Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/108504
press harder, then of course Newtonian physics applied to body mechanics might work. But the reality is that hard is not deep in deep-tissue massage. An aggressive touch may actually create resistance and armoring in superficial tissues, preventing access to deeper layers. The cultural idea of working hard is not only unproductive and a waste of energy in this instance, but—combined with our own psychological processes of striving for perfection and approval—it can have profound effects upon the next component to consider. Our Psychological Responses Most of us try to deliver the best massage possible, but problems arise when "best" means so many different things to different people. Particularly with deeptissue bodywork, trying to please clients expecting intense work translates to self-judgment and anxiety. If we feel that things aren't happening, or that our client wants work that is beyond our normal effort, it is easy to strain our bodies and our energy reserves in an attempt to live up to our own or others' expectations of excellence. This is an easy trap to fall into, not only because we put the pressure on ourselves to do a good job, but because we depend on rebooking. If we sacrifice our well-being attempting to please our clients, these psychological mind-sets affect our bodies' homeostasis. Our Physiological Responses The first response to the induced anxiety of trying harder and the pressure to perform well is the fightor-flight response. When stressed, either physically or emotionally, our adrenal glands kick in—heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and blood is shunted from our deep internal organs and core and sent to supply energy to the muscles of our appendages. The increased blood flow to the muscles of our appendages, which are now on high alert, results in us increasing and using an inordinate amount of muscular effort and exertion. Eventually, of course, our body mechanics disintegrate. Is it any wonder our bodies eventually break down and we feel depleted and burned out after a tough day's work? Body-Mind Mechanics The key to a truly integrated understanding of body mechanics is to be aware of the sometimes-subtle signs when the physical and emotional components of bodymind mechanics are not in sync. The first step is to be vigilant to the first stages of this breakdown of balance. Be aware of your thought processes. Notice the signs of self-judgment and the sacrifice of your well-being to please your clients. If they ask for deeper work, be clear with your boundaries and capabilities. Communication is paramount. Rather than attempting to alter your way of working, help clients understand it. Often, explaining the difference between deep and hard, or the fallacy of the "no pain, no gain" philosophy is all that's necessary to put you and your client on the same page. "Most instruction places almost all of its emphasis upon the simple physical mechanics of posture and leverage without consideration of the vast differences in individual structure of both the therapist and client. More importantly, limiting a discussion of body mechanics to Newtonian physics without taking into consideration the emotional mind-set of the practitioner is like showing someone banging their head against a wall how to do so with proper posture. "Even with perfect physical mechanics, therapists who work too hard, or try to make things happen by working with a sense of urgency or over-control, will not only risk injury and fatigue, but will have a harsh touch that limits their success. It's like performing a perfect yoga posture while listening to rap music." —Art Riggs, author of Deep Tissue Massage www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 89