The Samurai shower
Dynamic relaxation session with self-massages, in groups from 3 to 30+ people. This session consists in an energetic shower (with movements that simulate water, soap, rinsing) that ends with a sword cut of the person’s obstacles. Goals: Body schema integration Recognition of yourself as a unique individual Energizing the body Energetic “cleansing” Increase the power of concentration before carrying out a task
We start in a vertical posture: feet hip-width apart, well supported on the floor. Knees relaxed, hips slightly retroverted, arms relaxed, chest straight. Relax into the posture; feel the Earth’s gravity. Let go of the tensions with each breath out.
The samurai bath is divided into 4 parts.
1) The water
Stimulate the body from head to toe with little touches with your fingertips. Massage your face gently.
Return to the starting position, relax and be aware of the sensations.
2) The soap (lathering)
Rub the body from head to toe, with your fingertips or the palm of your hands. Don't touch your face anymore.
Return to the starting position, relax and be aware of the sensations.
3) The rinse
Make firm movements with the palm of your hand, from the inside out, as if you were “dusting off” your body. Start at the top of the head and work your way down. Imagine that the tensions are leaving with the rinsing.
Return to the starting position, relax and be aware of the sensations.
4) The saber gesture
Bring your hands together in front of your body. Inhale and raise your hands over your head. Hold your breath and think of an obstacle you want to eliminate.
As you exhale, “cut” the air in front of you, releasing the air all at once.
Stay down for a few minutes, breathing. Gradually return to the starting position.
Final integration pause: awareness of the shape and presence of the body, awareness of sensations.
Variation: If there are chairs available, the group can sit down in the end for a more profound, relaxing pause.
At the end, it’s possible to ask some of the participants (volunteers) to share their experience and impressions about the samurai bath, asking targeted questions: general impression, what was the best moment of this practice, why was it so positive, etc.
Encourage them to practice this technique in their everyday life.