Japanese disciplines to take care of your Health
Life expectancy in Japan is 82.2 years, making it the country where people live longest according to statistics. Research suggests that this is because the Japanese have a great culture of prevention and it is estimated that they go to the doctor about 13.4 times a year.
In addition, some companies have services that include periodic reviews to detect cancer and other diseases in their early stages and prevent the development of chronic diseases. But overall, Japan's preventative culture promotes healthy habits that lead to the development of certain disciplines that are recommended to take care of our health.
Reiki
A system of natural healing that involves the handling of healing energy through the hands. Anyone can practice Reiki, but it requires preparation. On the other hand anyone can receive a Reiki session: You do not need to be sick, since it promotes relaxation and balance.
Those who have experienced Reiki refer to this technique as a state of relaxation, well-being and feeling rested. Reiki should be used to complement conventional therapies and not as a substitute for treatment.
Taiso
A gym practice that focuses on preserving the health of joints and overall health. Anyone can do it, regardless of age, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
It consists of gentle movements for amplitude in motion, always respecting individual limitations and joint care. Each movement works different positions and is combined with joint mobility, muscle strength and elongation to promote flexibility.
It helps correct poor posture, nourishes and lubricates the joints and improves muscle coordination. It also promotes relaxation, combating stress which helps to treat muscle spasms.
Shiatsu
It is a manual therapy that involves the application of massage and pressure through the fingers on specific points of the body to channel energy. Similar to acupressure, however, it differs since shiatsu can use fingers, hands, elbows and even feet with moderate pressure.
This therapy aims to promote a balance in our energy or ki and each therapy session varies depending on whether it is an energy blockage or a lack of ki. It is recommended to treat chronic pain, control anxiety, quit smoking, stress, insomnia and weight loss, among other conditions.
Chanoyu
This tea ceremony is a ceremony in which people offer green tea in the presence of guests. It usually includes two kinds of tea and a meal, and its duration is around 4 hours. Beyond coexistence, the purpose of this ceremony is purification and harmony.
It focuses primarily on four principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.
Its benefits go beyond those accompanying the tea, as the tea itself has an antioxidant effect. The tea ceremony is also a means of relaxation and personal growth, which helps us to become conscious of our environment, appreciating the little things like light and the sound of water, among others.
The Japanese diet
One of the keys to longevity and without a doubt very different from Western diet. The Japanese diet is based on fish, rice, vegetables, fruits, seaweed, soy and tea. They tend to prefer seasonal food and eat proportionally less industrialised food.
Although desserts do form part of their diet, they prefer smaller portions. While greatly reducing obesity, it is estimated that only roughly 3% of the population suffers from it.