Three Best Japanese Techniques of Stress ReliefThe best known does not always mean the best. And what works best for you may not be that effective to me. But for the purpose of writing this article, I have evaluated the various Japanese techniques of stress relief in terms of availability, universality as well as overall effectiveness; and I have come to the conclusion that Reiki, Reflexology and Shiatsu are most probably the three best methods of relaxation which the world has inherited from Japan.
Reiki Rei means Universal. And Ki means Energy of Life. As its name suggests, Reiki has a universal appeal. It is a holistic approach to the harmonization of our vital energy. Reiki is all about channeling our energy the right way, unblocking any bottlenecks. And stress in itself is a major form of blocked energy. Whether you learn to practise Reiki yourself or you have recourse to the services of a healer, Reiki works the same way. Incidentally, ancient Indian theories around Yoga and meditation also point out the importance of proper channeling and circulation of the Kundalini, the vital energy of life for physical as well as psychological well-being. Practitioners of Reiki assert that this art of healing works even on those who do not believe in it. They say that only one out of every ten people who come to them is actually a genuine believer; others are all skeptics. And yet Reiki is one of the best Japanese techniques of stress relief and it has the following effects on one and all: > relieves physical pains of all kinds > stimulates processes of self-regulation and self-recovery of the organism > reinforces faculties of recuperation after any form of trauma > corrects various forms of physical misbalance > creates a deep sense of relief and serenity > relieves emotional misbalances > eliminates negative thoughts that make you suffer (not to be capable of, not to deserve...) > Helps fight addictions (alcohol, tobacco, bulimia...) > favours spiritual and personal development.
Reflexology Reflexology is a therapy which works on reflex zones present in various parts of the human body. Light pressure or specific forms of massage are used to work on these reflex zones present mainly in the palms of hands and soles of feet where the nerves end, but also in other parts of our body. Broadly speaking, Reflexology is a form of acupressure, except that it works in line with the belief that every single human organ has a corresponding reflex zone. Organs on the right side of the body have reflex zones on the right foot and those on the left side have their reflex zones on the left foot. Others like the lungs and the heart are represented on both feet. This is another excellent choice from the Japanese techniques of stress relief, the reflexology is based on the contention that the body and the mind are but one; it is the same vital energy that flows through both. The feet contain an energizing system, and through massage and acupressure over the reflex zones, practitioners of reflexology boost up energy flow in the body.
Shiatsu Shiatsu is also one of the best Japanese techniques of stress relief. This Japanese art of massage and acupressure is very similar to Reflexology, except that it also includes aromatherapy and guided stretching of the limbs, all of which help relax the body and eliminate physical tension. At the physical level, Shiatsu is thought to: * stimulate the natural defense system of the human organism * relax muscles * increase suppleness of the limbs and of the body as a whole * stimulate blood circulation * help in the proper functioning of the lungs * regulate hormonal secretions * fight cellulite and obesity At the psychological level, Shiatsu is an effective anti-stress treatment as it provides a sense of well-being and inner peace. Shiatsu also refines sensations and encourages a better adaptation to stressful situations.
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