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Therapies
WATER THERAPY
Water therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Watsu, Wataflow, Agua Tai, Aguahara. There are several names given to the research of exploring water as a therapeutic space for healing.
Water therapy is a profound physical therapy modality yet it goes beyond that and into a journey of surrender to the teachings of the Water element: an art of continuous flow in a timeless space. An invitation to meet our inner waters and to experience an in depth knowledge of silence.
There are many unique flavours to the water therapy world, combining a great set of multi-disciplinary healing/massage techniques. To explain it in a few words (hard task!), it basically consists of a series of subtle, sometimes still, sometimes dynamic, movements performed by the therapist both above and underwater.
In such an environment the body unwinds, unfolds and quickly arrives to a deep state of relaxation that isn’t as easily achieved in a land-gravity environment. The water provides a safe, tranquil and nurturing environment that gives the mind and body a pathway to relax and let go. In this space where time seems to stop, everything inside begins to dissolve, our blockages and tensions, eventually allowing us to return to a natural state of flux.
We can often experience the arising of insights, past and forgotten memories, awareness and a certain ‘knowing’ that important and deep information was received during a session. We may experience an array of feelings, shades of light, expressions of joy, and a remembering of a deeper connection to warm water, where all human life began. An experience of the freedom, the expansion, and the profound joy that the Water {water therapy} can provide.
THAI MASSAGE
Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Phan Boran as it is called in Thailand, is a therapeutic technique that consists of a series of interactive, flowing movements, stretches and rhythmic massage, along all the body's energy lines and pressure points. It combines elements of Yoga and Ayurveda with universal energy healing principles to harmonise and balance the flow of energy throughout the body. It is seen as a practical application of the Buddhist principle of 'Metta' or loving kindness, as the base of an effective healing art of body, mind and soul.
Performed with the receiver comfortably clothed and on a padded floor mat, which allows the therapist to easily manipulate the body of the receiver. The therapist stretches, flexes and bends the body to free up tension and improve flexibility. Breathing techniques are also incorporated, along with acupressure points and trigger point techniques. Unlike other forms of massage therapy, Thai massage involves active participation of the receiver, who works with the therapist for a successful healing session.
Both therapist and receiver usually feel less tension and more energy at the end of a session, as the therapists themselves are stretching and moving their own body to perform the work. The synchronisation of therapist/receiver’s breath, combined with a set intention of loving kindness (Metta) from the therapist, creates a constant flow of healing energy between all involved.
This often deeply meditative experience can result in a profound release from both mental and physical stress. The benefits can go as deep in the subtle body as the receiver and therapist allow. An extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, bringing healing and clarity to the mind and thus aligning ourselves with our original essence.
Its precise origins are unknown, but practitioners traditionally trace their lineage to Chivaka Komarapatr, a private doctor of the Buddha, who is said to have successfully used massage along with herbal and other remedies to treat ailments and conditions amongst the nuns and monks that were travelling with the Buddha, spreading Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia.
CHI NEI TSANG
Chi Nei Tsang, abdominal massage or internal organ Chi massage, is an ancient Taoist system for detoxifying and rejuvenating the internal organs. It works mainly on the abdomen with deep yet soft and gentle touches, to train internal organs to work more efficiently and therefore clearing blockages in the body’s energy flow.
This massage technique was developed following the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s which assert that emotional blockages are physically stored in our bodies. They realized that emotions affect the organs, and saw that one of the main causes of disease is emotions getting ‘stuck’ in the body. This means that the way we feel can translate into physical pain and illness.
The digestive system is believed to be an emotional regulator. This is why we usually talk about “digesting” our emotions. Emotional digestion is just as natural of a phenomenon as breathing or digesting food. Like breath or digestion, it usually remains non-‐conscious, but if we pay attention to it we can automatically improve it. Our consciousness is able to aid the performance of any process in the body, including emotional digestion.
