Technique Toolbox
Bodywork / Energy work / Bowen Therapy / Swedish massage / Deep tissue massage / Myofascial techniques / Craniosacral therapy
Bodywork
Therapeutic bodywork is a term used to describe a session that may utilize a number of different massage modalities and body manipulation techniques. Whether cognitively or intuitively based, each bodywork session is tailored to meet the individual’s need for stress relief and pain management, relaxation, rehabilitation of injuries either chronic or acute, and support with underlying health imbalances. At Body Energetics, with a wide variety of techniques, developed skills and experiences in the tool box, Brian’s goal is to help clients feel better and achieve balance, creating space for personal growth. Body Energetics offers clients the unique opportunity to understand and release the stresses of the body through massage and energy work.
Energy work
Energy work is a general term for modalities that are based on the human body consisting of energy fields that can be stimulated through various techniques in order to promote wellness. The concept of the human body’s electromagnetic energy fields as a vital life force can be traced back to the oldest medical systems and is known as Qi in China, ki in Japan, and prana in India. This energetic configuration is made up of many conduits and support systems.
Some energy modalities, such as acupuncture and shiatsu, have their roots in ancient medicine, while others, such as therapeutic touch and polarity therapy, are a contemporary and eclectic interpretation of one or more ancient practices. But the underlying basis of all of these modalities is the intent of balancing the energy flow in the body. Keeping the body’s energy in a balanced state is the key to maintaining health. Each of these modalities seeks to help the patient rebalance energy in the body by stimulating, unblocking, or dispersing it. The result is a greater sense of energy and wellbeing.
By working with these energies, opportunity for healing and growth opens on physical, emotional and cognitive levels. This expansion offers a healing potential for both body and soul. By harmonizing the energetic systems of the body, Brian can help you correct imbalances within your body. Energy work is a powerful complement to traditional medicine as well as an alternative resource. Simply put, aligning the electromagnetic life force so that it flows more fully and freely is an amazing way to achieve balance from within.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen Therapy consists mostly of short, deep tissue strokes across specific points on the body. Most schools refer to these strokes as Bowen “moves”. These moves stimulate specific receptors, creating powerful systemic response in the body. Bowen Therapy, by these specific soft tissue or fascial release and integration techniques, enables the body itself to correct dysfunctions and restore homeostasis (balance) on a holistic level.
Bowen Therapeutic Techniques represent interpretations of the manual therapies used in Australia by the late Mr. Thomas Ambrose Bowen. Bowen Therapy is derived primarily from acupressure, massage and osteopathy. Bowen Therapy offers a safe and effective form of treatment for anyone. It can be utilized as a “stand alone” technique, or more commonly, this system is used in conjunction with therapeutic massage and Energy work to create amazing results.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle and relaxing technique which allows the body and the mind to release stress and naturally increase the body’s circulation. Swedish massage is what most people are referencing when they talk about massage. It is one of the most relaxing types of massage to receive as it works over the whole body. The general techniques include gliding, kneading, tapping, and vibrating or shaking, which are used on different muscles of the body depending on the specific concern and desired result.
Utilizing Swedish massage techniques in a therapeutic session is a way to warm up the muscles before going deeper, as well as a way to target specific areas to work out the kinks. A full body treatment can be utilized for those with a low pain threshold, as well as being a great complement to Energy work to release trauma and physical stresses in the body.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage incorporates more pressure and deeper manipulations to access underlying layers of the musculature and connective tissues, releasing the stress and trauma stored in those deeper layers. Deep tissue massage can indeed have a significant amount of pressure behind specific techniques. However deep tissue massage techniques always have a goal. It is especially useful for dealing with chronic pain, recovery from injuries, limited mobility, postural problems and muscle tension or spasm.
Deep tissue massage will begin lightly to relax the surface muscles. This will allow Brian to eventually reach the muscles underneath (hence deep tissue). Many of the physical issues we have after receiving an injury or strain affects all the muscles in the area. As the massage is meant to penetrate into the problematic area, it is common for a client to feel a bit sore for a day or two afterwards. This is because massage is sort of of a passive workout. The muscles are being worked. Therefore, if they are not used to being manipulated, after the session these muscles will feel for the client much like they do following an average physical workout.
While deep tissue work is commonly thought of as a, ‘no pain, no gain’ type of massage, this is not actually the case. If you ever feel that the therapist is applying too much pressure, you should tell them right away. At Body Energetics, Brian works carefully and specifically not only to make you feel better but also to make your whole experience a pleasant one.
Myofascial techniques
Fascia is the body’s “organizer”, forming a three dimensional web that surrounds everything in the body, embracing all nerves, bones, arteries, veins, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Simply put, Fascia is all connective tissue. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body. Fascia has become the subject of increasing research. Recent studies have shown fascia to be the largest sensory organ in the body. It is rich in a range of receptors that powerfully influence the body’s neuro-muscular physiology in many and complex ways.
If a trauma happens to the body, the fascia may become “glued” to the muscle or traumatized area. This can lead to many problems. Muscles will not move properly. Organs may be shifted to incorrect positions. Blood vessels may be restricted and muscle and bone connections may be obstructed.
Myofascial techniques are deep and powerful manipulations used to smooth out distortions in the fascial system which open and lengthen both muscular and connective tissues. Through myofascial work, energetic circulation increases along with mobility, function and fluidity of the body.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down the spine to the sacrum, or tailbone area.
CST helps to modify and correct conditions in the central nervous system by working with the surrounding membrane through a series of gentle compressions and stretches applied to the spinal column and skull. Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. CST is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on your central nervous system, enhancing body functioning, and helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Call Body Energetics at (703) 727-2853
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