TIBETAN therapy
Create all-encompassing well-being with the
KuNye massage
by César Tejedor
I
t’s no secret that holistic concepts have come center stage in the spa industry, with the rapid development of new treatments that address health and well-being. The Tibetan KuNye massage caters to all aspects of these concepts by balancing the body and mind, easing pain, relaxing tensions and revitalizing one’s energy. This article provides an introduction of the concepts of the complex practice of Tibetan KuNye Massage.
42
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
LNEONLINE.com
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
43
SPA
|
TIBETAN THERAPY
TIBETAN MEDICINE KuNye massage therapy is derived from traditional Tibetan medicine. This ancient medicinal system has a holistic perception of human health and takes diet, lifestyle, mental and physical condition, the environment and astrological signs into consideration. Tibetans believe that when physical and mental energy are in harmony, one is healthy on all levels. Tibetan medicine emphasizes promoting health through preventative measures rather than curing illness. A Tibetan doctor (not a therapist) makes an exhaustive diagnosis to identify the root cause of a symptom. Once this root cause has been eliminated, the symptom will not return.
Therefore, a diagnosis must be carried out to identify the constitution of each client and the existence of possible disorders prior to all treatments, including the KuNye massage. Questions for client: In order to determine the dominant constitution, the client is asked about their health condition, diet, lifestyle, habits and tastes. Observation: Note the color of the skin, body movement, hair color and texture. This information enables us to identify the client´s constitution, which can be rLung, mKhris-pa, Bad-Kan, or a mix of all three (known in Ayurveda as Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The indications and contraindications of the KuNye massage are the same as in any other oil massage when it is applied with preventive, relaxing or esthetic purposes. When massage is used in curative treatments, the indications vary according to the client´s constitution and imbalance, and are applied in relation with rLung imbalances. In any case, it’s important to apply the massage and the oils in a manner that best adapts to the client. Refer to the following table to customize the massage for each client.
ALL- ENCOMPASSING
rLung
From a Tibetan health perspective, KuNye massage is conducted for two main purposes:
Bad-kan
Sesame, coconut, peppermint,
1. Prevent imbalances and disorders. This is achieved by soothing tensions, relaxing and bringing balance to the body, mind and energy to relieve stress.
mKhris-pa
Carrier Oil
soya, nutmeg, turmeric, mustard, linseed, nigellasativa
Coconut, saf-
Thyme,
flower, fresh
ginger, basil,
butter, jasmine,
cinnamon and
chamomile
rosemary
and sunflower
2. Relieve a disorder or disease. When applied for this purpose, it should be performed under the guidance of a Tibetan doctor. The KuNye massage utilizes specific massage strokes designed for increasing energy flow and opening the energy channels. The body´s energy points are stimulated through acupressure and the use of Zathi-Dukpas in order to promote well-being and maintain or restore health.
INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT
Medium-but
Pressure
44
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
Soft Medium
rLung points
Reps
7
5
3
Oil
Hot
Neutral
Warm
Temperature
According to Tibetan medicine, each person has a specific bodily constitution.
high on the
Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #303 on reader service card
SPA
|
TIBETAN THERAPY
The Energy Being An important aspect of the KuNye massage is the stimulation of the energy points (Zub-Tsog) of the body, which allow us to work on the energy on several levels. According to Tibetan Medicine, the energy points are located along the 72.000 energy channels (Tsa) that distribute energy to the entire organism.
Tibetan medicine emphasizes promoting health through preventative measures rather than curing illness.
The thumb-sized Zathi-Dukpas are made of a mixture of nutmeg, caraway, and coriander, and different essential oils linked to traditional Tibetan Medicine. This fusion of products is mixed and placed in a cotton cloth, making a bag that is closed by a cord to shape and seal it. *See video demonstration at
During the KuNye massage, the energy points are stimulated using both finger pressure and hot pressure using tiny herbal bags called Zathi-Dukpa.
LNEONLINE.com.
sample protocol The full KuNye massage consists of eight steps, each of them broken down into several sequences according to the points/ areas that are being stimulated. The protocol below is a comprehensive demonstration of the KuNye massage applied on the back, which represents the seventh step in the full KuNye massage, including all the sequences of that step. Position of the receiver: Lying in prone position (facing down), with legs and arms relaxed and aligned with the trunk. Position of the therapist: Standing or walk-standing at either the head or one side of the massage table.
1
1.
Zathi Dukpa on the head, back and upper limbs points. Massage stroke: Apply Zathi-Dukpas using circular friction. Therapist position: Standing at the side of the massage table. Application: Apply medium to strong pressure (taking into account the individual’s characteristics) to stimulate the following points: s The base of the skull, two finger widths distance from each side of the vertebral column. s Second row on the skull, two finger widths distance above the first point. s Crown Chakra, Bregma and tragus. s All points of the spine. s Infraspinatus fossa point. s Angular point of the shoulder blade. s Review the points of the upper limb. Benefits: Stimulates the energy points and improves energy flow throughout the body. Each energy point produces different benefits.