According to Tao and Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ is especially sensitive to certain emotions, and is therefore affected by some and nurtured by others. We may feel emotions such as anger, sadness, fear or jealousy and don’t know how to let them go. Each of these emotions is correlated to a specific organ and may interrupt their normal functioning, resulting in a number of pathologies.
That’s why abdominal massage goes to the very origin of health problems, including psychosomatic and emotional responses. It effectively addresses chronic conditions including digestive problems, headaches, chronic fatigue, menstrual cramps, sciatica, infertility, insomnia, depression - the list goes on and on. This treatment intends to free our organs from pain and bring us healing both physically, emotionally and energetically.
TOK SEN
Tok Sen is an ancient healing art used by the people of northern Thailand. It is believed this technique is about 5000 years old and was developed parallel to the development of acupuncture in nearby China.
Traditional Thai and Chinese medicine state that a person is healthy only when Chi {Prana} flows without obstruction. When there are blockages and Prana {life force} does not flow properly, it becomes stagnant creating physical, mental and emotional ailments.
In this technique a special wooden hammer and wedge, often made of wood from the Tamarind tree, are used to perform a rhythmic tapping along specific energy points and lines of the body, creating a resonance that helps to dislodge tension and stimulate the free flow of Prana {Chi} throughout the body, re-establishing a more natural flow of energy.
The wooden mallet and wedge are used in different ways according to the effects that we seek as well as the area which is being stimulated. The wedge can be tapped on a single point, in segments, tracing a line, etc. The manual pressure and passive stretches from Thai Massage are often applied at the beginning or/and end of a massage sequence. While the stretches seek to loosen up the body, the intense vibrations of the Tok Sen instruments work on our energy as well as physical level, reaching deep inside, healing us from within.
The constant sound of the tapping as well as the deep vibrations bring us into a meditative state and helps to clear our minds of any distractions, producing a sensation of relaxation and tranquillity {like a Mantra}. The tapping stimulates our tendons, skin, muscles, circulatory system, etc., on a physical level, whilst on an energetic level the stimulation of the energy points and lines opens up blockages and reactivates the free flow of energy throughout the body, which in turn reinstates health and well-being.
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Client love
The Aquatic Massage with Janaína was one of the most transformative things in my life. I wanted to study what she does in the water. I have never experienced anything like this in the world and I have studied many styles of bodywork around the world. Feels like I unwind a knot in my ribs (and mind) which I’ve been working on for a while. Really excellent work!
STEWART, USA
Jana shares her knowledge and herself with generosity and simplicity. She not only taught me how to improve my teaching practice and methodology, she truly transformed the connection and feeling of my own energy during my Yoga practice and further in my everyday life. For that, I’m forever grateful! Her Yoga classes and meditations have opened a door in myself and I can say that since then, something is growing within me that makes me feel stronger and peaceful. Jana is not only a wonderful teacher, she is a wonderful woman, with a beautiful soul!
BENEDICTE DAUDIN, FRANCE
The Aquatic Massage session with Janaína was amazing! Very relaxing, I finished with a feeling of reconnection and felt like I was still “floating” after the session, in a state of true well-being. I had a new perception of the relationship with water, dance, massage, care and exchange (with the water, with Jana and with me). Janaina’s presence and care were remarkable. I recommend this experience to everyone!
MIRIAM, BRAZIL
The Thai Massage with Janaína was complete, it was very good for my body, my mind and my spirit. There was a reception beforehand so that I could explain what I was looking for in the session and the result was beyond my expectations. She handled everything in a way that I felt completely comfortable with and her technique is very precise. I intend to have sessions like this more often as a balancing practice, necessary to deal with everyday life.
IRATÃ LISBOA, BRAZIL
The Aquatic Massage session with Janaína was incredible and it has been very important to me. In addition to the experience of relaxation and intrauterine sensation, it is making my body more aligned. It greatly eased the pain of the post surgical rehabilitation process that I am going through and is helping me to walk again. Highly recommend it! Thank you Janaína.
CARLA RODRIGUES, BRAZIL
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