Energetic Bodywork: Subject of Energetic Bodywork: Practical Techniques (Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1998), by herbalist and massage therapist Rita J. McNamara. Energetic Bodywork involves assessment and treatment of the human energy field and spirit. Its theory posits chakras and meridians.

(See also: Energetic Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

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ACU-YOGA

Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises integrating the knowledge of two holistic methods of health maintenance - acupressure and yoga. Both relax muscular tension and balance the vital life forces of the body.

Yoga does this through controlling the breath while holding the body in certain postures. Acupressure does this by directly manipulating body energy through a system of points and meridians.

Each Acu-Yoga posture naturally presses and stretches certain nerves, muscles, and acupressure points, awakening the meridians and releasing the tension in the points so that energy (chi) can circulate freely. This energy is the source of all life, and its flow is the key to radiant health. The process balances the body and stimulates it to heal itself.

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Amanae transformational bodywork: a unique Multi-dimensional healing process that helps in shifting out trauma held in the body.

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ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE

Known as conventional medicine, allopathy is a medical approach which seeks to cure by producing a condition in the body different than, or opposite to, the condition that exists within the diseased state.

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NEURO-STRUCTURAL BODYWORK

Neuro-Structural Bodywork (NSB) is a somatic therapy which combines a variety of techniques, including fascial release, neuromuscular re-education, craniosacral adjustment, and breathwork in balancing the musculoskeletal, nervous, and chakra systems.

Neuro-Structural Bodywork techniques restore sensory perception and motor control, and allow for new neurological impulses that support postural balance and free range of motion, ultimately enhancing one’s poise, balance, and sense of well-being. NSB is effective in treating both acute injuries and chronic conditions including strained muscles, upper/lower back and disc problems, frozen shoulder, joint injuries, fibromyalgia, migraines, TMJ, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Neuro-Structural Bodywork helps create a more receptive environment for a variety of other modalities (especially chiropractic and physical therapy), improving results from exercise, and supporting the body in sustaining skeletal adjustments. It also provides a possible alternative to more invasive treatments (including surgery) in cases where the underlying cause of the problem is fascial restriction and/or loss of sensory perception and motor control. Developed by Nancy DeLucrezia, Neuro-Structural Bodywork can also be used to stimulate and support emotional release and as an adjunct to psychological integration therapies.

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ASHIATSU ORIENTAL BAR THERAPY

Developed by Ruthie Hardee in 1995, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy combines elements of traditional Thai massage, Barefoot shiatsu and Keralite foot massage (Chavutti Thirummal).

Incorporating overhead wooden bar supports, the therapist uses body weight and gliding foot compression on strategic points along the muscles. When performed near the spine, this form of effleurage creates a “push, pull, pumping” effect on the intervertebral disc space and relieves irritations on the spinal nerve caused by inflammation and swelling.

Note: The application of this technique is not to be done on a floor mat or through clothing. This technique was designed for smaller, petite therapists who wish to specialize in deep work.

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DYNAMIC SPINAL THERAPY

Dynamic spinal therapy was developed by Rolf Ott in Rapperswil, Switzerland, in the 1980s. The technique works with the body’s posture and energetic (acupuncture) system and consists of three parts: Ear reflexology test - This test comes from France and Germany and is part of the ear acupuncture. The ear is used to get information about the body’s energetic state. A therapy stylus is simply pressed along specific lines. Some areas are more sensitive than others and give the therapist information.

Acupuncture meridian harmonization balances the energetic system. The focus is on chi flow to stimulate the personal healing process. With the therapy stylus, certain meridians are traced on the skin surface. The Swiss therapeutic cushion - The pelvis is checked while being rotated and specific stretches are applied. Afterward, the client lies face down upon the Swiss therapeutic cushion like an unconscious person floating in water. This position offers complete relaxation. The body is gently rocked in several different ways. The gentle rhythmic motion causes relaxation to occur quickly and deeply and induces trust. The just-stretched muscles get reprogrammed and the rocking moves the joint helping to build them.

Application - Joint problems (hip, knee, shoulder, etc.), migraines, arthritis, foot conditions (halux valgus), lumbago, herniated disks, spinal nerve irritations (problems in inner organs), scoliosis, sciatica, psychological problems, stress, and many more. A treatment usually takes between 30 to 40 minutes.

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GYROTONIC

A system designed to exercise the musculature while mobilizing and articulating the joints.

