Tag: massage

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Quotes from Energetic Medicine by James Oschman

I mined ‘Energetic Medicine: The Scientific Basis’ by James Oschman for these great bodywork quotes. They inspired me and I hope the inspire you.

 

“Soon after the cytoskeleton [of the human cell] became a popular subject for research, it was realized that the cellular matrix is connected across the cell surface with the CONNECTIVE tissue system or extracellular matrix”

Which in my mind caused a big shift, not only is what bodyworkers are doing having effects on the gross anatomy it is also affecting the micro anatomy, the cells, the atoms!

This paragraph went on to say

‘In essence when you touch a human body, you are touching a continusously interconnected system composed of virtually all of the molecules in the body linked together in an articulate webwork.”

Damn!

Now, I know this is not new to most of you bodyworking nerds out there, and for me I know I have come across this once or twice. For some reason this is really starting to resonate hard. When I’m touching the hamstrings, I’m also touching the heart as well as all other parts of the body.

 

“Certainly, for those who use their hands to enhance the functioning of their fellow beings, the ‘free-run’ periods, when allowed to happen without intellectual processing can give rise to moments of profound insight and deep healing.”

Just confirming that when I let go and trust that I know just what to do for the person im working with, that is when I do my best work. I’ve never heard it described as ‘free-run’ before. I’ve always known it as flow and I like both. ‘Free-run’ seems somewhat more romantic!

 

Do you incorporate any specific energy work in your session? If so, tell me about it in the comments!

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Body Language

 

 

I started a new job recently. I am currently working at a 5 star hotel and spa as a massage therapist. I must admit I often feel a bit out of my league with this clientele. This lead me to re-watch Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk on body language. You better believe I am doing superwoman stances in the powderoom before I go to get my guests. Fake it til you become it!

Have you ever had trouble feeling insecure with a particular clientele? Or at any particular point in your massage career? How did you conquer your situations? Tell me your stories in the comments!

 

 

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Art Riggs ‘A Little Bodywork Philosophy’: A Video

 

As I’ve said before, I’m interested in bodyworker’s philosophies. So, when I saw this video on youtube I was pumped! It’s super short and he rambles on a bit but, I love how he likes to focus on what is working right in the body. Explaining to the client that this shoulder feels great, lets get the other one more free and opened up. I’m going to practice that today. See how it feels for me and my client. There are a few other gems in this video too. Every massage is a ‘new adventure for me’ he says and for me that’s what its all about!

 

What’s your opinion about starting face up or face down? If you work in a spa, do you have to start a certain way? Let me know in the comments!

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A short Thomas Myers video “why does massage hurt?”

 

 

(I found this video on YouTube by Functional Patterns, the channel is pretty excellent!)

“Pain is sensation accompanied by the motor intention to withdraw, if youre not trying to get away from it it isn’t pain its just sensation. That varies from person to person, situatiuon to situation and day to day. “ This quote makes me think about receiving massage and how I perceive the bodywork I am receiving. Can I ask myself to breathe through the “pain” know that the sensation I am feeling is pain leaving the body? Sometimes. And sometimes I’m not in the mood.

“The pain and the benefit are not directly related.” This quote makes me think of giving massage. It’s important for me to have this conversation with those clients that are into the no pain no gain mentatlity. Its my job as a therapist to help them see that using breath with deeper work is way more effective than receiving bodywork you have to hold your breath through. I like being reminded of these topics. I know them like the back of my hand. However, sometimes I get caught up with someone telling me to go deeper, the ‘you can beat me up’ types. And sometimes I loose my voice and dig into their tissue. This was a great video to watch to inspire me to be brave and speak up.

Do you have a favorite Thomas Meyer’s video, quote, writing? If so, let me know what they are in the comments! Also, let me know what you think of the video if you get a chance to watch it!