About Therapeutic Bodywork

Bodywork is arguably the oldest natural healing art, yet it is still often overlooked as something too simple in this modern age to be effective. Nothing could be more wrong. Therapeutic Bodywork not only reduces the effects of stress, it works on many levels to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve the immune system. If you feel 'out of touch' with your body's health, you probably are - it's time to consider some bodywork!

Selecting Bodywork

With over 200 types of bodywork out there, selecting the right kind of bodywork for you may be difficult. Even descriptions of the various types of bodywork may leave you clueless. To help, we have created some guidance to the various types of bodywork.

Bodywork can span a spectrum of techniques from very subtle work to deep, strong work. Which is best for you may well depend on your own orientation and awareness of your body.

Subtle Bodywork

Subtle bodywork, such as CranioSacral Therapy, involves a light touch and attention to subtle rhythms and changes in the body. Much of this work is done "under the radar" of the mind. That is, the conscious mind is not aware enough about the work to react to it. Movement and stretches can often be done with less resistance from the body. Frequently, the recipient drifts into a dreamy kind of awareness at the time of energy and tension release.

Although anyone can benefit from this kind of work, some seek work to be done more on the physical level. Subtle bodywork seems to fit well to individuals with a greater awareness of their subtle self such as those who regularly meditate, practice Yoga or are more spiritually oriented. It also tends to fit those who feel a conflict of sorts between their physical and energy self or feel that there is an emotional/spiritual basis to their issues. This is not uncommon, for instance, in those who suffer from migraines.

Subtle bodywork includes CranioSacral Therapy, Zero Balancing, Mindful Massage and others. Some types of bodywork, such as myofascial release, have evolved over time from a more 'physical' set of techniques to more subtle work. Therefore, practitioners may vary in their approach. Similarly, forms of acupressure, such as Shiatsu and Jin Shin Do, may be practiced in a more subtle or more physical style, depending on the practitioner, with some practitioners able to move between styles. Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Bodywork, like the Japanese styles of acupressure, involve attention to the subtle energies of the meridians but with more movement of the body through a system of stretches. The Yoga form incorporates stretches into Yoga positions in order to gain some of the benefits of Yoga.

At Natural Healing Arts, we offer CranioSacral Therapy, Shiatsu and Thai Yoga Bodywork.

Relaxation Massage

The more physical types of bodywork can be further divided into what might be termed 'relaxation' massage and 'corrective' massage. Relaxation massage, such as Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, places an emphasis on how the massage flows and the overall rhythmic effect. In a sense, the body and mind are lulled into a relaxed state where there is a sense of wellbeing and safety. Such a state of mind is conducive to healing and counters the effects of stress. Often there is an additional intended benefit. Swedish massage, for instance, places an emphasis on circulation and the strokes are made toward the heart to aid in the return of blood.

This work fits well to the individual who is looking for relaxation and general stress relief. As much as you would think that this is everyone, some individuals with a lot of muscle 'knots' and other issues may find some of this work uncomfortable and may be disappointed that their 'knots' weren't 'worked out'.

Our center offers Swedish Massage.

Corrective Massage

With corrective massage, the therapist is actively looking for restrictions that are causing pain or interfering with body movement and function. One of the most intense forms of this of bodywork is Structural Integration which includes such therapies as Rolfing and Hellerwork. This work requires that the client has a desire for change and is willing to undergo therapies that may be uncomfortable at times in order to bring about change. When conducted without rush and with sensitivity, these therapies do not need to be painful. Often, the experience is described as a 'good hurt' - that is, the therapist is getting to a spot that his been calling for attention.

Other types of bodywork that would fall into this group include Sports Massage, Connective Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Medical Massage. This work fits well to the individual who has discomforts or specific problems and has a determination to address underlying issues in their body.

Sports Massage, Connective Tissue Massage, and Trigger Point Therapy are available at our center.

Note that these are very general guidelines and that there are many routes to wellness. Sometimes, you can think that you need a certain type of work and then realize that it is not the optimal modality for you. Since many therapists pull from a variety of techniques, you should discuss your expectations and health goals with them. You should also feel free to change therapists at any time in your journey. Note also that certain techniques are taught differently throughout the country and that your experience with a particular type of bodywork can be quite different from one therapist to another.