Independently of such exercises, we can also in our day-to-day lives try to sense the manifestation of the four constitutional elements of the human being in their handshake as we greet another person:
Physical body:
Findings – Form or deformation of the hand (large – small – narrow – wide – long – short, etc.)
Etheric body:
State – Condition of the hand (moist and warm – moist and cold – dry and hot – dry and cold –sticky with sweat – drops of sweat, etc.)
Astral body:
Mood – Psychological state revealed through the handshake (shy – cordial – limp – squeezing – powerful – gripping – listening – shaking – calm – assertive, etc.)
The I:
Presence – Revelation of the spirit through the handshake (presence of the distinctive personality – spiritual presence – authenticity – interest, etc.) Here eye contact is important as well!
Performing the treatment
1. The space
A quiet space (patient’s room or practice) without interference from radio, television, telephone, visits, visitors, etc. Ventilate well before treatment, but keep windows and doors closed during treatment (absolutely avoid draughts!).
Provide a pleasantly warm room temperature. Place the massage table or bed so that the patient is not exposed directly to the sun or to electric light sources (this also applies to the chair when seated).
The massage table should be accessible from at least three sides; all-round access is necessary in the case of whole-body and pentagram Einreibung.
The substances must be kept within easy reach.
2. The massage table, bed or chair (without armrests)
Soft underlay
Pillows of different sizes
Knee rolls
Sheets (brushed cotton)
Woollen blankets for covering the patient
Towels for covering the patient
Hot water bottles if preheating is needed
Possibly footstool or stool for seated treatments.
3. The patient
Meet with the patient to inform them about the place (e.g. patient’s room) and course of the Einreibung, the substances used and the necessary rest period after treatment.
The patient should keep a small booklet in which they describe their state (e.g. ‘pain’ – ‘pleasantly warm’ – ‘cool’ – ‘more mobile’ – ‘shivering’, etc.) before and during treatment, after the rest period and before going to sleep at night.
The practitioner should also documents their experiences and perceptions in a work report.
The indication must be checked with a doctor.
4. Positioning of the patient
The patient should be able to lie comfortably and relaxed.
Lying on the back:
A pillow so that the cervical spine relaxes.
A knee roll so that the stomach remains relaxed.
Possibly hip cushions on the sides in order to avoid outward rotation of the legs.
Lying on the abdomen:
A cushion under the abdomen so that the chest can lie without pressure.
Possibly two small cushions under the armpits to relax the shoulders and the neck.
A knee roll under the feet to avoid too much stress on the ankles.
Sitting position:
A cushion on the thighs, so that the neck and upper arms are relaxed.
A pillow under the soles (or a footrest) if the feet do not touch the floor.
5. Covering the patient:
The whole body of the patient is wrapped in a brushed cotton sheet and covered with a woollen blanket (of sufficient size!).
The part of the body to receive treatment is wrapped in a towel and only uncovered during the treatment.
A pre-heated brushed cotton sheet is required for the whole-body Einreibung (use oven or hot water bottles).
6. Direct preparation of the practitioner
Before starting, picture the course of the treatment (sequence of Einreibungen) inwardly such that flowing transitions can arise (parts leading to a whole) – consciously shape the beginning and the end (e.g. ‘end legs downwards with foot Einreibung’ – or; ‘begin legs upwards with foot Einreibung’).
Calm covering up and uncovering are essential parts of the treatment!
Take off any jewelry or watches before treatment!
Wash your hands before each treatment!
The oil is poured into the cupped left hand immediately before the Einreibung.
The bottle is closed again with the right hand (essential oils evaporate easily!).
Then the right hand covers the left hand and spreads the oil on the palms with a single stroke.
Only touch the patient with warm hands! The hands should be soft, supple and empathetic!
7. Outer posture of the practitioner
Stand freely (without leaning against or supporting yourself with anything). Flexible stance, slightly open towards the massage table, with loose, slightly bent knees.
Spread your weight evenly on both feet, with a slight, elastic flexion of the back to allow for inner resonance and free movement of the shoulders and arms (but do not bow!).
Distance to the patient neither too close (‘nose on the stomach’) nor too distant (‘head and back stretched backwards’) – this applies both physically and mentally.
Keep returning to an upright posture to connect with the cosmos that is radiating in from behind.
Movements are initiated between the should blades from the space at the back – the shoulder girdle and arms harmonise with the movement.
8. Inner attitude of the practitioner
‘There is only one temple in the world, and that is the human body. Nothing is more holy than this high form. Bowing before human beings is homage to this revelation in the flesh... We touch heaven when we feel a human body. ‘ (3)
Warm interest in and concern for the individual person (attentiveness). Being able to put oneself in second place (disregard of how we ourselves feel). ‘Control’ of thoughts and feelings. Inner calm and concentration during treatment (keeping ourselves centred).
Outward silence during treatment – conversation between hands and body (e.g. in the back Einreibung: ‘Speaking hands and listening back’ as well as ‘Listening hands and speaking back’).
Perception of the patient with all the senses (cultivate eye contact with the patient's countenance).
Connecting in awareness of a common sphere (awareness of surroundings).
Healer’s courage.
Do not forget humour – it helps you to ease