SOMATO-EMOTIONAL RELEASE

SomatoEmotional Release is a therapeutic process that helps rid the mind and body of residual effects of past trauma and associated negative responses.

Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni discovered the body often retains physical forces as the result of accident, injury, or emotional trauma. Following trauma, the body isolates the “energy cyst.”

Students in Somato-emotional Release learn how to help the client physically identify and expel the energy cyst through re-experiencing and resolving unpleasant incidents.

(See also: SOMATO-EMOTIONAL RELEASE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

FLOTATION REPATTERNING

This aquatic treatment is performed in water heated to body temperature. The therapist and the client work as a team, following the client’s innate intelligence as her body guides the work. With the water allowing uninhibited movement, the body moves freely to release old holding patterns, blockages and restrictions, then repatterns into wholeness.

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ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE

Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates 10 modalities to treat soft tissue pain and injury.

Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. Three basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment.

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TAIKYO SHIATSU

Taikyo shiatsu is a style using ancient Taoist yin/yang and taijiquan principles combined with the gentle stretching of Zen shiatsu. From the Eastern perspective, this shiatsu focuses on stretching and palming the meridians, opening channels to induce flow of stagnated energies, and supplying circulation (oxygenated blood) to the organs.

The application of the Taoist principles enables the therapist to generate and utilize optimum energy to perform the shiatsu efficiently. From the Western perspective, stretching increases bone, sinews, and muscle flexibility, and enhances mobility.

A unique “wave” technique - visualizing an ocean wave forming (potential), reaching the highest crest, falling (kinetic), and expanding (distribution) the energy - is used in this technique. The following Taikyo essentials achieve optimum shiatsu efficiency and transmission as well as distribution of energy. Spirit: state of being; intent: volition or plan of action; calm: state of mental stillness to perceive; posture: proper body positioning for optimum operational efficiency; presence: the sum of the previous above essentials; intuition: ability to perceive; breathing: qigong mode; and simplicity: unpretentiousness.

“Reeling the silk” is a technique that enables manipulation by gripping with a wrist motion, producing pressure without using the fingers. This technique enables efficient massaging of the “18 joints” of the body. Qigong breathing from the Hara, or dantian, is one of the important keys to generate efficient energy output.

Taikyo shiatsu emphasizes philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, essentials, breathing, taijiquan postural efficiency, and the above mentioned techniques.

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HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK

Developed by Dr. Stanislov Grof, a psychiatrist working with people in non-ordinary states of consciousness, and by Christina Grof, a transpersonal teacher, this is a simple, yet powerful technique for self-exploration and healing based on combined insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, and perennial spiritual practices.

The method activates non-ordinary states of consciousness which mobilize the spontaneous healing potential of the psyche. Sustained effective breathing, evocative music, focused energy work, and mandala drawing are components of this subjective journey.

Holotropic literally means moving toward wholeness. Virtually all ancient and native traditions recognize the psychological and spiritual healing potential of states of consciousness that differ from what we call ordinary.

Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful method of self-exploration and healing. This work can be useful for artists wishing to facilitate their creativity, persons seeking a deep level of healing, those seeking to explore their inner self and/or the transpersonal dimensions, and it can lead to a spiritual opening and transformation.

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NAPRAPATHY

With influences from osteopathy and chiropractic, this system of treatment uses soft-tissue manipulation to release tension and balance energy flows in the body.

The practitioner uses palpation to explore the tissue, looking for rigid, contracted areas of the body. He then begins repetitive, rhythmic, thrusts to gently stretch the contracted connective tissues.

Sessions usually last 30 minutes, focusing mainly on the ligaments near the spinal column. Diet, exercise, and postural adjustments help improve circulatory and nervous system function.

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ONSEN TECHNIQUE

Onsen is a Japanese word meaning at rest or at peace. It is a state of mind, but can also be a state of body. Developer Richard Phaigh translated it to mean balance, particularly length and strength balance in soft tissue, to form the basis of this new protocol.

Onsen includes three key components - muscle energy technique, post-isometric relaxation, and transverse friction massage.

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DEGRIEFING

Degriefing is the process of recognizing the mental and physical pain that accompanies grief and treating it with a combination of somatic therapies and psychotherapeutic tools.

Degriefing can be used to unlock and remove grief from an individual’s body, and thereby heal not only physical symptoms, but mental and emotional wounds as well. It combines effective verbal counseling therapies with individualized physical care.

The techniques used in the degriefing process are intended to ease a person’s emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical discomforts. The goal of degriefing is to unlock blockages that have developed in the body and shift them to a more harmonious state.

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EXERSSAGE

StarFace Exerssage is a facial yoga, slow motion movement, and self massage technique integrated with breathing to release jaw tension and other tensions from neuromuscular parts of the face, head, and neck. It is comprised of 24 cranial facial yoga postures and a series of rhythmic contouring and acupressure pulsing massage movements. Connections are made to the vital organs with sound and intention. It facilitates the release of jaw tension, which is thought to be the source of counteracting aging.

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KRIPALU BODYWORK

The Kripalu bodyworker guides the client into a state of deep relaxation and meditation for the purpose of releasing physical and mental tension. This technique, based on Kripalu yoga, uses specific massage strokes and verbal/nonverbal procedures to aid clients in reconnecting with their body’s own healing wisdom.

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MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress.

 First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction.

Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.

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REIKI-ALCHEMIA

Reiki-alchemia utilizes keys of different geometric shapes to trigger states of consciousness which allow healing and vibrational attunements to occur. Reiki-alchemia combines the traditional reiki of Mikao Usui with the alchemia process, which creates a passive and active blend of energies in the healing.

The practitioner facilitates transformation by working with the universal life force, and the four forces that govern all states of consciousness. Alchemia is a form of bodywork that incorporates techniques that release etheric, as well as subconscious energy blockages and stored trauma.

The ultimate intent of reiki-alchemia is to achieve a functional ego state that facilitates unconditional love. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

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RADIANCE TECHNIQUE

This technique is a science of universal energy, taught in seminars by authorized instructors throughout the world. It is a seven-level technique people learn to use for themselves and for others.

People from all walks of life learn this technique to use for stress release and energy balancing. Students learn a variety of ways to apply and use unconditional, transcendental energy in their work, play, and everyday lives. These students are taught a basic 12-position, hands-on session that is to be practiced on the self for at least an hour when possible.

Authorized instructors of the Radiance Technique do not license or certify students as practitioners. Such licensing and certification is up to the individual student or practitioner according to the requirements of the community in which they live and work.

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PRENATAL MASSAGE / PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally, and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies.

Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus.

Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother, and may help her to bond with and care for her infant.

Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications is highly recommended, and many practitioners require referrals from physicians prior to therapy.

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SOMA NEUROMUSCULAR INTEGRATION

A 10-session system of bodywork, soma neuromuscular integration works the fascial network to release chronic, stored structural aberrations; to effectively realign the entire body; and to facilitate the change process.

The three brain model theory and holographic body reading, as part of the SOMA theoretical framework, assist the practitioner to analyze each individual blueprint, personalize needs, and design the session for each structure.

SOMA work includes extensive guidance tools (movement, journaling, drawing interpretation, and other mind/body integrating tools) for training bodywork practitioners and for educating clients.

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RAYID METHOD

The rayid method was formed by results of research on the meaning of the formations in the iris of the eyes. Hereditary, behavioral, and attitudinal traits with their impact on mental, emotional and physical health are demonstrated in these formations.

The rayid method addresses the causes behind symptoms, so maximum health can be achieved on a longer-term basis. This method identifies an interaction between mind and body, seeing the imbalances and suggesting corrective balancing lifestyles and support activities that enable the immune system to work its marvels.

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CHI NEI TSANG

This technique was created by a Taoist monk several thousand years ago in the mountain monasteries of China. In order for the monks to be able to learn to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices, they needed to generate a very high level of energy.

Today, chi nei tsang is still practiced for this same reason, but people in all walks of life who seek greater health and well-being can also use it. Chi means energy and information and nei tsang means viscera or internal organs. Chi nei tsang addresses the origin of health problems, including psychosomatic responses, and increases the resilience of the body’s defense system.

A chi nei tsang treatment may be self-administered or given by a practitioner. chi nei tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently. All the body systems are addressed - digestion, respiration, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, etc. Chi nei tsang integrates applied qigong with the art of abdominal massage.

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LYMPH DRAINAGE THERAPY

Lymph Drainage Therapy is unique in that healthcare professionals learn how to palpate the lymphatic flow. As they develop their skills, they can then identify the rhythm, direction, and quality of the lymphatic flow.

Advanced practitioners will be able to precisely map the lymphatic flow to find alternate pathways for drainage. Developed by Bruno Chikly, M.D., Lymph Drainage Therapy evolved from years of training in traditional medicine, Oriental medicine practices, and manual therapies. (Definition provided by The Upledger Institute.)

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POSTURAL INTEGRATION & ENERGETIC INTEGRATION

Postural integration and energetic integration were developed by Jack Painter in the late 1960s and have spread to Western Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. These approaches focus on the unity of tissue, feeling and awareness.

Breathwork, deep fascia manipulation, emotional expression, and meditation are used in a unique synchronicity. Both are similar methods, but postural integration focuses on systematic work with layers of fascia, while energetic integration focuses on melting bands of body character armor.

The client will experience not only extraordinary energy releases and tangible changes in body shape and flexibility, but also major shifts in awareness and feeling. The training to become a practitioner is approximately 600 hours of practical and theoretical study over several phases in centers throughout the world.

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CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE

Also known as bindegewebsmassage, these techniques are designed to specifically affect the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue massage was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke. After diagnosis of a serious medical problem, she experimented with different types of massage on herself. She found when she applied light pressure through the skin and connective tissue in one area of the body, there was a related effect at a distant site.

From Alternative Healing, by Hugh Burroughs and Mark Kastner: “The technique consists of the massage therapist subtly hooking her fingers into the skin and superficial connective tissue while performing a dragging or pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin. Connective tissue massage leaves a visible mark that looks somewhat like an abrasion or burn, but which goes away without leaving a scar.”

In Germany, it is considered a physical therapy technique; in many parts of Europe, it is considered a medical technique. In the United States, connective tissue massage is taught in many massage schools.

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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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CONSCIOUS BODYWORK

This form of neuromuscular reprogramming and therapy combines massage techniques with muscle testing in order to help people learn how to use their muscles with greater strength and less effort.

Conscious bodywork is used to treat persistent joint and muscle pain and to treat restriction of movement caused by injury. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

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