Mind & Body Therapy Philosophies
Whatever your ailment, this page will point you to a mode of natural healing, apart from hospitals. The following treatments, along with
proper nutrition and functional movement, will restore you to youthful health.
Here you’ll find descriptions of the following alternative therapies for healing. Keep an eye out for new methods developing in our midst.
1. Alexander technique
2. Trager method
3. Bowen method
4. Rolfing®
5. Rosen method
6. Cranio-Sacral therapy
7. Feldenkrais method®
8. Reiki
9. Heller method
10. Shiatsu
11. Home Herbal Remedies
1. Alexander Technique
Some of the basic concepts in Alexander technique include:
1) There are only two ways your head can move in relation to the rest of your body: down and not down.
2) Your head moves first.
3) The poise of your head on the top of your spine determines your balance and coordination.
4) We are all born with the ability to move easily, naturally and gracefully.
5) What we’re used to feels right because we’re used to it.
6) To change the way you move you must change the way you think.
7) Learning a new way of thinking takes practice.
Alexander demonstrated that “Use affects Functioning”, if you misuse yourself in the activities of your life, your functioning will deteriorate. With each Alexander lesson a person learns how to recognize and unlearn habits of tension interfering with good posture and effortless movement.
Alexander used mirrors to be sure that he was doing what he thought he was. Practitioners recommend you try the technique by observing yourself in a mirror. The website listed below offers this self-taught lesson:
[Look in the mirror] “Pay special attention to the relationship of your whole head to the rest of your body. Notice how this relationship changes as you perform simple activities like talking, walking or raising an arm or leg. How does what you see in the mirror correspond to what you think you’re doing, and what do you feel you’re doing?…
Stiffen your neck a little as you gently push your head down towards the rest of your body. What effect does this have on your ability to breathe, speak and perform simple activities? What happens when you just leave yourself alone? Is there a relationship between your head and your body that you tend automatically to go back to? …
Can you sense how your body reacts to stressful situations? How about pleasant experiences? Does the presence of some people act as a stimulus to tighten your neck? Do others seem to encourage freedom and expansion in your body? Notice the effects of sound on your physical body. Experiment [by] noting the effects of actively listening to the highest pitched sounds available to you. These could be high musical notes, the chirping of birds, even the sound of wind blowing through the branches of a tree. Then, shift your conscious attention to the lowest-pitched sounds you can hear - drum beats, the sounds of heavy machinery, for example. What effect does this shift have on the way you’re using your body?
Keep in mind that Alexander’s purpose in performing his investigations was to improve the quality of his performance. So begin to observe other people–and animals and small children–with a view toward becoming a good judge of quality of movement. Keep a look out for particularly good examples of ease, balance and co-ordination. Look also for particularly bad examples. Can you make any generalizations about quality of movement and the nature of the head/body relationship?”
You would go to an Alexander practitioner to change the habits of a lifetime, so the nature off the lesson will go to the essence of your outlook and approach to life.
References & Further reading:
http://www.alexandertechnique.com
The Use of the Self by F.M Alexander
2. Trager Method
Milgon Trager M.D. used light rhythmic, rocking and shaking movements to loosen joints and muscles, ease movements, and release ingrained patterns of physical and mental tension.
There are two aspects; one in which you as the client are passive and the other in which you are active. The passive aspect is usually referred to as the tablework, and the active aspect is called Mentastics.
The Trager method purportedly helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity; patterns that may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or physical/emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life.
The passive movement is reinforced by Mentastics, which is simple, active movements which you, the client, can do on your own, during your daily activities. They have the same intent as the table work: releasing deep-seated patterns.
Trager method allows people the ability to recall the feeling of deep relaxation, and how it feels to move freely and easily.
