Dutch India
Massage And Sea Shells
Sea shells have been thought for centuries to have a positive and very uplifting energy to them and have been used in many ways.
They have been important in many cultures over the centuries for a number of reasons. For a long time in a number of Indian and Pacific Ocean islands shells were the main form of currency, being traded for food and other items.
The cowrie shell in particular was seen to be very valuable as currency. The Dutch East India Company gained a large part of its fortune in trading shell money in exchange for spices and gemstones all of which were valuable in Europe at the time.
Sea shells have also been used as tools, with the large clam shells being used to shovel dirt, and also used as bowls and carrying instruments.
Some such as oyster shells for instance, when ground down, have been used to condition and raise the PH in the soil. Sea shells have also been used as part of cultures and religions for thousands of years. Christians see the scallop shell as the symbol of St James the Great, whilst Hindus see the left handed chank shell as sacred to Vishnu.
Cowrie shells are often linked to female fertility. This comes from the idea that the dome of the shell resembles a pregnant belly. In Kerala, India the home of Ayurvedic medicine, cowrie shells are used to make astrological predictions.
Ripple Massage uses sea shells in a totally unique way, incorporating them into a massage style. Using a mix of reef shells, including speckled cowries, ginger scallops, lions paw fans and elegant sun dial shells, this style of massage taps into the energy of the shells whilst giving a deep and calming massage. The shells are used in a multitude of ways.
Some like the cowries for example are heated & aromatherapy oils are poured into the crevasse to warm before being trickled onto the body. The smooth domed surface is also used with hands-on massage to release muscles.
The shells are used both to de-stress and for deeper tissue work. The domes are used to work deep into the muscles (trapezius) and erector spinae muscles.
Other shells like the lions’ paws and scarlet coloured scallops are heated and placed on the body to warm the chakras – and also the hands – during the massage.
Smaller more delicate sun dial and cockles are used to release lines in the face, whilst cones and olives unlock tension in the neck and shoulders. Massage with seashells is unique to Ripple Massage – please visit the website for more details.
Alfred Stokes & the Golden City Dixies – My Mama was ‘n Hottentot (1957)