Seisu-do: Core and Health – Handwashing as art, science, public health intervention

By INDEX Editorial Team –

Handwashing is usually treated as a task to complete as quickly as possible. Turn on the tap, apply soap, scrub, rinse, dry, and move on.

But what if handwashing could also be a way to de-stress and protect our personal health and that of others without taking more than 30 seconds to a minute?

Can we perform necessary hygiene with more care, awareness, and respect for the people and spaces around us? Can we connect care for our physical hygiene with care for the mind and the community we impact?

A frequently described principle in Japanese culture is that cleaning is done not only for oneself but also for the next person who will use the space. That makes cleaning the hands a form of stewardship: a way to show consideration, maintain a shared environment, and to simply pay respectful attention to what you’re doing.

Introducing Seisu-do Core and Seisu-do Health.

What Is Seisu-do Core and Seisu-do Health?

Seisu-do Core represents the basics: practical steps required for cleaning your hands.

Seisu-do Health is a way to de-stress and practice mindful handwashing; once hygiene criteria are in place, handwashing is a brief exercise in focus, calm and stress reduction.

Please watch the short 2-minute video to understand how to master Seisu-do Core and Health.