Discover The 7 Japanese Disciplines Promoting Good Health

It is very likely that, without even knowing it, we are already doing some of these Japanese disciplines which remarkably improve the quality of life.

At present, Japan occupies one of the first places in terms of life expectancy and good health.

A balanced diet is reinforced above all by a preventive approach to health, the need to promote a healthy lifestyle and, at the same time to carry out periodic medical checks in the workplace to prevent the development of chronic diseases and detect cancer in its early stages.

On the other hand, we cannot forget the root of their philosophy, religion and of this so intimate relationship with nature, culture, order, beauty and discipline.

All of this makes the Japanese people, despite the distance that separates them from most of us, fascinating.

In this article,  we want to talk to you about these disciplines that complement this vision with the aim of preserving this internal balance and this well-being which, without curing diseases, promotes better health .

We are sure that you will find them interesting and even practical in some of their aspects.

1. Shiatsu or pressure points

The shiatsu similar to  acupressure or acupressure is not unknown in the Western world.

We are talking about this alternative medicine which exerts, by means of the hands, fingers, elbows and even feet, a gradual pressure on the strategic points of the body.

We have already told you through various articles about this technique and its advantages to reduce, for example, certain pains. As well as the tension in the areas of the neck and the back which are extremely sensitive to our life marked by stress.

2. The taiso for the joints

You have certainly seen, at least once, in a movie, a documentary or even in a park, a person or a group practicing very harmonious slow stretches.

The taiso is a type of gymnastics which has a tradition of more than 800 years and whose objective is to preserve the joint health of people.

It is a question of performing gentle exercises which seek a balanced realization of the movements, in order to promote the flexibility of the joints.

It is a very peaceful and therapeutic exercise which is already practiced in many Western countries.

3. The tea ceremony for good health

Tea and good health always go hand in hand, both for the Japanese and for all of us.

However, you should know that for them drinking tea is something more intimate, more spiritual and more meaningful than it seems.

In fact, the chanoyu or tea ceremony is a ritual, a way of honoring one’s guests, nature and the very spirit, by which one can achieve perfect inner peace.

The 4 objectives of this ceremony would therefore be as follows:

• Achieve a good harmony with oneself and with nature.
• Promote respect for others.
• Promote purity of mind.
• Achieve tranquility and peace of mind.

4. A balanced diet, good health and longevity

It is well known that the Japanese eat better than many of us.

Westerners are very fond of fried foods, saturated fats, white flours, pre-frozen foods, processed foods and industrial sweets.

What if we incorporate certain principles of Japanese culture into our food?

• Smaller amounts on the plates.
• Increase the consumption of fish, rice, vegetables, fruits, seaweed, soybeans and tea.
• The importance of fresh food and of no longer consuming what is industrial.
• Use the fish and vegetable broth as a base to prepare a dish.

5. Zen , a way to understand reality

Zen Buddhism emerged in India, then moved to China, and around the 13th century arrived in Japan.

This term includes several concepts and ideas:

• Meditation
• Contemplation
• Calm
• Mental focus

Zen has multiple influences in different everyday aspects of the Japanese world. We can appreciate it in its decoration, its architecture, in its gardens and even in the way it relaxes, breathes and acts.

It would be very advisable to learn to practice, for example, our half hour “zen”.

You can do this by sitting cross-legged on a cushion, breathing deeply while keeping your back straight, then relaxing and meditating.

6. R eiki , a complementary therapy

We may or may not believe it. We can try it or just see it as something curious, something that is part of a very ancient and ancestral form of healing where the spiritual combines with energy.

Reiki seeks to heal with the hands (without contact), by channeling energy.

It is said that it was the Japanese monk Mikao Usui who made this type of therapy known in his village after spending 21 days meditating on Mount Kurama in 1922.

However, it should be remembered that healing by the laying on of hands has a tradition that dates back thousands of years. His arrival in Japan is a little more recent and undoubtedly has a great importance in the daily life of many Japanese.

7. Taiko , energy and vitality of sound

The taiko is a huge drum.

Knowing how to play, master the rhythm, and perform in the company of a group, each cadence, measure and movement undoubtedly reflects the result of great physical, mental and spiritual discipline.

It is something very cathartic, the origin of which comes from various agrarian rituals where we sought to mark and ease the pace of work.

Taiko has also been used in times of war to warn of storms, fires, and other events.

At present, taiko has spread to many countries in the form of spectacle.

It is very meaningful and, as we have said, practicing it requires great concentration and bodily dynamics.