Kanpu Masatsu

Kanpu masatsu (乾布摩擦, literally dry towel friction) is a Japanese custom where one rubs a dry towel along the body to create warmth and friction, particularly in cold weather, to promote good health or ward off disease. Although it physically resembles a vigorous sponge bath, kanpu masatsu is not a form of bathing as its goal is to warm the skin by friction and not to cleanse or wipe the body. Kanpu masatsu is often practiced in a group environment, particularly among children in schools where it is sometimes part of a morning exercise routine. Popularly imagined to prevent disease, especially colds and flu, like many folk beliefs its effectiveness is unclear, though there is some evidence it may be mildly helpful. A 2012 study of 24 males at the Department of Immunology, Niigata University School of Medicine found changes in lymphocyte and granulocyte levels versus a control group and concluded that kanpu masatsu is a “mild aerobic, systemic exercise that might affect the immune system via the autonomic nervous system.” A 2002 study at Central Aizu General Hospital of bedridden elderly patients reported possibly beneficial results, concluding “This technique may be used to reduce a variety of complications caused by the decreased immunity observed in bedridden old patients.” The description above is from Wikipedia, but this replicates a full body version of the exercise with the static build up. personal observations as to the benefits include better blood flow, surface toxins removal and finally bacteria and fungus reduction on the outer skin due to the static electrical destruction