The Healing Touch
This time the focus of this publication is on the Healing Touch – Tibetan external therapies. I was working on it for many months before the world was suddenly changed by an epidemy of the Coronavirus. Nevertheless, these therapies are still applicable, even if you are locked at home. If you cannot go out to reach for help, you can use them for self treatment.
To help your sleep and relaxation, you can rub warm sesame oil into your chest, hands and feet; put warm oil on the cotton into the ears (simplified Horme technique). To improve digestion and metabolism put a warm salt compress on the belly. To alleviate inflammation, apply cold water compress.
We all need the human touch. The great example of how powerful be the slightest touch can be, is the bLa massage- a therapy for restoring the protective life energy, bLa (described in the SRJ 2). These gentle strokes resemble rather the touch of butterfly wings than a massage, evoking strong stimulation, invigoration, and joy. Also Tibetan Kunye massage has a deep effect on the body and mind, thoroughly relaxing and rebalancing all systems.
Scientifically, touch increases the neurotransmitters – dopamine (a motivator), and serotonine (an antidepressant), as well as releases oxytocine (the love hormone). So what you can meanwhile do for your family nd yourself, is hugging! You can also do a simple massage at home, even if you are not a professional.
Back pain and joint pain are also quite common nowadays. Massage and other manual therapies can be more effective than many of the over-the-counter drugs. People suffering from muscles and fascial constrictions, resulting from the lifestyle factors and postural imbalances, can get a great relief from a simple application of cupping or needle. Of course you need to address the cause of it as well, such as correcting the moving habits and excercises.
In this issue, we present some of the ancient therapies that are extremely useful for our modern world. I recommend starting with the interview with dr Dr. Nida that gives a great overview over all the richness of Tibetan external therapies before you move on to reading about the specific methods. Furthermore, you can learn about Thurche– Tibetan acupuncture; considered in Sowa Rigpa as the supreme therapy; and about bloodletting and leech therapy – effective methods for inflammation or hot disorders. In contrast, moxibustion is a method for eliminating cold-natured disorders by warming up points to relieve pain of joints, back, or stomach, among many other conditions.
You can also read about cup applications and their clinical use in Tibetan medicine; and about the benefits of shell massage, effective not only for beauty, but also on numerous neurological disorders. Be amazed with the results of Lum – herbal bath, and a complex Sowa Rigpa approach to the treatment of fibromyalgia and other diseases.
Happy reading and may the knowledge you obtain enhance your practice!
Dr. Anastazja Holecko
The Editor
