What is a Buddhist Massage?

Sweda is a collective term for all Tibetan techniques that stimulate the body's self-healing capacity, including massage. In Sweda, we assume that dualism is caused by two opposing energies: Shiva and Parvati (comparable to Yang and Yin in Taoism).

These two energies are not opposites but actually need each other, but that is only possible if they are in balance. As soon as they are both in balance, they stimulate and reinforce each other.

Night (Parvati/yin) is the period when the sun does not shine. When it does shine, it is day (Shiva/yang). Yang therefore determines yin and yin determines yang. Or as the Zen master Tang Wei wrote:

When the body is still, the mind wants to move; when the body moves, the mind is still.

To achieve this balance, it is important that:

• Shiva is in balance in itself
• Parvati is in balance in itself
• Shiva and Parvati are in balance together

Compare it to your body temperature; it can be too high or too low. It is the same with energy. If there is too much, you are out of balance, and if there is too little, you are also out of balance. It is therefore important that both Shiva and Parvati are in balance.

Balance and imbalance

There are now various conceivable forms of imbalance in which we experience in our body that it is out of balance, but that we can simultaneously accept it; the imbalance is manageable. True deep balance is only experienced once Shiva (in balance) and Parvati (in balance) also come into balance together. Then they form Prana together, and that is the energy of inner peace and tranquility:

• Rest in the body: a healthy and strong body without vague complaints
• Peace in the emotional body without intense emotional fluctuations
• Rest in the mental body without worrying or stuck thoughts
  

  
  

The Sweda massage

The Sweda massage is entirely focused on resolving imbalances in the body. By massaging specific zones, touching pressure points and marmapun points, and utilizing the body's energy pathways, it is possible to generate and release energy. In the event of an energy deficit, we generate and relocate that energy; in the event of an excess, we release it. In this way, a balance is established in the body.

Is sweda healing?

Healing never takes place from the outside, but if healing occurs, the body does it itself. In that sense, the Sweda contributes to your healing. However, the Sweda is not an alternative medicine and not an alternative to conventional care.

Kum-nye Tantra massage session

We call it a Massage Session because it is more than just massage. It also involves partner yoga and meditation. Depending on how the session goes, it can become more of one or more of the other.
In Buddhist Kum-nye Tantra, everything revolves around balance and the Prana energy that creates this balance. Balance in the physical body, balance in the emotional body, and balance in the mental body. The entire massage session is therefore focused on this.

How does a massage session proceed?

Beforehand, we enjoy a cup of tea at our leisure, and there is an opportunity to ask any questions. Sometimes, arrangements are made here regarding whether we will have a massage or a session, how long it will last, with or without a sauna, etc. Next, you proceed to the meditation room, where a large mat is laid out for the session; the candles are already lit, the temperature is pleasant, and music is playing. Here, you can undress and lie down on the mat (massage) or sit (session). I will let you get used to the room for a moment before I enter.

During the massage or session, we are both essentially naked, but if you wish, you may always keep your underwear on. Being naked does not mean "erotic or sexual"; the massages and sessions never are. For both the massage and, for example, the yoga, it is practical that we are naked. However, being naked does not mean that an erotic session is going to take place; that is most certainly not the case.

During the massage or session, prana is generated within you, allowing you to enter ever deeper into a field of peace, calm, and equanimity. Metta-ji also arises between us; the convergence of trust, surrender, equality, and aimlessness. That combination—prana and metta-ji—makes this the Kum-nye Tantra.

When you are in the prana, several things can happen; this depends on what kind of session you have booked:

Massage session purely for relaxation

During a Tantra massage or relaxation session, painful points and blockages are avoided. The aim here is to enter that prana energy flow as deeply and subtly as possible and to enjoy it fully. Relax, enjoy, experience it, think of nothing, and let it all wash over you. You don't have to do anything at all.

Massage session to support a process

Tantra to support a process is best served within the session, but if this is not desired, it can also be done through massage. It will be an energetic massage making extensive use of meridians, chakras, marmapun points, trigger points, etc., to awaken or temper a specific process. The massage does not shy away from pain points, both physical and emotional, in order to serve the supportive process. Such a massage is always guided before and after. What can this Tantra massage support:

• traumatic memories
• neglect in any area
• not being able to be yourself for an extended period of time
• problems of a relational and sexual nature
• a general feeling of restlessness and unease
  
  

It may seem now as if Tantra helps with everything, and in fact, that is true. However, Tantra is not a miracle cure, therapy, or alternative medicine, but rather an insightful process. Who are you really, and why do emotions and thoughts have such a profound influence on your entire being? It is illogical that you are subject to this; you have control over your emotions, not the other way around. Finding and maintaining balance is important, and gaining insight into your sources of imbalance is even more important. We offer this during a Tantra massage to support this process.