Theraputic Body Work

Health and Wellness - General

By: SimplyAbundantLife 19-Jul-2012

Introduction:

There are over 100 kinds of Body Therapy Modalities. Below are the therapies I am interested in, and either have had prior training or would like to continue my educational experience in expanding my knowledge.

Manual Lymph Drainage

The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage is intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The most widely taught and form of this technique was created by Dr. Vodder of Austria and requires advanced training.

Ingham Reflexology Method

The Ingham Method is a form of zone therapy or reflexology. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist working for a physician, used zone therapy on patients. She mapped the entire body as represented on the feet. At first used to reduce pain, Ingham developed the work into the Ingham Reflex Method of Compression Massage, later known as reflexology. Only the hands are used to apply the pressure to the reflex points on the feet. It is used primarily to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Many practitioners integrate the practice of reflexology with other forms of bodywork.

Neuromuscular Therapy

This is soft-tissue manipulation & stretching to balance the bodys central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hyper contraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.

Raindrop Technique

Originated by D. Gary Young, raindrop technique is noninvasive, helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine caused by viruses and bacteria that lie dormant. Antimicrobial essential oils are used to reduce inflammation by killing the viral agents, thus bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment. The oils (primarily thyme, oregano, birch, cypress, peppermint, marjoram, and basil) are dispensed like drops of rain from a height of about six inches above the back and massaged along the vertebrae. The oils used in a 45 minute treatment continue to work for the next five to seven days.

Trigger Point Therapy

Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons in which they found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source, myofascial trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching exercises. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed (and gently worked out).

Final Thoughts

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies are often complex mixtures of holistic healing practices involving physical, emotional and spiritual components. The definitions above are brief explinations of just a few of these healing therapies. Expereince one for yourself!
For more info. on Theraputic Body Work, please message, comment, and visit Apothecary Link! Body Blessings, inward & outward! ~SimplyAbundantLife

Supporting Links

APOTHECARY

Give this list a high five!

Comments

Post a Comment

dashboardc33 1/31/2013
Flag This Comment

Nice list!
SimplyAbundantLife 7/24/2012
Flag This Comment

My sincere thanks, Goodselfme! Blessings:-)
goodselfme 7/23/2012
Flag This Comment

Good detail and beneficial list.Thank you. Gave you high five.
SimplyAbundantLife 7/23/2012
Flag This Comment

Thanks DP! Sorry if it was too brain-iac:-) I wanted to share the details of the literal theraputic aspects of body work. Take care!
dptstretch 7/20/2012
Flag This Comment

I feel like I've had my science lesson for the day! H5
JennyHeart 7/19/2012
Flag This Comment

Great list!!