How to Reduce Stress: 4 Japanese Rituals

Japanese relaxation rituals are designed to help us slow down the frantic pace of life and enjoy beauty. Of course, mastering them perfectly is difficult because the Japanese have been familiar with them since childhood. But you can learn to apply their key elements and thus become calmer and happier.

Japanese Bath “Ofuro”

Japanese baths were historically built exclusively at temples, as their purpose was to purify the human mind rather than the body. Traditional Japanese bath is a large wooden tub, the water in which is heated to 42 degrees. Parts of the tub were covered with a lid to maintain the temperature. Of course, technological progress has made adjustments in the design of Ofuro: now Ofuro began to make with strong thermal insulation, the water in them is constantly circulating and heated.

To achieve complete euphoria, Japanese add to the bath a variety of essential oils and flower petals.

First, you need to take a shower with gel or soap, then draw water. It’s desirable to add a few drops of aromatic oils, and optionally – bath salt and flowers. You can also use fragrances. Then dim the lights. Immerse yourself in warm water and feel relaxed.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a massage technique that takes its name from the words “si” (finger) and “atsu” (pressure). By acting on specific points, it helps regulate the flow of Qi along the meridians. This type of massage is regulated as a licensed medical therapy by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan.

Shiatsu massage is practiced in many clinics and beauty centers. Of course, it’s best to sign up with masters from Japan and China. However, some elements can be tried at home on your own.

Like 22Bet India games, such a massage has an algorithm you should follow to make everything perfect. First, rub the back of your head with your fingertips to release the tension that has accumulated for the day. Then press your fists on the top of your shoulders to reduce the feeling of fatigue. Finally, pressing your thumb against your eyebrows will help relax facial muscles.

Kodo Ceremony

Kodo is the art of making incense. Along with tea ceremony and ikebana, it’s one of the so-called three major arts of Japan. In addition to making incense, it’s also the art of treating scents aesthetically. The tradition of kodo dates back hundreds of years in Japan and encompasses everything involved in “hearing” incense, from the utensils, often a work of applied art, and the composition of mixtures to the composing of poems inspired by incense with other participants in the ceremony. So, Kodo cannot be viewed only as the creation of a certain aromatic composition and its use, the exchange of opinions among the ceremony participants and the setting are equally important. Learning to recognize the many shades of fragrance is not easy.

The Kodo ceremony implies a special etiquette. However, if you don’t get too involved in all the intricacies, you can relax and develop your sense of smell. You will need incense or aromatic sticks and a bowl for smoking them. Choose a scent to your liking – cypress, sandalwood, or cedarwood. Sit on the rug, dim the lights and enjoy the fragrance of the incense.

Morning Gymnastics

Morning gymnastics – or radzio taiso – originated in 1928 and quickly became popular thanks to the efforts of Japanese radio stations and the media.

Today this type of gymnastics is massively engaged in parks, offices and other public places. Exercises allow you to keep in shape, tone your muscles, improve your sense of balance, and relax.

Examples of exercises can be found by searching rajio taiso on the Internet. You can do them both at home and in the park. It is best in the company of acquaintances and friends.