Techniques
Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue
Swedish massage can in fact refer to a wide range of styles and approaches. Swedish massage has a few traditional elements: flowing strokes, kneading, and tapping (among others) as well as encouraging circulation towards the heart. If this sounds like it could be applied in nearly unlimited ways, you are right – it can!
Deep Tissue is not such a specific modality, but rather can refer to principles used to impact the body in a deeper and longer lasting way. Whether the strokes are part of the Swedish repertoire, Esalen style, or even spa massage, if the practitioner works at a depth that feels therapeutic and impactful – that’s deep tissue. To see more about Deep Tissue Massage click here.
Structural Bodywork
Structural Integration (SI), developed by Ida Rolf through her wide ranging studies of various disciplines, looks at the body in relation to its adaptation to gravity. Seeing how well the body maintains balance and poise amidst the opposing downward attraction of gravity gives the starting point for assisting the body to better balance in relation to the downward pull. SI usually is performed in a series of sessions.
Through understanding the effects of positional relationships, a deeper picture emerges of how tensions are held in the body. Targeting the tensions held within the body using structural techniques helps to integrate these tense areas in a harmonious way.
Seeing each individual in their unique relationship to gravity guides my approach to a session. Approaching each session in this way allows one’s unique character to be seen and adressed in a specific way.
Structural Bodywork is not a cookie cutter approach, but rather an approach to working directly with each unique individual in a way that is specific to their structure in order to create lasting improvements.
Functional Range Release®
Functional Range Release, or FR® for short, is a system of soft tissue managment that approaches the body from a unique and exciting perspective. Developed by Dr. Andreo Spina, the approach is two-fold:
- – bio-flow anatomy
- – cellular response to soft tissue treatment
Bio-flow anatomy teaches that the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even the joint capsule are seamlessly integrated. So, in order to have a clear picture of what you feel through your hands a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the anatomy is essential. Bio-flow anatomy also teaches a clear and precise method of identifying structures, which goes hand in hand with grasping the interconnections between different tissues.
“Force is the language of cells.” This quote from Dr. Spina encapsulates the concept that from the point of contact, the force applied by the practitioner is transmitted from the skin through the target structure into to the deepest layers of the cells. The impact of this force is communicated via two elements, direction and duration. Cellular remodelling activity is stimulated along a line of force, given enough time.
The FR® techniques are designed to apply a load through the tissues, both from the practitioner as well from the involvement of the client, to stimulate beneficial tissue adaptation; paraphrasing Dr. Spina “to make stuff work nice.”
For more information on the F.R. system please visit: www.functionalanatomyseminars.com
Osteopathic Techniques
Osteopathy is an American approach to physical medicine developed in the late 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO. The practice has undergone much development since that time, but central to the practice of Osteopathy from its is the intention to foster the body’s innate regenerative and healing capacity. Osteopathic techniques are many and varied, but common to most are the principles of anatomical precision and subtle “listening.”
- Anatomical Precision – This allows the practitioner to clearly identify what structures they are treating as well as to accurately assess those structures. Being able to gain a clear understanding of the underlying cause of an issue through assessment can be a key to bringing relief to chronic pain, injury, or even the accumulated stress of imbalanced posture.
- Subtle Listening – This is a skill that allows a practitioner to engage with the intrinsic movements that occur as part of the ebb and flow of complex physiological process. Similar to breathing, each system of the body has as part of its innate functioning a component of intrinsic movement. Being able to work with this rhythm can facilitate making a more lasting and effective change.
Dynamic Manual Interface
Dynamic Manual Interface (DMI) was originated by Frank Lowen during his many years teaching for renowned Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. This system uses subtle rhythms at specific areas of the body to influence and treat specific systems within the body. To learn more about (DMI) please visit this site: www.lowensystems.com