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 

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

Geriatric Massage - Massage for Senior Citizens

What is Geriatric Massage?

Geriatric Massage is a specialized massage for senior citizens, that lasts for approximately 30 minutes. It is a modified form of Swedish Massage (soft tissue) that is suited to the sensitive and delicate skin and muscle structure or the elderly.

We have found through experience that gentle massage which is soothing and relaxing turns out to be all the more enjoyable for senior citizens as they are in need of caring physical touch and emotional support. Many of our elders experience loneliness, fear of death and disease, fear of being dependent and of course, suffer from certain age-related health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, etc. This leads to tension, anxiety and physical weakness which are relieved through Geriatric Massage.

Need for Geriatric Massage

It is not necessary that all senior citizens are weak and suffering from disease. Many of our elders are more fit than us as they used to have a lot of physical activity during their younger days. However, those who are fit also require regular massage because with age, the muscles have comparatively less capacity and strength and blood and lymph circulation is also less.

Geriatric massage is especially important for those who are not very mobile or are on the wheel chair. It includes light stretching, reflexology and massage on hands and feet and gentle manipulation of muscles which helps in improving the posture, circulation, relaxation, gives relief in pain and in conditions like arthritis, gout, Parkinson’s, etc. It helps to release toxins from the body, improves respiration, digestion, better sleep, helps to maintain sensation in extremities and moisture, texture and tone of skin and muscles.

This therapy is mainly taken as a preventive therapy to help avoid health conditions and to keep the joints and extremities in good condition.

Requirements of a Geriatric Massage Therapist

A therapist performing Geriatric Massage needs to have knowledge not only of massage techniques but also knowledge of psychology, etiquette, nervous system, hygiene, diseases, medication and their repercussions on health and skin and how they would affect the massage procedure.

There can be some health conditions that are contraindicated in Geriatric Massage and so the therapist should do a thorough client assessment before beginning the treatment and ask for a doctor’s certificate where necessary. The therapist needs to be sensitive to the client’s feelings and reactions during the treatment. Even a slight excess pressure can cause pain and discomfort. There will be no fixed system of massage, it would differ from client to client. There is no place for deep tissue massage in Geriatric Massage. Even if the client may have excess cellulite, deep tissue massage may lead to pain and soreness after a few hours.

In this therapy, special care is taken to make sure the client is in a comfortable position and is kept warm. In most cases, clients will not be comfortable lying in the prone (face down) position and so massage has to be done in such a way that both sides are covered without moving the client.

Geriatric Massage is a highly underrated but a much needed therapy. There is still not much awareness of this technique in India. So it is our duty as trained massage therapists to spread awareness for the benefit of our elders. A good place to start our practice would be in our own family, hospitals and old age homes.

Our elders need to feel cared for and if done by a close family member, the feeling of well-being, positivity and happiness generated from Geriatric Massage can be manifold.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder,

PristineSenses Academy

Training in Body-Mind Therapies

(image courtesy - ttuhsc.edu)

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

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.

This Winter, Keep Healthy With Herbs

In the winter time, we find almost everyone around sniffing, sneezing and coughing. Changing of the seasons is the time when our immune system is trying to adjust and the body is most vulnerable to infections. 

At such a time, diet is of the utmost importance. Why resort to cough syrups and medications when Nature has given us food substances with naturally warm properties? 

Two main herbal foods which are a must-have are:

Ginger

Ginger tea is great to prevent and cure common cold. When added to your food it gives great flavour and aroma. Ginger can even be applied on the body to soothe aching joints and muscles. 

It helps fight infections, boosts immunity, is used in hot formentation in arthtitis, gout, oedema and other forms of joint and muscle pain. It provides relief from respiratory disorders like cough, cold, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis etc. A powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame oil and massaged on the joint provides relief. Dried ginger powder made into a paste with warm water can be applied on the forehead, cheek bone area and nose to help melt congested sinuses. However, it can bring out skin reactions in those with sensitive skin so use with care. 

