Panta Rei

"Everything flows, nothing stands still" ("Τὰ πάντα ῥεῖ...") -said Heraclitus. This was Heraclitus' philosophy and, although the nature of his philosophy was considered enigmatic, the above phrase clearly characterizes the one constant in all of our lives... change. When consciously pursued, it is said, it comes like a sweet breeze and cools the weary soul, like a stream that waters the thirsty soil and gives life to the sleeping seed. We all have such a seed within us, and if we want it to awaken, sprout and blossom, we must nourish it. "Panda Rei" is a very special place, where ancient Greek techniques are used to prepare the body, so that all the energy is directed to the soul, like the food the seed needs to sprout.
Those of you who have walked around the old town of Nafplio, will have noticed the above ancient phrase, in ancient Greek, above and around the entrance of a shop. It is surrounded by laurel pots and a large flowering bougainvillea. It is located in a very narrow alley, in Soutsou Street. It was there, a few years ago, that the owner Georgia's dream of passing on the beneficial properties of the "ancient Greek massage", as you will see the -familiar to all of us- massage is referred to. And yet, fear that the rendering in free translation refers to an interpretation that does not reflect the mysticism, that takes place in this place. Only those who, for some reason, have crossed the threshold of this shop, will be able to understand exactly what I am referring to.

The eyes trust what they see... the soul trusts what it feels
The first thing one receives is this wonderful energy that the space has. You can sense it even when you walk through the alley where this special business is housed. The visitor immediately feels a sense of familiarity, in an unfamiliar place, warmth and a pleasant calm. The decoration refers to ancient Greece. Furniture of another era, bronze ornaments, marble installation for a footbath and stone walls. A large archway leads to the rest of the rooms, where privacy and serenity are the prerequisites for the "mystery" of the ancient Greek massage. Scented candles and fragrances everywhere! Paintings with ancient Greek representations, incense, beneficial oils and tools, that we probably didn't know existed. So sophisticated for us, but so everyday and necessary for our ancient ancestors...

Ancient Greek massage
Ancient Greek massage is a pioneering therapy, based on the principles of Hippocrates and is a therapeutic and relaxing approach, that bridges modern psychotherapy with the glorious past. Essential oils, hot oil, powder, horsehair brushes, suction cups and a "stlengida" (ancient spatula) are used. The "stlengida" is a wooden tool used by the ancient Greeks, to remove and cleanse the body of oils and dust. The most valuable tool, however, is none other than the hands! With the right movements and the required intensity, they offer relaxation, healing, well-being and peace. According to Hippocrates, these "hand rubs" were beneficial for athletes at the end of the Olympic Games, providing immediate relief from strains and injuries and, at the same time, calm after the intensity of the competition.

Primitive techniques with application to "today"
The technique of the ancient Greek massage was made famous by the physiotherapist Elli Tsouknaki, teacher of the owner Georgia. You will always hear her speak with great admiration and pride for her teacher and mentor in this precious journey back in time. From her, she was trained and introduced to other techniques that aim to soothe the mind and soul by channeling energy from the body through massage, such as angel reiki, candle massage, chocolate therapy or carob therapy.
Look for the therapeutic method with suction cups and fire. Surely this technique is familiar to many of us, from our mothers or grandmothers. It's a remedy that has been handed down from generation to generation, and unfortunately we don't know that it originated in ancient Greece, in the ancient culture of that country. In "Panda rei" you will experience healing in a very different way, the body and the mind will relax, the aromas and the music will lead the soul to a dimension that is not easy to describe, unless you choose to experience it, to make it a gift to yourself or to someone you love very much.

Reiki - the path to self-healing
Ask to learn all about Reiki.  If you don't know how it works, Georgia and her people at Panda Rei will tell you. The key thing to remember is, that it is a healing art, where energy is transmitted on the body by the touch of the hands. The art of reiki became known for its beneficial properties in Japan, but in fact, healing with the touch of the hands to relieve pain has been known in all cultures since time immemorial.
Usui Reiki, which is an option at Georgia's retreat, is a technique that focuses on channeling beneficial energy into the body. It is a graded system of healing and was popularized by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. Many of the Reiki methods we encounter today are based on the system created by Usui and the use of universal energy transmitted through the touch of the hands, with the aim of balancing our internal energy and self-healing. It offers wholeness, peace and harmony, working at a very deep level and getting to the root of what is troubling us. Its mission is to clear and unblock any part of the mind, spirit or body that is out of sync with the here and now.
Another form of Reiki offered by Panda Rei is Angelic Reiki. The name alone is appealing. You want to experience its beneficial properties and the energy channeled under the guidance of angels, that flows through your body and calms your mind. It is also a system of healing aimed at self-care, transformation and evolution using the energy of the Divine Mind. It is a pathway to the realm of the heart and the angels, that we can all access. Through this journey of connecting with the angels and their healing qualities, any trauma, emotion or belief is gracefully "sanctified".

Physical renewal
At Panda Rei, they also have methods for natural skin renewal and regeneration. One of these is cosmetic acupuncture, which rejuvenates every cell of the applied surface and stimulates the immediate production of collagen, reducing the signs of ageing. In essence, it promotes the body's natural healing process and rejuvenates the facial area, by reprogramming the regeneration of skin cells. Ask Georgia what she recommends for your facial, choose what you need and then leave yourself in her hands to glow!...

Manicure - Pedicure
In "Panda Rei" other types of aesthetic treatments are also offered, that a person can receive on his body, to please his soul. One of them is the treatment of the limbs, which -especially the lower ones- is an unusual experience for most of us... This is how our ancient ancestors would have received their foot baths.
The whole process takes place in a marble structure with a bronze fountain, reminiscent of an ancient Greek bath, which is the most impressive image you get when you enter the reception area. It catches the eye and it takes a few seconds to realize exactly where you are.

"Everything's in motion" by Georgia
Everything is fluid, everything is changing, everything is energy and we all choose how to "share" this energy in the universe. What each of us has we share, what each of us has we offer, choosing or not choosing how it will manifest. And at this point I can't help but mention Georgia (or Gogo, as most of us know her). All the energy you receive when you enter her space, the calm you feel during sessions, the undeniable message the soul receives with every touch of her hands - both her own and those of her group - lay a strong foundation for the healing, that will begin from within.
Gogo is constantly training the people who make up this group, with a lot of patience -and above all, a lot of love- showing them the importance of mental health and serenity, which should be passed on to every visitor. This is their main concern. Ours, when we leave, should be to maintain this peace in a difficult and demanding world, that has nothing to do with what our ancient ancestors stood for and served...

Did you know that?
"Panda Rei" was inspired by the great master of medicine, Hippocrates, who taught therapeutic massage [massage = from the verb "masso" = to manipulate with the hands, to knead]. The ancient Greek "hand rubs" (anatripseis) took place in ancient Greece and specifically in wrestling schools, gymnasiums and Asclepeions (ancient healing temples dedicated to Asclepius -the hero and god of medicine in ancient Greek religion and mythology).
Only natural products, without chemicals and preservatives, are used in the treatments -massages- with the oriental philosophy in mind...


Services
Ancient Greek Massage
Thai & Shiatsu massage
Reiki Energy Touch
Carob Therapy
Slimming massage & Massage with Hot Wax
Manicure - Pedicure
Body Peeling & Waxing
Cosmetic acupuncture

Operating period
All year round

Operating Hours
Wintertime:
Monday to Saturday, 13:00 - 14:30 & 17:30 - 21:30.
Sunday 10:30 - 19:00.
Wednesday afternoons off (shop closed)
Summertime:
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 - 22:00