Sep
3
Written by:
Jane Bridgeforth
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Today we are going to talk briefly about two Sanskrit terms - mantra and prana - and their connection with massage. Sanskrit is an ancient Indian (not native American) language. Sometimes compared to Latin, this language has been used for over 2,000 years by religious and literary purposes by educated people in India.
Many of you know that mantra is often used to mean a powerful word or phrase that has potential for spiritual transformation. You can choose a word or phrase that applies to your particular situation and ask your divine power to help you. A simple, well-known mantra is Om. Often people use mantra repetition to become less centered on the self and become more focused on aligning with the divine or the universe. To me, a mantra is simply a tool of the mind.
Using your mantra can help to activate or release prana. This less familiar term, prana, means breath. Prana is a form of universal life energy. Known by other names, such as chi, ki, and breath of life for example, it is believed that a free, unblocked flow of this energy is essential for good health. Repeating your mantra can take you where the self and worldly worries are forgotten as you seek that special connection with the divine in the universe.
Too abstract for you? Use massage as your mantra! During massage your massage therapist works with the energy of the body. You may feel heat, cold, or nothing. However, energy is moving through the therapist to you for healing purposes. Specific areas of concern can benefit from having the therapist focus on the energy flow. After energy blockages are cleared, your body relaxes and begins the healing process. You'll find yourself sinking slowly into a calm relaxing place that resembles your idea of a loving universe.