|
Whisking is the act of tapping the body with a venik (bunch of branches and leaves such as birch), and it is said that it can be expected to have effects such as massage, blood flow promotion, and sterilization. This is a massage done in a Russian sauna. A bundle of birch, oak, and eucalyptus leaves called Venik is massaged by patting and stroking it like a payment. It seems to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatments are one-on-one between the practitioner and the client. First, warm two bundles of venik with steam. Then, when the Venik is swung in the air in a figure-of-eight shape, the client's whole body is wrapped in soft steam. Once you've been mesmerized by the scent and soft heat of Venik, the treatment begins. Start softly, like stroking. Rub your legs, belly, and chest when you're moist and sweaty. Then, whisking all over the body by pinching the venik on the joints and armpits and pressing it tightly, or wrapping the whole leg in the venik and turning it like a stretch. Once your body is warmed up, shake the water-soaked Venik and give yourself a cold shower. About 10 minutes so far. After whisking, cool down your body in a water bath. Here, the ancient Japanese plant Sakaki is used for a spiritual whisking after the sauna. Sakaki and evergreen trees of the Camellia family. The branches are often used in Shinto rituals and are also displayed on the altar. If you pay attention to the kanji for Sakaki, it combines "tree" and "god". Sakaki is a tree that has a deep connection with the gods in Shinto. It seems that Sakaki also has a role as Himorogi, that is, as a yorishiro for the gods to descend. The branches and leaves of Sakaki, a sacred plant, ward off evil spirits and purify. |