Gyrotonic was conceived regarding key principles of gymnastics, swimming, ballet, and yoga through which major muscle groups are worked interdependently and in an integrated manner. This system is served by a series of specially designed exercise equipment, which is built around the human body with all regards to total freedom in movement, no restriction to speed and versatility, and enhancement rather than distraction from coordination, strength, and flexibility. The motion patterns are natural, turbulence-free, and pure with no interruption, creating a bridge between contraction and extension through the rotating movement of the joints, resulting in a balanced support system for the skeleton.

Each exercise is synchronized with a corresponding breathing pattern and is performed with either a rhythm or melodic rhythmical expression, creating a gentle or vigorous cardiovascular-aerobic stimulation, depending on the intensity and speed of the execution. (Adapted from www.gyrotonic.com.)

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HAKOMI THERAPY

A body-centered psychotherapy, hakomi was started in the mid-1970s by American Ron Kurtz. Hakomi uses body tensions and sensations to access information about the limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits of the individual. Hakomi bodywork includes hands-on manipulation to access and change these beliefs. Treatments vary to meet individual needs.

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ALLARD KINETIC SYSTEMS

Allard Professional Training combines structure, function, and awareness into a system where each are seen as intertwined and not separate entities. Developed by Norman Allard, the relationship between the energetics of human potential movement and structural/therapeutic effects are explored through perceptual anatomy, neurokinetics, and arthrosomatics.

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CHAMPISSAGE

Champissage is the modern Indian name for the ayurvedic method of head massage, stimulating the circulation to the scalp and nourishing the hair roots.

Originally, the technique only included the head. Today, however, this modality usually includes massage of the shoulders, upper arms and neck, and face and ears. Along with increased blood circulation, it also stimulates the movement of lymph, thus having a cleansing effect, as well as proving to be an invaluable technique for relief of eye strain, headaches, insomnia, lack of concentration, and lethargy.

Typically ayurvedic oils are massaged into the scalp, however, this procedure can also be done without any oils or creams.

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LYPPOSAGE

Developed by Charles W. Wiltsie III, lypossage is a combination of manual deep-tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and the principles of structural integration used to combat cellulite.

An alternative to liposuction and body contouring machines, lypossage enhances firmness and tone and increases skin resilience and smoothness.

The treatment requires a series of sessions because the reduction of cellulite is only temporary unless treatment is continued. When combined with diet and exercise, lypossage produces a lifting effect in areas prone to sagging.

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DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.

The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

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CATHIODERMIE

Rejuvenating treatment for the skin that provides deep cleansing and oxygenation of outer tissue layers, removing impurities and stimulating regeneration. The treatment involves the use of galvanic and high-frequency currents from an electric machine to provide electric stimulation in a low-voltage dose.

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HAKOMI INTEGRATIVE SOMATICS

Using hands-on bodywork, body awareness and movement, Hakomi integrative somatics enables people to discover the habitual, automatic attitudes (both physical and psychological), by which they generate patterns of experience. Particularly helpful in working with the effects of trauma and abuse, emotional pain and limiting belief systems, this gentle therapy teaches clients to follow the inherently intelligent processes of the body and mind.

Clients are educated in the nuances of inner body sensations and learning to track the ever-changing flow of wordless information that is the language of the body. It is precisely this awareness that becomes a powerful healing tool, as it naturally expands the "somatic sense of self," and heals the various forms of dissociation from the body.

Hands-on bodywork is used experimentally to help clients gain awareness of inner experience, specifically inner body sensation and patterns, emotions, images, memories or thoughts. Unconscious attitudes are brought to consciousness where they can be examined, understood and changed. By working physically and psychologically, the transformative shift can take root on both levels simultaneously.

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SOFT TISSUE RELEASE

Soft tissue release (STR) is a powerful injury treatment technique developed in Europe with the world’s fastest sprinters. Due to the amazing amounts of prize money and endorsement contracts available to these athletes, faster and more permanent results were warranted.

Soft tissue release was developed to meet this need. Recovery rates once considered impossible by traditional therapists and sports medicine doctors were achieved. These are not new concepts, but are based on European osteopathy techniques, along with insights from quantum physics. In recent years, Soft tissue release has been given clinical application for chronic low back pain and whiplash injuries.

Soft tissue release deals directly with the reasons for soft tissue dysfunctions and subsequent referred pain and nerve entrapment. In acute conditions, Soft tissue release affects the insidious way scar tissue is formed, and in chronic conditions Soft tissue release breaks up the fibrotic and adhered mass of scar tissue to quickly allow the muscle to return to its natural resting length. Once the muscle or muscle group has returned to the original resting length, there is an immediate release from the pain induced by the inflammation response.

