Picking up a technique here and a massage class there didn't work. I needed formal training. We have Dan Zan Ryu Seifukujitsu Institute with programs developing nationwide, run by Tom Ryan on the East Coast, Doug Musser, formerly in the Midwest, and Prof. Robert Hudson and Cynthia Frueh in southern and northern California.
I began my training at the Makoto Kai seven years ago with sensei Frueh. Cynthia still talks about my early days, and how I kicked, scratched and screamed my first few months, still not sure why I was being diverted from "martial" arts. Tenacity paid off. I graduated with the basics in anatomy, Chinese medicine, and another kata to add to my resume_and in massage. I have since graduated from Module 2. I am proud of these achievements, as they require great study.
But what does it truly mean? And how does this concept of balance apply to us? If we are to study the ferocity of Sappo, we had better integrate Kappo or we'll end up with an attitude. We see this a lot. The counter to this is to walk the walk on the Sappo side while maintaining humbleness, respect and a firm understanding of the power and the gifts we have been given.
A formal class of this caliber, containing great depth of content, has been a long time coming. It was worth the wait. Leeds answered many questions and covered the spectrum of ointments and their relationship to massage applications, treatment of martial art injuries, and conditioning practices. Leeds defined the many common lotions and potions we use regularly, broke down many of these recipes, and brewed a batch of "hot sauce" during the hands-on portion of his presentation.
Many of the formulas and recipes we have are family secrets. I believe that the information he passed on to us is a gift, and that it is not to be used for profit or exploitation. Although I will itemize ingredients and other information, it must be made clear that more formal training is needed to apply, understand, and make these concoctions. So, study at the seifukujutsu institute. Learn from our leaders and the pioneers of our federation. Go to class. Ask questions and do research on your own. Do your homework and keep a notebook. Record information and transmit what you learn to those who are worthy.
What was in that bag? We all have little bags with athletic tape, tiger balm, bruise juice, etc. There are many kinds of lotions and potions. Let's look at the ingredients in Satsuzai (Professor Okazaki's massage oil) and then discuss some of the other liniments available to us. Recognize that these potions can be used for Kappo and Sappo applications This means we can heal ourselves and others, and we can also use these liniments as conditioning agents before battle or a hard workout where we are tasking our feet and hands to become weapons. (Iron Palm Training).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine we use the term "sinew damage" (Jin Shang) as a way to describe injury to soft tissue. Treatments combine massage, acupuncture, external applications of herbs, internal ingestion of herbs, and, of course, exercise. Topical treatments of this nature are not used for bone fractures, dislocations, lacerations, or other internal injuries. For general purposes, there are three stages of injury. The first stage is the period during which swelling, pain, and redness are prominent. This usually lasts four to seven days but can be as little as a few days in minor cases. The second stage is that period during which swelling and pain still exist, but in a less severe form. This might last three weeks. The third stage begins three weeks to a month after the initial trauma, when swelling and redness have disappeared. Stiffness and aching may be the only lasting symptoms.
Successful treatment requires an understanding of pathology. After the initial trauma (first stage), the blood vessels dilate and blood flow to the injured region increases. This is inflammation (swelling, pain and redness). At this point we need to move blood, dissipate swelling, and relieve pain. Acupuncture and the application of liniments form the basis of treatment. Soaks, steams, and compresses are avoided, because they aggravate inflammation by dilating blood vessels and encouraging hyperemia (an abnormally large amount of blood in any part of the body).
After a few days the circulatory system begins to clear away the damaged tissue, and swelling and pain decrease (second stage). The local area begins to turn deeper red or purple, indicating a stasis (stagnation in the flow of any of the fluids of the body) of blood and qi. The correct treatment is to soothe the sinews and quicken the blood. Massage, liniments (above and below the location), acupuncture, and soft plasters help at this time.
When acute pain and swelling have subsided and what remains is the nagging pain of an enduring injury, the thing to do is to move the qi, disperse cold and damp, and dissipate stasis to relax the sinews. Acupuncture and moxabustion are useful in treatment of this stage of damage, as are massage, liniments and salves, steams, soaks, hot compresses, and the application of hard plasters. (Moxabustion is the process whereby moxa - a dried herb, usually mugwort - is burned, either directly on the skin or indirectly above the skin, over specific acupuncture points.)
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| Seifukujutsu Instructor Leeds Davis mixes up some magic at the recent "Lotions and Potions" class at High Sierra Jujitsu in Reno, NV. |
General Intention: Use for muscle ache, qi problems, and as a massage liniment. Satsuzai keeps muscles loose and has a warming effect. "My clients beg for Satsuzai," says Leeds Davis. Satsuzai stimulates and quickens the Wei Qi level affecting the surface of the skin. The many different ingredients in Satsuzai are associated with different healing modalities and each item may add other value to the overall treatment.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, broken skin, signs of heat (redness, bruising or swelling); don't use on or near mucous membranes.
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| I thought this was "oil of turpentine," not "rectified turpentine." |
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Contraindications: same as Satsuzai
Contraindications: same as Satsuzai and Tiger Balm
General Intention: Used for bruise and mild inflammation, relieves pain. Dissolves blood stasis, promotes circulation of qi and blood, relieves stagnation. Also toughens ligaments, bone, and skin, increases qi, blood, and Jing. Both cool and warm formulas can be used on areas with swelling and redness.
Some are designed for internal use - you must check the ingredients. Aconite is very hot, strychnine is poisonous - for external use only. Should be applied for 10 -20 minutes with very light surface friction.
Contraindications: Do not use on open wounds, even if scabbed over.
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| Students practice the kata of making elixirs, oils and balms at a recent seminar. |
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Contraindications: indications of heat and or swelling.
| JoAnn Strang | Laurel Jujitsu | 510-532-2820 |
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| Cynthia Frueh | Makoto Kai | 530-662-5662 |
| Lyle Najita | Davis Judo Kai | 530-757-2081 |
| Frank Ferris | High Sierra Jujitsu | 775-747-1758 |
| Andy Ellis | Spring Wind Herbs | 510-849-1820 |
We were fortunate to have Leeds Davis pass on such valuable information in such a concise and lucid, way.We look forward to repeating this program and others like it at High Sierra Jujitsu, offering you, your students, and our community the balance that we strive to incorporate into our training.
I wish to thank Andy Ellis of Spring Wind Herbs for allowing me to reword and reprint some of the technical data in this article. I also wish to thank Lyle Najita of Davis Judo Kai for his contributions, particularly the reference materials. And where would we be without our ukes? A special thanks to my son Liam and those like him, who trustfully sprawl out on our massage tables as we try new and improved methods. I can still see his face during my initial attempt at moxabustion.
Use these tools wisely, with responsibility, forethought, and righteous intention to effect a positive change on this world by those we touch. This is our legacy. This is our gift.