NEWSWEEK.COM 47
Banyas and
Branch Beating
Russia
9 olunteering to be whacked
with a bunch of oak leaves
might not sound relaxing,
but it’s a traditional type of
massage in Russian banyas,
or bath houses. The beating
of water-dipped branches
takes place in a sauna,
and it is believed to boost
circulation and prevent
premature skin aging.
Laughter Yoga
India
Traditional yoga poses involving
headstands or backbends might be
intimidating to some, but Laughter <oga
is something everyone can do. In Mumbai
in 1 , Dr. Madan .ataria created
this hilarious meditative practice that
involves cracking up for no reason in
order to lower levels of stress hormones.
Now it’s contagious, and Laughter <oga
clubs can be found all over the world.
Singing Bowls
Tibet
For centuries, Buddhist monks have used “singing bowls”
for meditation and healing purposes. The vibrations
created by these bowls are believed to balance, heal and
restore out-of-harmony parts of the mind and body by
reducing stress, focusing the mind and even relieving pain.
Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing
Japan (See previous spread)
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is the
Japanese practice of immersing oneself
in nature through the ɿve senses as
a form of preventative medicine and
therapy. In fact, trees give off organic
compounds that support cancer-
ɿghting cells by boosting the immune
system. A simple stroll in the woods also
lowers blood pressure and accelerates
recovery from surgery or illness.
0
N
I.
.
<
T
2
.
ʔ
E
T
T
<
;
0
6
^
.
U
N
A
L
P
A
T
IL
ʔ
H
I
N
D
U
S
T
A
N
T
IM
E
S
ʔ
E
T
T
<
;^
0
7
B
J
2
R
N
ʔ
E
T
T
<
;^
0
8
^
A
R
T
:
2
L
F
E
ʔ
E
T
T
<
4
7
6
5
8
07
05
06
08