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 pain in the shoulders and back, and reduce even stress. The patient is then wrapped inside a blanket or cotton mesh fabric. This technique is called Otonamaki (大人巻き) which means "adult wrap."
She was raised by the midwife Nobuko Watanabe in 2015, and popularized by the physiotherapist Orie Matsuo. It was based on another technique practiced on babies called Ohinamaki which involves wrapping newborn babies in cloths to imitate the sense of comfort and well-being of the uterus, helping them improve their sleep and also in their physical development.
Table of Contents
Why resort to Otonamaki?
The Japanese are known for dedicating themselves too much to work, so much so that many develop posture problems and bodily stiffness. And many try to find solutions to these problems through massages, stretches, and therapies. This has made these types of practices very popular.
And in Japan, there is no shortage of wellness treatments that might seem strange and inappropriate to Westerners and even not very functional, such as Otonamaki. Even though there has been no scientific research conducted on the validity and effectiveness of this new procedure, many people have claimed that such therapy helped them a lot, from correcting posture, anxiety, and even helped mothers with postpartum depression.
Some commented that the results are surprising, ending the pain in the shoulders, neck and back. Not everyone was satisfied with this idea of wrapping up in cloths. &Nbsp; Some thought it was bizarre, others said that this therapy came out of a horror movie.
Otonamaki information
At first, Otonamaki did not become a popular practice in Japan. It was even compared to the technique of mummification or making references to horror movies. But after it appeared on popular television shows and even in international reports, more and more people are talking about and seeking out this new therapy.
Sessions last about 20 to 45 minutes, costing around 4,800 yen. But the therapy can be experienced at home; you just need to wrap yourself in a blanket. However, for some specialists, the practice of Otonamaki can be harmful to health if not done correctly. The way people are wrapped in the cloth can cause injuries or muscle strain.
Did you know that the word otonamaki used to be a swear word that went 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 body and mind, using vibrating frequencies. This procedure promises to help against insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
Acupuncture - Even though it is an ancient therapy originating in 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 the personal well-being.
Towel technique - Some use the technique created by Toshiki Fukutsudzi that consists of placing a towel on the back. It is believed that this technique helps in posture and even lose weight. (details in the article on secrets to lose weight).
Chiropractic – Helps to find possible problems with the spine, nerves and ts, through massages. The technique promises to relieve and prevent, for example, neck, shoulders, back pain and even headaches. And it is not used no medicine or surgical procedures.
What do you think of the idea of being sealed in a fetal position on a soft white cloth? Would you like to do some of these therapies? Do you think it really works? We look forward to your comment and sharing. Below we will leave other articles that talk about Japanese therapies and treatments.