With Soft tissue release, the client is placed in a particular position so that the muscle begins to stretch in a very specific direction or plane. The exact location of the injury has been defined and a determined pressure is applied directly into the affected tissue or along a specific line of injury. At the same time, depending whether passive or active techniques are being used, the client is given a set of instructions that now engage the antagonist of the muscles involved. The muscle is extended from a fixed position in a determined direction under a pinpoint of pressure. Decrease in pain and increase in range of motion are often immediate, offsetting any minor discomfort experienced.

Soft tissue release can be modified so there is no client discomfort at all. The flowing motions of Soft tissue release and total client control afford new levels of deep tissue work and subsequent pain relief.

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Bodywork Tantra: Meditative derivative of chakra healing and Zen Shiatsu developed by shiatsu schoolmaster Harold Dull. It encompasses Co-Centering, Tantsu, and Watsu.

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POLARITY THERAPY

Polarity therapy is based on universal principles of energy - attraction, repulsion, and neutrality. The interrelation of these principles forms the basis for every aspect of life, including our experience of health, wellness, and disease. With this understanding, polarity therapy addresses the interdependence of body, mind, and spirit, the importance of relationships, and the value of creating a way of life in harmony with nature. Founded by Austrian-born naturopath Dr. Randolph Stone in the mid-1920s, polarity therapy is a clothes-on, noninvasive system complementing existing systems with an integrated, holistic model.

Polarity is based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell. The body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies. In addition to physical manipulation, blockages and toxins are eliminated through a cleansing diet and simple exercises. Treatments are suggested in a series of four. Training to become a practitioner is 430 hours.

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SHEN THERAPY

SHEN is the acronym for Specific Human Energy Nexus and was developed by American scientist Richard Pavek. A scientifically researched form of energy healing, SHEN aims to release emotions trapped in the body, leading to freedom from pain and tension.

SHEN teaches that most emotions are held in the torso, at four main sites: the heart, the solar plexus, the kath (below the navel), and the root (the perineum). The practitioner places hands in paired positions on the fully-clothed client who’s lying on the table.

The practitioner ascertains the locations of somatically held emotions and determines an appropriate physio-emotional release plan. A naturally occurring energy flows from the practitioner’s hands through the emotional centers of the client’s body in a precise way to discharge debilitating emotions.

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MYOPRACTIC MUSCLE THERAPY

Robert Petteway developed the Myopractic system after 30 years in the healing arts. His experience in structural integration, biomechanics, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and a wide variety of muscle therapies contribute to the system. He worked with physicians, surgeons, and chiropractors for more than 20 years to develop this therapeutic model.

Myopractic muscle therapy combines three basic techniques: compression stretching, which achieves deep relaxation and relieves tension, spasms, and holding patterns; clearing methods, which use the myopractic covered thumb and framing techniques to clean obstructions from soft tissue (e.g., trigger points, scar tissue, muscle bundles, and old bruise); and separating techniques to release myofascial adhesions, separate fascial planes, and rebalance muscles.

Myopractic muscle therapy integrates its own unique style of energetic work, Swedish, sports, trigger point, myofascial, and even structural integration techniques into one easy-to-learn system.

Myopractic teaches user-friendly, pain-free therapy for both client and practitioner. This is accomplished using the therapist’s body weight and leverage, rather than relying on size and strength. Myopractic posture balancing evaluation identifies the source of chronic pain misalignments in the body’s structure and realigns them.

Myopractic treatments focus especially on misalignments in the lower body, particularly in the feet, ankles, and the hips. Addressing lower-body misalignments often relieves tension injuries in the upper body. Myopractic espouses a therapist can clear their clients only to the degree they themselves are clear. Therefore the seminars focus on clearing the therapist, as well as learning new techniques.

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HOLISTIC MEDICINE

Holistic medicine recognizes that the mind, spirit, lifestyle, environment, and other aspects of a person’s existence significantly affect the functioning of the physical body. Thus, in evaluating and treating illness and prescribing preventative intervention, this approach treats the whole person, addressing more than just the symptoms or disease. Holistic practitioners may utilize a combination of conventional treatments along with alternative therapies.

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STRAIN / COUNTERSTRAIN

Developed by osteopath Lawrence Jones, this noninvasive treatment helps decrease protective muscle spasms and alleviate somatic dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

By using palpation and passive positional procedures, the therapist practicing strain/counterstrain therapy can help restore pain-free movement. The position that relieves the referred pain is held for 90 seconds. After resuming the original position and pressing the trigger point, the referred pain is gone.

Although the client is often asked to bend or twist like a contortionist to secure a comfortable position, for the most part clients report effectiveness of the procedure.

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