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.

New Year, New Changes. Are We Ready?

Every new day, every new year brings some changes with it. We are hopeful, fearful, wishful and determined of many things that lay ahead of us this year. But are we ready to handle changes- big or small?

Let’s learn two Yogic practices (taught at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz) that will help us cope with change.

Practice 1 – Reflection

When you look into a mirror, what does it show you? Unless it’s a magic mirror, it will show you exactly the way you are. It will not judge you and say you are good looking or ugly or fat or thin. It is our mind that does that analysis. The mirror just does its job of showing you what you are.

In the same way, Reflection as a practice helps you see all events of the day just the way they are, without judging them. It helps us become objective.

How to do it?

•         Sit in a meditative posture (avoid lying down).
•         Visualize every single event of that day from waking up in the morning to sleeping at night.
•         Avoid spending too much time on one event or analyzing why and how it happened.
•         Just move from event to event.
•         When you come to the end of this practice, open your eyes.
•         This practice would approximately take 15 minutes.

Note: Avoid writing the events instead of visualizing them. Writing tends to become planned as we have to think of the right words. This way, we end up evaluating things. Instead, we have to train the mind to become objective. Just watch events pass like a TV show.

Practice 2 – Anitya Bhavana (Anitya- Impermanent. Bhavana- Attitude)

After the practice of reflection, let’s concentrate on the following statement:

“What was in the morning is not at mid-day. What was at mid-day is not at midnight; for all things are transitory. Why should I be attached to anything when nothing is permanent and everything is changeful?”

When doing reflection, you must have noticed this. Nothing is the same. Your moods, the environment, the world around you; is constantly changing. Still many times, we get uncomfortable with change. When passing school and going into college, we are scared of what lies ahead of us, when passing college and going out into the big bad world, we fear if we will survive and do well. When getting married, we are scared of all the responsibilities and changes it will bring into our lives.

We know things will change, still we somehow expect the next day to be the same as today. We expect the housekeeper, milkman, everyone to be the same as always. But if one of them doesn’t show up, we get upset.

With every birthday, we get upset thinking we’re a year older. We get scared of becoming old, of losing things or people we cherish. But some day it all goes, in the same way that we’ll die one day.

So why is it that we don’t like change inspite of it being inevitable?

Fear of the unknown, fear of losing out on our comfort zone?

But we all know that the only constant thing in this world is change. Then why fight it when we know that we can’t do anything about it? Why not accept change and adjust accordingly and move on?

By accepting, we will be able to tackle it better than wishing it had never happened. If we think we can change something, go ahead and change it. But if we can’t, accept what is not in our hands.

Anitya Bhavana helps us accept and tackle all kinds of changes in life with a balanced mind.

Now keeping this in mind, let’s practice reflection again with Anitya Bhavana at the back of our mind. Let’s see if it makes any difference.

By regular practice of reflection and Anitya Bhavana, there is an automatic understanding that comes, about the impermanence of things. It is not really something we can force ourselves to do or intellectualize. It is a feeling that is generated, a kind of understanding of the changefulness of the material world. This will help us remain in a balanced state of mind always.

So here’s wishing you a Happy, Changeful and Balanced New Year !!

Pinakin & Ankita Shah

Body-Mind Therapists & Trainers

Pristine Senses Academy

                                                                                    

Image courtesy:

http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/change-architect-sign1.jpg