Testimonial for Foot Reflexology Course: Iben and Lena

"Pristine Senses Academy is great with practical work. You will get to know the therapy well by the time you have done the course. It would be great with a video so as to remember the order better."

Iben Nagel
Denmark
Foot Reflexology
December, 2016.

"I really liked the practical part. The body systems is a good review also to understand how the body works with reflexology. We had a lot of other discussions as well."

Lena Brandt
Denmark
Foot Reflexology
December, 2016

For more information on the Foot Reflexology Training Course, visit http://pristinesenses.net/

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 

Testimonial: Mrs. Lilly Kaushal

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal with Founder Mr. Pinakin Shah

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal with Director Ms. Ankita Shah

"I am absolutely impressed with Pristine Senses Academy run by father and daughter. Very very detailed study of my Foot Reflexology class. Ankita has a lot of patience and understanding of her students which makes us really good learners !!! Super. Will recommend to everyone ! Also, Ankita has a pleasant disposition."

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal
Mumbai, India
Foot Reflexology (Basic)
1st Aug, 2014.

For more information on the Foot Reflexology Training Course, visit http://pristinesenses.net/

Article in Chitrakari Magazine (December 2012)

Click on the picture to enlarge and read.

Scroll down to read the English translation.

Article in Chitrakari (Gujarati) -December 2012

Foot Reflexology for Health

Foot Reflexology is an ancient science used for healing a person in a natural way. In Reflexology, the feet are a map of the whole body and when a point on the feet is stimulated, it triggers better functioning and healing in the corresponding part of the body.

Reflexology helps in cough, cold, pain relief, improved digestion, hormonal balance, Asthma, high blood pressure, stress, PMS, reducing side effects of strong medication in cases like cancer and also removes toxins from the body, etc. We all live very stressful lives and require these natural therapies to remain healthy.

However, many of us may find Reflexology and Massage in spas to be too expensive and luxurious. So, we get treatment at home from untrained bais and malishwalas, which is very harmful.

We should get treatment only from qualified therapists or, better still, we can learn the therapy for ourselves and use it as a profession or a hobby to heal family and friends.

So let us become self-sufficient and learn to care for our own body, mind and spirit.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder, Pristine Senses Academy

Body-Mind Therapist and Trainer

www.pristinesenses.net

Ph: 09820022335

(Chitrakari is a monthly magazine in Gujarati language)

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

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.

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.)

Reflexology Treatment for Snoring

In one of the seminars on health that I had attended, a doctor once said that if a person snores, his/her sleep is a disturbed sleep. I had never snored in my life. However, one day I had caught a terrible cold and had an almost completely blocked nasal passage. That night I just could not breathe without the snoring noise. It was pretty embarrassing as I was travelling with colleagues and they were disturbed by the sounds.

Later when I was introduced to Reflexology, I did some more research on snoring and its causes. So here I'm sharing with you some of the ways we can tackle the problem.

If snoring is your regular problem, it won't just be uncomfortable for you, it will disturb the sleep of your spouse or sibling whom you share the room with. This later results in disturbed state of mind, irritability and lethargy during the day. So do not take snoring lightly, treat it immediately.


So what causes snoring?

• As my experience proves, snoring occurs due to blockage of the nasal passage which can occur due to  cold/ infection.
• When sleeping, the throat muscles relax, narrowing the air passage, resulting in snoring.
• Faulty sleeping positions.
• Excessive smoking and alcohol intake.
• Accumulation of fat around the throat or obesity.
• Throat weakness or disposition of the jaw.

Treatment:

Reflexology on the respiratory areas of the foot helps cure snoring. This is because reflexology on respiratory region results in deeper, more relaxed and slower breathing, which prevents forceful intake of breath through the throat. 

Also, in case of cough or cold, reflexology helps in releasing the mucus and removal of toxins. Curing the infection can open up the nasal passage.

The areas shown in the picture are the ones to work on:

Note: The corresponding area on the upper surface of the foot should also be worked on.

Other Necessary Lifestyle Modifications:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Avoid sleeping on your back.
• Avoid breathing through the mouth.
• Reduce excess body weight.
• Practice Pranayamas regularly- Ujjayi Pranayama, Brahmari Pranayama, Yogendra Pranayama 1-9.
• Practice Asanas that involve chest expansion and also Simhasana  which is extremely good for the throat and voice.  
• Keep your nasal passage clean through Kriyas like Jalaneti and Jihvamulashodhanam.
• It has been found that Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has also been very effective in curing snoring.

Caution: Reflexology Treatment should be done by a trained Reflexologist.

All Yogic practices must be done under the guidance of a trained yoga therapist. 

Sleep Well !!

Traditional Reflexology for Foot Spas

These days we find many foot spas coming up in every nook and cranny of Mumbai. It is evident that foot massage is becoming very popular among the masses in urban India. However the question that arises is; is there any foot spa that is completely unique?

Unfortunately, all foot spas are cashing in on the same theme, a mix of Thai foot massage with head, shoulder, hand massage and a bit of reflexology, generally done with a tool. If a prospective client enquires and asks whether Reflexology treatment is available, they are told it is. But what they actually get is quite different from traditional reflexology.

Traditional Reflexology belongs more in the alternative medicine rather than in the massage/ spa category. This is because:

·       In traditional reflexology, oil or cream is not used as it makes the thumb or fingers slip, preventing the therapist from stimulating each point properly. Instead, a bit of talc powder is used.

·       It is not recommended to use any instruments in reflexology unlike what is done in most of the current spas. Fingers and Thumbs are the best tools for reflexology as they help the therapist to feel any possible knots or tenderness in the feet.

·       A few massage techniques are used during reflexology for warming up the feet and relaxing the client. However, these techniques are used only as a starter, a bit in the middle and as dessert during treatment. The actual treatment mainly involves thumb/ finger walking, pivoting and finger rotary pressure.

It is sad that a traditional reflexology spa/ clinic is still difficult to find in a city like Mumbai where almost every single person requires a healing treatment for their stress, tension and the resultant diseases.

Most spa owners believe that there will be more ROI if they offer the ‘popular’ treatments, but the market soon gets saturated with the same kind of services. What we need to realize is that popularity can be created by using the right kind of marketing techniques. And the best bet for survival of any spa is to offer something unique and niche.