Massage & Bodywork

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1276187

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 27 of 120

C h e c k o u t A B M P 's P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 25 WHAT YOU'LL SEE First, it is useful to be equipped with the knowledge to spot typical signs of sympathetic dominance (the perpetuation of the autonomic nervous system's innate response to threat and fear). Your client may appear agitated. They could also come in lethargic, which is what happens when the stress load becomes too much and the system of protection tires and/ or shuts down. You might also observe dilated pupils, shaky hands, excessive sweating, elevated shoulders, clenched jaw, flushed skin, excited gestures, and shallowness or shortness of breath. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR While some clients may be able to identify with the emotions that stem from direct concern regarding the social and political climate, it is possible the emotions might come through stories of seemingly unrelated life experiences. Clients may speak of frustration, disappointment, upset, or sadness related to a spouse, coworker, boss, child, or other community member. One of my clients recently described herself as feeling "broken" without being able to point toward a specific origin for her belief. Clients might sigh a lot, swear a lot, speak loudly and rapidly, or have a long list of complaints. As long as these aren't directed at you, it is appropriate to listen and then simply say, "I'm glad you came today to retreat, relax, and take good care of yourself." While some clients may be able to identify with the emotions that stem from direct concern regarding the social and political climate, it is possible the emotions might come through stories of seemingly unrelated life experiences. WHAT YOU'LL FEEL A great way to open a session is to apply a "resting stroke" and quietly feel the inner workings of the body. This involves placing your hands on the client, either cradling the head, holding the feet, or putting one hand on the upper back or neck and one on the sacrum or belly, depending on whether you begin the session prone or supine. Then, simply feel what is under your hands. Do you feel jitteriness or shaking? How about a rapid pulse or short breath cycle? Is the skin clammy or hot? Notice anything you sense. Be sure to identify each sensation as coming from the client and separating it from yourself. This helps create an energetic boundary while still being available to the client's experience. There have been times when I have felt dizzy upon touching a client. Sometimes I've had sudden waves of emotion upon initial touch or at points during the session. These experiences are fine as long as you are clear whose emotions are whose. WHAT YOU'LL DO The suggestions presented below are tried- and-true approaches to providing confident comfort and safety within scope of practice at any level of practitioner experience. Hold Space with Presence The number-one gift we can give our clients is presence. When we are present, we are with them 100 percent, taking in all that we see, hear, and feel with keen awareness. When you notice signs of stress, you can acknowledge them without saying a word. The nervous system and the body's biomagnetic field are highly sensitive and intelligent. When you mentally note the sign and intuitively "speak" to the client's body, such as "I see your agitation," "I see you are shaking/ flushed/clenching/breathing shallowly," "I hear your frustration/sadness/anger/ disappointment/fear," or "I feel your tension/rapid heartbeat/jitteriness," the body will sense your acknowledgment. It will see itself reflected and begin to self-regulate and seek homeostasis. Another great way to establish a place of presence and safety is to ask the client to take a deep breath into their belly, and then sigh the breath out, letting go of any built-up pressure. You might guide them to say "Ahhh" on the exhale. This invites a shift to the parasympathetic (or rest and digest) side of the autonomic nervous system. It is soothing and releasing. Finally, tell them they are literally in good hands, and you are grateful to provide a retreat from anything outside the room that is concerning them. This is their time.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2020