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while observing for signs of a relaxation response (Image 3). At the same time, I try to shadow the client's breathing and encourage a slower diaphragmatic rhythm. Once I feel the client's body tension begin to diminish, I know their brain waves are dropping from beta to the calmer alpha state. At this point, I begin slowly working the lower cervical musculature while offering reassuring relaxation cues, such as, "I'm feeling your neck muscles really starting to ease; just allow your head to get heavy." By simultaneously stimulating proprioception through tactile stimuli and interoception (awareness of their internal sensation) through cueing, the client is able to embody a healthier, deeper brain wave state. GETTING TO THETA I find it more difficult to get the client into a deeper, more suggestible theta state when they think I may be looking at them or expecting them to talk. So, I typically have them turn face down and continue with relaxing neck and upper trapezius work until I sense they have established normal diaphragmatic breathing, sometimes appearing as a big sigh. At this point, I know they're deep enough in alpha to try to bring them down to a theta brain wave state. The most effective way I've found for inducing this deep brain wave state is through slow low-back and sacral base unwinding techniques. In Images 4 and 5, I enhance the unwinding by gently resisting as they inhale and taking up the slack on exhalation. When treating chronically stressed clients, try and maintain a quiet, attentive state, keep the client warm and comfortably covered, and work slowly with steady pacing and pressure. The goal is to impose a rhythm that encourages the client's brain to drop into that dream- like state. With the client in theta, be sure to respond appropriately to any verbal and nonverbal feedback by offering relaxation cues, such as, "It's safe for you to switch off and relax." Such attuned communication is essential for successful treatment—and it plays a huge role in building a loyal customer base too. Notes 1. H. Singh et al., "The Brain's Response to Pleasant Touch: an EEG Investigation of Tactile Caressing," Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 8 (2014): 893. 2. R. İnce, S. Adanir, and F. Sevmez, "The Inventor of Electroencephalography (EEG): Hans Berger (1873–1941)," Child's Nervous System 37, no. 9 (2021): 2,723–4. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 39 EEG headsets measure the brain's electrical activity. I perform a slow, rhythmic suboccipital technique while observing for a relaxation response. My right elbow gently hooks the contralateral lumbar fascia while my left hand braces. To neurologically unwind the tension, my elbow slowly strips laterally as the client exhales, and I gently resist upon inhalation. A soft right palm gently moves the sacrum inferiorly while my left forearm opposes this movement. To neurologically unwind the tissue, I resist as the client inhales and take up the slack on exhalation. 2 3 4 5 Erik Dalton, PhD, is the executive director of the Freedom from Pain Institute. Educated in massage, osteopathy, and Rolfing, he has maintained a practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for more than three decades. For more information, visit erikdalton.com.