Haramaki はらまき

Its cold here in Tokyo and other parts of Japan.Some parts are even snowing.In the beginning of autumn or rather late summer,the stores started selling autumn's get-ready-go.

The hit this year is HARAMAKI. The Japanese believe that the belly ('hara') is the center of the human spirit and the source of 'ki' energy". Hence,Haramaki is something u wear across ur belly.It warms u, and not only your belly but also the whole body. Can be found in silk and some other wool like stretchables. my first haramaki was a silk one. and believe me, it did help me sleep that night and many nights till today.It does work as a tube too.They are worn in the West by bikers and snowboarders. In the East they are worn by some guys, a comfort to pregnant women (or for cramps) and by Tibetan grannies and grandpas as well. The idea is that if one warms the kidneys, the blood that circulates will be warmed.

When i checked with my friend Mr. Wiki, i got this for HARAMAKI-

' Haramaki was a component of the samurai class attire primarily during the Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. Haramaki are belly protectors, generally made of silk, and lined with various materials. Haramaki contained chain mail or articulated plates of iron. When the haramaki is worn, it is to be put on from the front and then fastened behind with cords'

'Haramaki are considered to have many health benefits and practical reasons to be worn. Because they support and boost blood circulation in the midsection, they are used for relief from abdominal distress, digestive problems, light support for pregnant women's bellies, and menstrual cramps. Because they provide warmth to a central portion of the body and increase blood circulation, they boost temperature throughout the body and are therefore practical cold weather garments as they do not add too much bulk to an outfit and can be easily removed if the wearer becomes too warm'

Even undergarments brands like Triumph and Wing are selling them! trust me they are great.i am a big fan and never leaving home without them. i feel hugged all the time. (am i over acting here? hmm.. thats the difference between a nite and morning entry haahahha....)

p/s..and before anybody starts asking, NO! that is not my belly..:(