Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68016
DIMENSIONS OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE When Swedish massage was developed in 19th-century Europe, the Swedish focus on soft tissue manipulation of the physical body probably helped massage therapists gain acceptance in the physically oriented allopathic medical community. In the late 20th century, as American massage schools began to include a variety of energetic healing modalities in the curriculum, the massage community began a return to its holistic roots. Swedish massage is still often regarded primarily as a physical practice. Let's take a look at a 21st-century model of Swedish massage that provides for a holistic approach. A holistic massage session employs a variety of strategies to work specifically with the client's physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual needs. Deep relaxation and effective therapeutic results occur most readily when the client's and therapist's mental activity is quieted, when clear energy flow is facilitated, and when the client feels 100 percent safe, comfortable, and nurtured. THE MENTAL BODY Herbert Benson, MD, began to study the phenomenon he calls the "relaxation response" in the 1970s. Benson found that in addition to the "fight-or-flight" response—the physiological manifestation of stress—there is a diametrically opposite physiological response that relieves the effects of stress. Benson describes the relaxation response as "a natural and innate protective mechanism against 'overstress,' which allows us to turn off harmful bodily effects [and which] brings on bodily changes that decrease heart rate, lower metabolism, decrease the rate of breathing, and bring the body back into what is probably a healthier balance."1 These effects may account for many of the diverse medical benefits that have been measured in clinical studies of massage therapy for various medical conditions. However, this result is not achieved solely by physical manipulation of soft tissue. If we can help to induce the relaxation response during massage treatments, every massage can be deeply relaxing and deeply therapeutic because of the therapeutic benefits of the relaxation response. The relaxation response occurs when mental activity is slowed to a quiet, relaxed state. This is the state generally associated with the practices of meditation and yoga. In this state, the electromagnetic waves of the brain slow to a frequency of 8-12 hertz (Hz), which is called an alpha wave state. The alpha wave frequency is also associated with parasympathetic nervous system dominance and hypnotic trance states. Hypnotic trance is a state in which the organism is receptive to suggestions for positive change, so the client's healing intention may be fulfilled more readily in this state. As part of a massage session, we can use specific strategies to subdue various types of mental busyness that prevent the slow brain wave frequencies associated with relaxation. "Monkey mind" is the Buddhist term for the usual walking-around kind of mental activity that occurs during most of our waking hours. Monkey mind is characterized as an endless stream of thoughts about anything and everything. Monkey mind produces a beta brain wave state (greater than 12 Hz) that prevents the relaxation response. We can help the client reduce monkey- mind thought streams by providing relaxing input for them to focus on, especially at the start of the session: • Consider using music as foreground sound instead of background sound. Enchanting melodies with gorgeous instrumentation and lots of movement and suspense can captivate the client mentally, drawing her attention away from whatever was on her mind before she got on 64 massage & bodywork november/december 2009 the table. Some music is specially formulated to induce alpha waves. • A stroke or movement that is highly soothing and unexpected may attract the client's attention and help her focus on the pleasurable feelings in her body. Gentle rocking is very nurturing, and according to shiatsu teacher Carl Dubitsky, extended rhythmic oscillation slows brain waves.2 Whole-body rocking under the sheet can provide a compelling and comforting start to a massage. Slow, hypnotic rhythms drummed into the body may also capture the attention, as well as slow down brain waves. "Worry mind" refers to thought patterns that carry concerns about the bodywork session itself. If your client has had painful massage experiences in the past, you can relieve worry mind with reassurances that you do not want to cause pain, and by checking in occasionally to be sure the client is comfortable. This lets the client feel safe, allowing them to let go of this fear mentally. If your client mentions a specific body area that needs attention during the intake, he may continue to worry about that area until he feels your attention there. If a client tells his therapist that his lower back is killing him and the therapist doesn't even touch that area for the first 40 minutes of the session, he may lie on