Tusli

This is my favourite remedy. Tulsi or Holy Basil is easily grown in the garden or balcony. This holy plant is anti-asthmatic and anti-infective. It increases respiratory resistance. It helps in instant relief from cough and one can even put 3-4 Tulsi leaves in the jugs of drinking water. Tulsi juice made by pounding its leaves with a few drops of ginger and honey helps strengthen immunity.

Also, do try and spend some time sunbathing in the warm soothing rays of the morning or evening sun. 

These little things when put in practice go a long way in preserving one's health. 

Remember, Nature's wonders are always at our disposal. However, I would not recommend self-diagnosis in severe cases. Always consult a physician or medical authority in case the matter is more than just a slight cough or cold. 

Stay Healthy!

Mr. Pinakin Shah- Head, Pristine Senses Academy, 
Body-Mind Therapist and Trainer, Reiki Practitioner and  Naturopath.

Reiki Healing

About Reiki

Dr. Mikao Usui

Reiki is fast becoming a popular healing therapy. As awareness of alternative therapies increases, people are resorting to this amazing energy healing technique.

Reiki, in Japanese means Universal Life-force Energy. Some form or other of energy healing has been practiced since ancient times. There are many stories of healing powers of Saints and Yogis. There are also stories of Jesus Christ healing people, in the Bible. However, one can say that this secret to healing was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan.

Passed on from person to person, this knowledge and ability to heal has been spread to many practitioners today over the world.

How Does Reiki Work?

There is a very powerful, positive healing energy in the Universe. An attuned practitioner of Reiki becomes a channel for this energy to flow through them, to the patient/ client via their hands.

This energy is sent to every Chakra (Energy Centre) of the body. It is said that most diseases and imbalances in the body are due to blockages in the energy flow of the body.

This is also explained in Yoga when talking about Pranayama. In Yoga, Prana is the bio-energy that is responsible for functioning of the body. Through Pranayama, this energy is channelled correctly and harnessed, and that leads to longer lifespan and good physical and mental health.

In the same way, Reiki is that positive life-force energy that flows into the body, healing you, removing your toxins and opening up the channels.

Jesus Christ Healing the sick

Reiki Treatment Procedure

Many people find the concept of Reiki strange and unbelievable, but after a therapy session, I have found many people raise their eyebrows incredulously and claiming that, “It really worked!” To those who doubt Reiki, I’d just say, try not to judge something without knowing about/ trying it properly.

A typical therapy session would involve clearing negative energies from the room first. Then the client lies on the back, relaxed, with eyes closed. The therapist starts from the head, spends some time on each chakra and moves down to the feet. Then the same is done with the client lying face down. It is possible that the client may fall asleep during the session, which is quite common and it does not affect the healing.  

Reiki can be used for local healing eg. small cuts and wounds, and can even be sent over a distance eg. the practitioner from his/ her own home can send it to the client who is at his/ her home.

Benefits of Reiki

Reiki is a very safe technique. It has been found to help cure almost all problems under the sun, including physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. There is still a lot to discover when it comes to the potential of Reiki in healing. It has been found useful in curing sleeplessness, breathing problems, stress, pain, swellings, emotional and past issues, etc. to name just a few. Of course, a note of caution, it does not mean that you do not take medical treatments if your body requires it.

It has almost no side effects. However, some people experience a little increase of pain/ problem before they are healed. This is because Reiki leads to removal of toxins in the natural way. So, the body tries to remove through the usual methods – urine, cold, cough, faeces, sweat and even some emotional release like crying. These all differ from person to person and don’t necessarily occur.

After Reiki

During Reiki, one generally feels warm in the part being healed. In my experience, there have been many people who feel vibrations, waves, tingling sensation and even cold. Some even claim to have seen some visions. They feel relaxed and positive after the session and sometimes in just the first session or after regular healing sessions, see a marked improvement in their condition.

So if you’re looking for a natural way of healing, do try Reiki. You may be surprised, like many others before you.

Stay Well !!

-          ­Ankita Shah

Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher,

Reflexologist, Massage Therapist.

Article in Life Positive Magazine, July 2011

Learn Alternative Therapies for hobby or profession !!

Visit: www.pristinesenses.net