your lungs and liver will survive and struggle for a few years and so nothing will happen when you are in your 20’s. But the organs ultimately do give up in the future when they are not strong enough anymore. Cancer, liver disease, respiratory problems, all are a long-term result of the same. So do not wait until you are old. Start creating good habits from now.  

2. Food: Avoid staying hungry for long times, avoid overeating. Large meals put a lot of load on the stomach and intestine to digest. Chances are that a lot of food will be stored as fat instead of used for energy, especially if you are not physically active. Have a large amount of salad – especially cucumber and tomato just before every meal, reduce alcohol and sugar intake, processed food and fast food like soft drinks, fries and burgers. Eat more raw food like fruits. You will find that they are so much tastier and satisfying than cooked food. It de-toxifies the body, makes you feel light and healthy and, over time, you won’t even feel like polluting your body with unhealthy food.

3. Walk: Pot belly has two causes, one is high calorie intake and second is a sedentary lifestyle. A good one hour walk first thing in the morning helps improve blood circulation, improves digestion, improves stamina, prevents many diseases and is very refreshing. Try and walk amongst nature, in the park rather than in a closed environment like a gym. Spending quiet time with nature calms the mind.

(picture courtesy exercise-works.org)

4. Play: Play sports, go for a swim, cycle. Why is this important? Because overeating and weight gain are related to emotions. De-stressing can solve a lot of problems. Playing with kids is the best exercise for body and mind and it is so enjoyable that it doesn’t even feel like effort. Spend time with family and maintain good relations. Care for others. This creates positive feelings and emotions which lead to a happy and healthy life.

5. Posture: When walking and sitting, keep your back straight. This helps to tuck in the abdomen automatically and keeps it toned. Erect spine also has many health benefits. Wrong posture affects the nervous signals in the central nervous system i.e. brain and spine. Keeping the spine erect keeps the channel clear and the spine healthy, which in turn keeps the body and mind healthy.  

6. Relax: Some relaxation time, especially for the mind is essential during the day. The entire day goes in stress where the mind and body are both tense. This leads to emotions, indulgence and irritability. Some Yogic relaxation techniques like Savasana, for at least 15 minutes during the day can work wonders.

7. Body-Mind Therapies: A full Body Massage or Foot Reflexology therapy twice a month helps to improve digestion, remove toxins from the body, tone the muscles and reduce excess fat and cellulite on the body. It not only relaxes you physically but it a very important therapy for relaxing and soothing the mind.

8. Yoga: Yoga is more than physical exercise. It involves correct lifestyle, habits and attitude. All this combined prevents all kinds of problems. Apart from walking, simple Yogic stretches and Asanas for the body and some breathing techniques and attitude changes for the mind are very effective. This is more effective than gymming because exercises in the gym lead to build-up of muscle mass which turns into fat if the exercises are discontinued for a little while. Yogic exercises are scientifically designed to exercise even the internal organs which improves their tenacity and functioning.  

9. Accept yourself: No one in the world is perfect. Do not worry of what others think about you. Everyone is busy worrying about themselves anyway. Accept yourself and your body, be happy and confident and that alone will free you from a lot of problems, physical as well as mental.

10. Health Checkup: A pot belly can lead to many diseases but it can also be a symptom of an existing condition. After the age of 40, regular health check-ups are a must for every individual. Early diagnosis of a disease can lead to quick cure or prevention. Make sure you consult a doctor and start taking regular calcium and vitamins, either through diet or supplements, as advised. Remember, the most important thing in the world is your own health.

   

These changes are not at all difficult to make in life. Start with one and continue it religiously till it becomes part of your daily routine. It is not much to ask, good habits are worth the effort. Slowly, keep adding more to your routine and watch your life and health change.

Why spend money on pills and doctors when your health is in your own hands?

Stay Healthy !!

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder, 

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

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

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

Swedish Massage Therapy

Over centuries, massage in various forms has been practiced in different civilizations for its medicinal, therapeutic, soothing and invigorating effects on the body. Ancient book records and hyroglyphics on cave walls prove that the science of this healing therapy was known years ago in China, Japan, Egypt, India and to many other civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks and Persians.

Today, this same knowledge has been rediscovered and infused with modern knowledge and techniques, has given rise to a new era of ‘Alternate Medicine.’ Among the most popular therapies today, is the Classic/ Swedish Massage which is a soft tissue, gentle and soothing full body massage (excluding face and head).

It is not clear who actually was responsible for development of this type of massage. It was generally believed that a Swede named Henri Peter Ling developed Swedish Massage in 1812 at the University of Stockholm. However, a Dutch practitioner, Johan Georg Mezger is generally given credit for coining the French terms for the basic strokes used during the massage.

The basic strokes used in Swedish Massage are:

1. Effleurage: Long soothing, stroking movements with the palms of the hands.
2. Petrissage: A number of movements including kneading and rolling of skin.
3. Friction: Penetrating circular movements which involved deep pressure to one particular site of muscle tension, using the thumb, fingertips and knuckles.
4. Tapotement: Which include fast and stimulating movements including cupping, hacking, pounding, etc.

The strokes used in Swedish Massage form the basis of all other massages. There are many other massages that are a combination of Swedish Massage techniques and other deep tissue massage techniques and therapies.

Swedish Massage has shown amazing results in terms of physical, psychological and spiritual health. It is especially useful for:

·       Relaxation

·       Stimulation

·       Rejuvenation

·       Healing skin

·       Relief to tense muscles

·       Improved sleep patterns

·       Stress relief, etc.

It is now widely known that stress and mental strain is the main cause of around 85% diseases. By providing a much needed relief and relaxation in today’s day and age of hurry, worry and curry, Swedish Massage proves to be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

However, there are certain contraindicatons to this massage. A therapist as well as client needs to be aware of these. Thus, the therapist must perform a detailed client consultation before commencing treatment and a client must be forthright about any medical conditions he/she may be suffering from. Pre-massage consultation is of utmost importance and it is irresponsible on any spa/ salon/ therapist’s part to commence treatment without it.

Some of the contraindications to massage are:

·       High Blood Pressure

·       Heart Disease/ Stroke

·       Pregnancy

·       Cancer

·       Fever

·       Varicose Veins

·       Oedema

·       Headache/ Migraine

·       Physical Injury

·       Osteporosis

·       Acute Infectious Conditions

·       Inflammation of any kind

·       Bruises

It is not necessary that if you have the above mentioned conditions, you cannot have a massage. The massage treatment can be modified accordingly, or the consultation of a doctor might be required by the therapist.

Finally, a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical conditions and correct massage techniques is required to perform Swedish Massage. So therapists, make sure you choose the right school which includes this in the curriculum and clients, make sure you are going to a certified and well trained massage therapist.

Stay Well!