How does neuroscience relate to what makes a massage feel good? What actions by a friend, partner or counselor make you feel heard and acknowledged? What is happening inside a child as he/she bursts into delight as for “getting it right”, or when they snuggle in to be held? The neuroscience study of empathy in human relationship involves all of these.… 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
How the Body Releases Trauma
Last weekend, 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 I don’t visit her in the evening. 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
Research on the effects of meditation on the brain has taken off in the last 40 years. Neuroscientists, psychologists and meditators are all collaborating to make the benefits clear. For example, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center has enrolled over 20,000 people in their Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programs. These benefit both the body and the brain. (See more about Mind-Body Research and Massage here.)
I first heard about meditation benefits in the early 1970’s.… 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: amnesia, going blind, numb hands and feet, no memory of childhood, no math skills and meager language abilities. Mine was caused by exceptionally severe mercury poisoning (275 times what was then considered toxic, 1375 times the current toxic level), 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
