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Myofascial techniques in the brain—an outsized proportion of the sensory homunculus is dedicated to processing thumb sensations. Think about how much of the brain's sensory cortex this little area occupies; why rush it? Once you've engaged a layer, ask for slow, active client movement, directing the client to "Let your hand open, and close" or "Open your thumb." This will slide and differentiate the tissue layers under your pressure, and give clients control over the technique's intensity. Work thoroughly all through the thenar-eminence fascia and the palmar side of the thumb itself, from superficial to deep layers in each place. The second variation of the Thenar Eminence Technique (Image 7) is similar, but uses the knuckles of the practitioner's soft fist rather than the thumbs. Note that a soft fist is open, not closed. A soft fist is more sensitive and adaptable than a hard, closed fist. In a soft fist, hand stability is achieved by aligning the arm, carpal, and metacarpal bones rather than by gripping the muscles. This means that the wrist must be in a neutral or very slightly flexed position but, like the thumb joints, never extended. With your nonworking hand, cradle your client's hand from below (Image 7). This will allow you extra sensitivity and control, as you can tune the position of your client's hand to allow the soft fist to engage just the right layer. The release is performed with your soft fist's metacarpal phalangeal joints (the most proximal of the knuckles, at the base of the fingers). Use these knuckles to feel into the hand's layers, as in the first variation. With the broader tool of the fist, you can anchor larger sheets of palmar fascia, again asking your client to actively open his or her hand once you've anchored into the desired layer. As in the first variation, be patient and thorough, and include this technique within a whole-limb, whole-body, and whole-person perspective. If symptoms continue to be troublesome, a shift in your approach or in the client's habits is probably indicated. Given that thumbs are so active, you may find that clients with occupations or activities that demand a lot from their thumbs may need this kind of work regularly in a maintenance and prevention capacity. Of course, the soft-fist version of the Thenar Eminence Technique is especially suited to bodyworker self-care—just lay your own hand down on the table at the end of your day and lean into your thenar eminence with the knuckles of your soft fist (or your elbow). Slowly open and close your "client" hand, releasing any thumb tension and fatigue. This would be a great time to say a silent thank-you for the wonder of thumbs—thank goodness we have them. 7 Another variation of the Thenar Eminence Technique using the knuckles of a soft fist. Ask your client to slowly open and close her hand to augment the release. Image courtesy AdvancedTrainings.com. Used by permission. Notes 1. N. Austin, "Chapter 9: The Wrist and Hand Complex," in Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, P. Levangie and C. Norkin, eds. (Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company, 2005). 2. S. Goodwin and J. Burch, "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Injuries," Massage & Bodywork, December/January 2003, 66. Til Luchau is a member of the Advanced-Trainings.com faculty, which offers distance learning and in-person seminars throughout the United States and abroad. He is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and the originator of the Advanced Myofascial Techniques approach. Contact him via info@advanced-trainings.com and Advanced-Trainings.com's Facebook page. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 117