References & Further Reading:
http://www.trager.com
Movement As a Way to Agelessness: A Guide to Trager Mentastics by Milton Trager
Moving Medicine: The Life and Work of Milton Trager, M.D. by Milton Trager, Cathy Hammond Ph.D
3. Bowen Method
The Bowen Method is based on the work of Thomas Ambrose Bowen, an Australian Osteopath. He understood that the muscles move the bones, not the opposite. There are several versions of the technique being taught by the people who learned from Bowen himself. This is probably due to the particular time each student was with Bowen during the evolution of his work.
The first thing accomplished during a Bowen Method session is to restore balance to the body. The pelvis is the focus of this task. Bowen realized that when the structure of the body became misaligned, it was the muscles of the body pulling the structure out of alignment.
Bowen Method differs from massage in that most massage techniques are applied to the muscle with the strokes going with the fibers of the muscle. Also, groups of muscle are rubbed at once. The Bowen Method is applied to specific points in the muscle where tension tends to accumulate. These moves are applied across the fiber of the muscle rather than with the fiber. This allows the fascia of the muscle to be released, restoring blood flow and allowing the muscle to return to its normal state of tension.
Bowen method differs from chiropractic work in philosophy. Chiropractic basically believes that most of the body’s problems stem from the spine being out of alignment. With the Bowen Method, the reason the spine becomes out of alignment is due to tight muscles pulling on their spinal attachments, causing the misalignment. The two can work in tandem.
References & Further Reading:
http://www.bowenmethodcenter.com/faq_training.php
http://www.irisdiagnosis.net
4. Rolfing®
Rolfing® was developed over a 50 year period of study by the late Dr. Ida P. Rolf. One of Rolfing’s primary goals is to balance the human structure in relation to the force of gravity.
Rolfing® frees unhealthy binding of tissues, allowing the muscles and bones to return to balanced relationships. When the fascial system is organized through the process, the body’s major segments are freed to align themselves properly. Following Rolfing, people have reported an elimination of or reduction of chronic pain, greater range of motion, improved coordination, and a feeling of rejuvenation.
In Rolfing®, the whole human being is addressed toward balance to release tension throughout the structure. When lasting results are desired, a Rolfer will suggest a 10 session series (It’s beneficial with even one session!)
During a treatment an evaluation of vertical posture, weight bearing, body typology and gait analysis will be done. Then palpation of the different tissues and joints will aid the Rolfer in finding specific restrictions interfering with your body’s mechanics.
References & Further Reading:
http://www.crystalinks.com/rolfing.html
http://www.rolfingla.com
5. Rosen Method
Rosen Method Bodywork is distinguished by its gentle, direct touch. “Using hands that listen rather than manipulate,” is how most pracitioners explain the process.
The theory behind Rosen Method involves the relation between bodily tension and how we experience ourselves psychologically.
Rosen Method Movement is set to music. Easy, unhurried movements are designed to improve alignment and flexibility. They also increase range of motion, ease of breathing, and deepen awareness of the body. These movements are done individually as well as in a circle or with partners.
Marion Rosen developed this form of exercise to prevent physical difficulties before they arise and to help her clients feel better and age gracefully.
References & Further Reading:
http://www.rosensouthwest.com
http://www.rosenmethod.com
6. Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Cranio-Sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system—made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Cranial-Sacral Therapy, developed by Osteopath John Upledger in the 1970’s, focuses initially on the membranes encasing the brain and spinal cord. Experienced practitioners can sense the cranial rhythmic impulse by touch. The goal of treatment is to ensure an even, rhythmic flow of the cranial rhythmic impulse. It affects the connective tissue linking all the organs, bones, and muscles of the body.
