Soul Soothing Massages

Sofia Falcone

January 29

The skin is our deepest emotional archive, retaining sensations we don't even remember. Massages take us back to the time when we were infants and were caressed with love, leaving us feeling protected. For those who unfortunately did not get to enjoy such unconditional love, it takes us to a place in our psyches that still aches for such touch, while through the skin, the heart reminds us that we were always worthy of such experience…

1. ARUN, CONSCIOUS TOUCH

Arun means "light of dawn" and expresses the expansion of consciousness. It is a relaxed, loving and fully present way of touching. In Tantra, it is the first stage of a Tantric Massage – Traditional Tantric Massage is divided into 3 stages, which can be used in sequence or separately. Arun is the first stage. A good Arun massage therapist is in touch with his/her light and dark aspects and has come to be at peace with both, developing love and gratitude for the mystery of the body and inner consciousness. The therapist has learned to feel touch, without judging, analyzing, or comparing – touching the body's natural life with an attitude of unconditional acceptance. This massage uses light acupressure and Zen Shiatsu techniques. The Tantric or practitioner will use his or her touch in a way that helps the body and mind relax, and the inner consciousness expand.

2. AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Massage is one of the star treatments of Ayurvedic – the traditional medicine of India. Touch purifies the body on a physical and emotional level, mobilizing the body's self-healing mechanisms and rebalancing the three constitutional doshas: vata (wind), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm). With pindas containing herbs dipped in hot oils, the whole body is massaged for about 60 minutes. Oils are chosen according to the patient in order to revitalize organs damaged by stress and poor diet.

3. BIOENERGETIC THERAPY

Some call it the "soul massage" because it opens the door to release the locked blockages in the body. It is a form of complementary therapy to Bioenergetic Psychotherapy. Through relaxation, breathing, and precise movements, it helps release the characteristic tensions that make up the person's posture. The technique was developed by Alexander Lowen based on the findings of Wilhelm Reich. The muscles and the circulatory and lymphatic systems are worked, as well as the subtle and emotional body.

4. CALIFORNIAN OR ESALEN

It originated in the 1960s at the Esalen Institute (California), where Gestalt therapy was developed. Its long, fluid, integrative movements are the basis for various deep contact techniques. It is performed with hands, forearms and elbows using oil on the naked body. It stands out for the contact quality with touches at different rhythms and pressures from a meditative mind. Deep breathing helps to release tension and get in touch with the sensation.

5. DIAPHRENOTHERAPY OR "DIAFREO"

It is based on the concept of muscle chains developed by Françoise Mezières. This French physiotherapist stressed that muscle chains are interconnected; when one lengthens another shortens, and tensions and bad habits contract them and affect their movement. It also emphasizes the diaphragm as a determining muscle of body posture. Stretching and contact techniques act on the psychic, physical and energetic structures of the body.

6. WATSU, WATER MASSAGE

This fusion of the word water and shiatsu was born in California at the Harbin Hot Springs spa by Harold Dull, a connoisseur of hydrotherapy and a lover of Japanese massage. It is defined as an aquatic meditation that takes advantage of the weightlessness of the water, leading to deep relaxation and contributing to recovering sensations of well-being- typical of when we felt protected in the womb. While the masseur holds, stretches, balances and hugs the patient in the water, the connection with the unconscious and the most primitive self is fostered. This style of massage is also used in Tantra – a Fusion of Japanese and Indian wisdom.

These techniques heal the spirit through the body. They aim to open the energy channels and deepen the person's essence until emotional wounds are healed.