Does neuroscience have anything to do with what makes a massage feel good? When we look at touch, we are looking more than skin deep. We are looking at how humans as a species have survived and how we relate to each other. We are looking at our individual histories, our emotions, and how touch can make us feel held, loved, seen, alive.… Read the rest
Sometimes I work on people who have amazing experiences of healing. I don’t put myself out as a “healer” because I would rather empower you. Then, what is happening with the amazing experiences, the unexpected woo? It’s not in me. The healing is in you.
I usually explain Ortho-Bionomy® in terms of its origins in Osteopathic Positional Release and the principles of Judo.… Read the rest
The weekend before last, I had been reading Peter Levine’s In an Unspoken Voice1 about how the body releases trauma. I wasn’t planning an experiment to test it out. My plans changed.
I take my mother to a therapeutic swim midday Mondays, so that’s the one evening I don’t visit her. Instead, Monday had become the late night at the office.… Read the rest
Functional neurology massage works to bring about better cooperation of the body, emotions and nervous system. It uses learning and feedback principles of neuroplasticity–how the brain can rewire itself–to improve functioning. The assessments (see Functional Neuro–A Different Approach to Massage) may give me information about how sensations are limited or distorted–numbness in one arm, or down one side of the face, or continued pain from an old injury.… Read the rest
Meditation is a hot topic. It cools the emotions, reduces stress and boosts health. It helps the brain release toxins. It can improve learning and athletic performance. (See more about Mind-Body Research and Massage here.)
I first heard about meditation benefits in the early 1970’s. Since I had been meditating in some fashion since I was seven years old, it was not new to me.… Read the rest
Mind-body healing has become widely accepted in public awareness! (Even if it hasn’t made it to your doctor’s office yet.) That is largely due to Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s research. Early in his career, he studied Zen Buddhist meditation and Hatha Yoga. He then adapted them to a scientific context for research. He has been publishing books since 1991.1 He is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS).… Read the rest
Brain Injury and NeuroplasticityThe ability of the nervous system to adapt, change and repair itself is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity means you can change how your own brain functions. When you have had a brain injury, what you can do for yourself is key. But you don’t have to do it alone. Integration Massage has the knowledge and experience to help.… Read the rest
Fibromyalgia Treatment is continued from Fibromyalgia Cause is Still a Mystery.
People usually consult their physicians for fibromyalgia treatment. Although some have found medication to be effective for pain relief and improved sleep, others prefer to supplement with integrative approaches. Still others like to do everything they can do themselves. Lifestyle changes with massage and exercises often reduce stress and benefit immune and nervous system response.… Read the rest
I grew up in a family of physicians, researchers and academics. My career detoured in college with massive brain damage: loss of memory, vision, sensation; no connection to childhood, no math skills and meager language abilities. Mine was caused by exceptionally severe mercury poisoning (275 times what was then considered toxic), from prescription medicine for my skin.… Read the rest
I listen to your body metaphors as you tell me the issues you want me to address before a session: what do they say about your tension patterns? Where do I see you restrict movement as you speak? Where do you need bodywork?
Stiff upper lip—If you are hiding your feelings in a situation you don’t like, I work on rigid facial muscles.… Read the rest
