Have you ever seen a baby all wrapped up in cloth? And an adult? This new Japanese therapy promises to correct any type of posture problem, also relieve shoulder and back pain, and reduce even stress. The patient is then wrapped in a blanket or cotton mesh fabric. This technique is called Otonamaki (大人巻き) which means “adult wrapping.”
It was created by midwife Nobuko Watanabe in 2015 and popularized by physiotherapist Orie Matsuo. It was based on another technique practiced on babies called Ohinamaki which involves wrapping newborns in cloth to mimic the sense of comfort and well-being of the womb, helping them improve sleep and also their physical development.
Why resort to Otonamaki?
The Japanese are known for dedicating themselves too much to work, so much so that many develop posture problems and body stiffness. And many try to find solutions for these problems through massages, stretching, and therapies. This has made these types of practices very popular.
And in Japan, there is no shortage of wellness treatments that may seem strange and inappropriate, and even not very functional to Westerners, as is the case with Otonamaki. Even without any scientific research conducted on the validity and effectiveness of this new procedure, several people have claimed that such therapy helped them a lot, from correcting posture, anxiety, and even helping mothers with postpartum depression.
Some commented that the results are surprising, eliminating shoulder, neck, and back pain. Not everyone was satisfied with this idea of wrapping oneself in cloth. Some found it bizarre, while others said that this therapy came out of a horror movie.
Information about Otonamaki
At first, Otonamaki did not become a popular practice in Japan. It was even compared to the technique of mummification or referenced in horror films. But after it appeared on popular television shows and even in international reports, more and more people are talking about and seeking this new therapy.
The sessions last about 20 to 45 minutes, costing around 4,800 yen. But the therapy can be experienced at home, just by wrapping oneself in a blanket. However, for some specialists, the practice of Otonamaki can harm health if not done correctly. The way people are wrapped in cloth can cause injuries or muscle strain.
Did you know that the word otonamaki was once a swear word that fell out of use in the 1980s? Below we will see a video of Otonamaki in practice:
Other Japanese therapies
Gong Therapy (or sound therapy) – It is a sound massage for the body and mind, using vibrational frequencies. This procedure promises to help against insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
Acupuncture – Although it is an ancient therapy originating from China, it is very popular among the Japanese, which is basically the application of needles at specific points on the body, serving to treat diseases and improve personal well-being.
Towel Technique – Some use the technique created by Toshiki Fukutsudzi, which consists of placing a towel on the back. It is believed that this technique helps with posture and even weight loss. (details in the article about secrets for weight loss).
Chiropractic – Helps to find possible problems in the spine, nerves, and joints through massages. The technique promises to relieve and prevent, for example, neck, shoulder, back, and even headaches. And no medications or surgical procedures are used.
What do you think of the idea of being sealed in a fetal position in a soft white cloth? Would you like to try some of these therapies? Do you think they really work? We await your comment and sharing. Below we will leave other articles that talk about Japanese therapies and treatments.
Community
Comments
0 comments
There are no published comments in this language yet.
Send comment