Practitioners use a soft touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, it is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
· Migraine Headaches
· Chronic Neck and Back Pain
· Motor-Coordination Impairments
· Colic
· Autism
· Central Nervous System Disorders
· Orthopedic Problems
· Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
· Scoliosis
· Infantile Disorders
· Learning Disabilities
· Chronic Fatigue
· Emotional Difficulties
· Stress and Tension-Related Problems
· Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
· Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
· Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Excerpt taken from www.craniosacral.com
References & Further Reading:
http://www.craniosacral.comCraniosacral Therapy: Touchstone for Natural HealingBy John E Upledger
Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral TherapyBy Upledger Institute
7. The Feldenkrais® Method
The Feldenkrais Method® was developed by physicist and martial artist, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. Feldenkrais is a unique approach for changing the way people organize their potential for movement and skill, for consciousness and thought, and for making an effective relationship with the world in which we live.
The focus is on the process of learning and awareness.
Feldenkrais® helps us to explore deeply conditioned ways of being embodied. It teaches new, more effective ways to address neuromuscular limitations that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
There are two modes of learning. One where the practitioner’s touch and verbal cues offer you greater self-awareness of movement patterns. The other is “Awareness Through Movement®” lessons, which consist of 12 lessons of whole body exercises, not necessarily done in sequence. They consist of slow, easy movements. Through them you’ll learn how to “reduce force and increase sensitivity.” A fragmented example would be taking your eyes right while your head turns left.
Feldenkrais himself urges in “Awareness Through Movement®,”
Do one [lesson] every night before going to sleep and in a few weeks you’ll find considerable improvement in all function to life.(Pg. 55)
References & Further Reading:
http://www.feldenkrais.com
Awareness Through Movement By Moshe Feldenkrais Ph.D
Mindful Spontaneity By Ruthy Alon
Thanks to contributing practioners: Linda Johnson and Bob McGrath of Movement Matters in Redding, CA
8. Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese holistic, light-touch, energy-based modality. Reiki helps to establish a normal energy flow of ki (life force energy) throughout the system. This is thought to enhance and accelerate the body’s innate healing ability.
Through a series of hand positions either directly on, hovering over the body or by distance healing, the Reiki practitioner allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. Some clients report feeling various sensations: heat, cold, pressure, etc.
Reiki sessions are simple in nature, but after experiencing it, many clients keep coming back for more relaxing feelings.
References & Further Reading:
www.Reiki.big.com
9. Heller Method
Founded in 1979 by Joseph Heller, a former aerospace engineer, Hellerwork is a form of Structural Integration and is derived from Rolfing™.
Hellerwork combines and refines themes that developed from the Human Potential Movement. Hellerwork does not fall into any category of established health care, health and physical fitness programs, or mental health therapies.
Hellerwork augments the benefits of these other modalities, however, in that it releases chronic tension and stress in the body and assists clients in becoming aware of emotional stress that may be related to physical tension.
Joseph Heller lives and works in Mt. Shasta, CA. Practitioners may be available in your area.
References & Further Reading:
Bodywise by Joseph Heller
http://www.hellerwork-trainings.com
10. Shiatsu
Shiatsu holds its roots in Japan. Shiatsu combines Japanese Anma massage, Ampuku abdominal massage, and Do-In therapeutic exercise techniques with insights from Western anatomy and physical therapy.
Like other forms of Asian bodywork, Shiatsu is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is designed to restore the flow of energy in the body. It’s known especially for its use of rhythmic pressure along energy channels. Practitioners lean their own body weight into the recipient’s body to improve energy flow and the circulation of blood and lymph.
There are three main styles or theoretical schools, each identified with an individual who provided the original distinctive focus: Namikoshi (Nippon style), Masunaga (Zen Shiatsu), and Serizawa (Acupressure Shiatsu). Some Practitioners do a blend of all three.
Check your local area phone book for practitioners. If you’re in Redding, CA click In-home massage to see if this therapy is right for you.
References & Further Reading:
http://www.balanceflow.com
Shiatsu Theory and Practice By Carola Beresford-Cooke
11. Home Herbal Remedies
Specific herbs can be used to treat many common ailments safely and effectively. Anyone can learn to draw from the land in order to heal. Herbal remedies have been used since the beginning of time. They are still prevalent all over the world and are a cost-effective choice for many who suffer from common sicknesses.