Massage & Bodywork

November/December 2011

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q & art BY ART RIGGS DISTAL VS. PROXIMAL WORK Q A DEAR ART, You and several other writers in Massage & Bodywork often demonstrate strokes moving in a direction away from the heart. I was taught to always work toward the heart and don't feel comfortable working in the opposite direction. Can you please explain your rationale? Is your direction really safe? —WHICH WAY TO GO? DEAR WHICH WAY, Early in my education, I learned that any test question that used the word always was most likely a red light to mark the answer false or to choose another option. Your question illustrates a common theme that arises in this column. I will address the tendency of unquestioning adherence to inflexible rules in a future column, but will say now that we all need to constantly examine our techniques and belief systems in light of new information, or we risk stagnation, boredom, and less effective work. The common knowledge you mention is due to the emphasis early Swedish massage had on moving superficial venous blood and lymph in its normal direction of flow. Although this is indeed a good reason, some teachers imply that working in the other direction is harmful, thereby scaring their students from doing any distal work. Yet, working distally is very beneficial in implementing the goals of other bodywork systems, such as therapeutic/medical massage, structural work for posture or improved joint function, and even in subtle work to help the flow of energy outward from the core. What's necessary is a clear understanding of your therapeutic goals. An excellent bodyworker will take the best of many different philosophies and apply them in varying degrees with each client, as the need arises. tune in to your practice at ABMPtv 31 ?

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