46
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
Induce Systematic Cellular Turnover to Rejuvenate 3 Enhance Epidermal & Dermal Thickening 3 Target Hyperpigmentation at Source 3 3 Attack Acne on All Levels & Maintain Clear Skin Improve Elasticity, Firmness, Wrinkles 3 Control Inflammation & Skin Stressors 3 Maintain Healthy Skin - Zero Downtime & Quick Results 3
Great Fall Peel
A+ PEPTIDES Age Control
C + ACID Pigment Control
PEPTIDE + B Age, Acne, Pigment, Rosacea
HYBRID ACID ENZYME Illuminating Age Control
Extraction & Massage
PEEL + MASK Age, Acne, Pigment Control
Partner with DermAware® Bio-Targeted® Skin Care today. medical and spa
professionals register now www.dermaware.com/ professional
504-469-3500
|
www.dermaware.com LNEONLINE.com
Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #256 on reader service card
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
47
SPA
|
TIBETAN THERAPY
2
2. Palm gliding on the back. Massage stroke: Palm gliding. Therapist position: Walk-standing at the side of the massage table. Application: Using both palms simultaneously, perform palm gliding. Beginning from the lower back, move up the paravertebral muscles to the cervical spine and down the outer side of the trunk to the starting point. Benefits: Stimulates the energy flow to the back and neck. Relaxes the paravertebral muscles.
3. Thumb gliding on the paravertebrals.
Massage stroke: Circular thumb gliding. Therapist position: Walk-standing at the side of the massage table. Application: Perform a circular gliding stroke using both thumbs on each side of the spine starting at the lower back, ascending through the paravertebral muscles to the cervical spine and returning with an effleurage stroke. Benefits: Stimulates the energy flow to the back and neck. Relaxes the paravertebral muscles. 48
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
3
1 800 361.1361 | www.francelaure.com |
LNEONLINE.com
Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #199 on reader service card
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
49
SPA
|
TIBETAN THERAPY
4
4. Palm kneading on the scapula. Massage stroke: Palm kneading Therapist position: Stand at the side of the massage table. Application: With both palms simultaneously but in opposing directions, apply palm kneading around the inner side of the scapula.
5
Benefits: Relaxes the muscles and improves the mobility of the shoulder and neck.
5. Thumb press on the trapezium points.
Massage stroke: Thumb press. Therapist position: Stand at the head of the massage table. Application: Use both thumbs simultaneously to apply pressure on the three points of the trapezium muscle bilaterally. Benefits: Relaxes the muscles and improves mobility of the shoulder and neck. 50
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
CHAMPAGNE & ROSES !.4) !').' s #%,, 2%.%7!, s 0/7%2&5, !.4) /8)$!.43
Combines multivitamin extracts, potent skin protectors, and super-charged skin-renewing ingredients distilled from Champagne grapes and highly concentrated Royal Bulgarian roses. This signature Pro facial treatment infuses skin with lasting hydration and elasticity. Full at-home retail program available to enhance results. Show special available.
VISIT US IN PHILADELPHIA BOOTH 703-705 Say you saw it in LNE & Spa and circle #180 on reader service card
COME TO OUR BOOTH TO CLAIM YOUR SAMPLE BELLA SCHNEIDER BEAUTY LLC
Toll Free: 888.200.3977
LNEONLINE.com
|
OCTOBER 2015
www.bellaschneiderbeauty.com
|
51
SPA
|
TIBETAN THERAPY
6
7
6. Thumb press on the Crown and Bregma points.
Massage stroke: Thumb press. Therapist position: Stand at the head of the massage table. Application: With the thumbs superimposed or with just one thumb (depending on the pressure you want to exercise), apply pressure on the Crown Chakra point and the Bregma point. Benefits: Boosts concentration, develops intellectual capacity, improves food absorption and respiration. Reduces speech problems and anxiety.
7. Effleurage on the paravertebrals.
Massage stroke: Effleurage. Therapist position: Stand at the head of the massage table.
At the end of this sequence, cover the back and upper limbs.
Promoting Lifelong Wellness The KuNye massage is not a treatment that’s briefly enjoyed one time and quickly forgotten. This genuinely holistic experience generates a lasting state of well-being, revitalizing the body and mind and preventing disorders. In addition to the massage itself, the therapist provides the client with recommendations concerning diet, climate, lifestyle, mind and body self-care. Hence, this treatment offering can be advertised as a truly holistic and personalized experience that takes health promotion to a whole new level in the spa. Q
CĂŠsar Tejedor is the founder and CEO of Massage Around the World, a company that provides high quality massage courses for therapists, as well as training and
Application: Apply effleurage on the paravertebral muscles, from the cervical to the lumbar region.
consultancy for spas. He is also the author of 19 spa training books and the creator of CE online courses on Tibetan KuNye Massage as well as Tibetan Singing Bowl Massage. Tejedor also offers his expertise as a visiting practitioner, spa trainer and speaker at international conferences. For more information, visit massagearoundtheworld.
Benefits: Relaxes the body. 52
|
OCTOBER 2015
|
LNEONLINE.com
com or contact him at info@massagearoundtheworld.com.