Because it seems that Tibetan massage is not well known, I thought it would be good to write a little bit about it to introduce why it is a unique system that has many wonderful benefits for both humans…and animals!
Kunye is the term for massage in Tibetan. Khu means oil and mnye means to massage or rub. It has been used for thousands of years in Tibet and is said to have developed from the practice of early tantric yoga practice. The early Tibetan yogis used oil and massage on themselves to help balance the prana, loosen the body and clear the energetic channels to support their practice. As the knowledge of healing developed in Tibet Kunye was adopted into its larger body of medicine. It was passed through the centuries both as an oral lineage and written into the theory of the Rgyud Bzhi, the four tantras of Tibetan Medicine.
What makes Tibetan Massage different from other forms of massage? Firstly, Tibetan Massage is unique in that it relies on the fundamental theory of the five elements in Tibetan Medicine. A Tibetan doctor who is trained in this theory can effectively apply Kunye as an external therapy (dpyad) that can greatly support a treatment regimen for curing Wind (rlung) illnesses. What that means is Kunye can be used in addition to diet, lifestyle and herbal treatments to effectively address illnesses including most mental disturbances as well as insomnia and many other diseases associated with the disturbance of wind. The rgyud bzhi says the application of oil is specifically good for the elderly, those physically or mentally exhausted, and all patients with wind diseases. It states the benefits are that it prevents aging, increases the life span, improves sleep, clears the sense organs, increases the strength, and softens the skin.
The wind element is said to have characteristics such as light, mobile and rough and is responsible for our body’s circulatory system, neurological activity, as well as giving birth and expelling waste. If there are problems with these processes the use of oil on the body can have great benefit. Oil is heavy and smooth, which balances the above-mentioned characteristics of wind. With this understanding Tibetan Medicine has a deep understanding of the different characteristics of specific oils. For example, sesame oil is said to be hot and sharp. Its benefits include helping the muscles to tone and develop well and it removes phlegm (bad kan) and wind (rlung). On the other hand, mustard oil is said to suppress wind, but increase bile(mkhris pa) and phlegm(bad kan) because it is warm and heavy.
Another unique aspect of Kunye is the knowledge of how to use points on the body for healing specific illnesses. The most important points in Kunye are the crown of the head, fontanel, occipital notch, vertebrae T5 and T6, and the palms and soles. We use these points in most massages for general relaxation because they help balance the wind element which is easily imbalanced by the day to day stress most people experience. During a massage we work on these points and rub our hands together vigorously to warm them up and place them on the points to balance the wind element. Along with these points a Kunye practitioner can draw upon any of the points used in the Tibetan system of moxibustion (me brtsa) and vinisection (gtar ga) to help heal other conditions. For example, each vertebra on the back is connected with an internal organ. Various types of compress can be used on the points according to the nature of the illness. For wind we use warm oil compresses, for wind and phlegm we use hot stones and for bile we use cold stones. Gemstones can also be used on the points according to their specific healing properties.
The key to using Kunye at such an intricate level is a good education in Tibetan Medicine so that specific imbalances can be properly identified. Likewise, contraindications must be identified since generally the heaviness of oil is not good for people with excess phlegm and the oily nature is not good for mKhris pa. By understanding these things, the session can be modified to have the maximum benefit for the client. For example, if someone is overweight and has digestive problems, we might use a small amount of oil and apply hot stones to reduce the phlegm.
When coming in for a Kunye massage session it might remind you of many other types of massage you have had in the past. There are many strokes similar to Swedish massage, hot stones might be applied, points might be used similar to a Shiatsu massage and like Armotherapy, you might smell wonderful fragrances of herbs infused into the oil to increase its healing effect based on your specific imbalance, age and/or constitution as well as the season. One thing that is for sure, you will leave feeling really relaxed and rejuvenated.
If you are interested in reading more, Choegyal Namkhai Norbu wrote a commentary on the sections of the Rgyud Bzhi related to Kunye. It is the ancient textual knowledge so you might find yourself surprised by some of the oil applications mentioned, but keep in mind it was pure scientific data. The book is a great English resource on the practice of Kunye. It can be bought in the Shang Shung Institute’s online store at by clicking here: http://shangshung.org/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_68&products_id=206
You can also find out about Kunye courses taking place by contacting the Shang Shung Institute. Their webpage is www.shangshung.org
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions about this topic. Merry Christmas!!!!
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