Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/259468
It is important to understand that our clients may be in a vulnerable state during a bodywork session, and this vulnerability includes more than just touch. Therapeutic touch leads the client from a beta brainwave state to an altered state of alpha, theta, or delta, and this, in turn, makes the client's subconscious mind more open to the healing possibilities. Being aware of this and the language you use will enhance the healing results of your sessions. brainwave states The beta state is our brain's natural state when alert, awake, and focused on accomplishing cognitive tasks and attending to the outside world. Most clients will be in the beta state when they walk into your treatment room. It is important to note that anxiety is also associated primarily with the beta state. Moving to any other brainwave state puts people into a "feel good" condition where everyday problems lose their immediacy. When people begin to let go and relax, there is a greater chance for physical restoration. The second highest level of brainwave activity is the alpha state. This is the state people enter as they relax or daydream. When you guide your clients to close their eyes and focus inward, you are leading them into the alpha state, and perhaps even deeper, into the theta or delta states. The theta state is the twilight, deeper daydreaming state that occurs just before one drifts off into sleep. Finally, the delta state represents deep sleep, with the slowest brainwave frequency and no memory of dreams. Alpha and theta are the brainwave states in which people have the greatest access to their subconscious mind and visualization state, a rich resource for healing and change. Scientists recently discovered a fifth brainwave state called gamma. It's considered to be the THE L ANGUAGE OF HE ALING 66 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 4 we bodyworkers are "hypnotists," whether we realize it or not. What we say while we are with clients impacts their perceptions about their bodies, and our words have the potential to accelerate or impede a client's healing process. The more skillful we are with our words, the more we will be able to help our clients fully participate in their physical healing process and learn greater self-acceptance regarding their bodies.