Resistance/Release Approach Returns to FSM

By Frank Merillat, LMT

Deane Juhan will be returning to FSM to present his Resistance/Release work for the third time in the last 12 months. This popular approach allows the therapist and the client to work together to engage the neuromuscular relationship to address problems that result in pain and less-than-efficient movement. The work focuses on specific areas of the body and engages the musculature involved in movement of the area. Resisted movement is used to identify and reprogram confusion in the sensory-motor communication. The result is reduction in discomfort, improved movement and increased awareness of the client in how the body works.

I have been using the approach in my sessions since attending Deane’s first offering last April. After participating in the November workshop, I began to do some informal research on treating “trigger points”. As many of you know I teach NMT in the regular program so I am interested in how to approach chronically contracted tissue that is usually painful. The usual method is to apply direct friction (pressure) to the specific point for a period of time to allow the nervous system to reset, thus neuromuscular therapy (NMT).

In my sessions now, I use massage and specific palpation to find trigger points and then apply the Resistance/Release approach to treat the points. I have been very pleased with the results. Clients report reduced sensitivity, increased range of motion and a greater awareness of how they use their body. This makes it possible to present movement homework to reinforce the new feeling as they have already experienced the direct result of the movements assigned. It is also worth noting that this work can be done clothed and is basically done without pain other than the identifying of sensitive areas. It is applicable to many different types of practice environments. I have been very pleased by the results experienced by my clients.

The areas of the body that will be covered in the upcoming workshop will include the neck, jaw and pelvis. Deane will share his experience in working with these closely related areas that have great effect on our posture and are involved with many common problems that clients present. As usual, there will be detailed presentations of the anatomy through slide show and discussion as well as lots of practice time. Deane’s research and understanding of the relationship between the working of the systems of the body and how it is affected by touch is invaluable. I have truly benefited from this aspect as well as demonstration of technique that he presents.

The workshop will be three days: Friday, March 30 – Sunday, April 1 from 9:00AM until 6:00PM each day. He will offer 24 Florida Approved Continuing Education credits for massage (National Certification Board credits are also available). The cost is $350 if registered by Thursday, March 1 and $400 if registration is received after Thursday, March 1. To register or for more information, please contact Frank Merillat directly at (352) 371-0743 or email: fmerillat@mac.com.

90 Reasons to Like Me!

Got your attention, didn’t I?

So, here’s the deal: I’ve created a business page on Facebook and I want you to join. So, to entice you to “like” me, I am going to run a random draw for the next five days. Each day I will draw the name of one person who liked me that day and send that person my detailed, colorful foot reflexology chart as a thank you.

The 22.5 x 38 inch chart displays and labels 90 recognized reflexes (hence 90 reasons to like me!) found on the plantar, dorsal, medial and lateral aspects of the feet. In addition to being a beautiful interpretive work of art that may be proudly displayed in your clinic, the chart will assist you to create individualized sessions for your clients presenting with homeostatic imbalances. So, go ahead and like me now!

http://www.facebook.com/AcademyofAncientReflexology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Influence of Buddhism on Thai Reflexology

“All we are is the result of what we have thought.” … Shakyamuni Buddha

In last month’s post I defined Thai foot reflexology and its benefits, and explained the differences between it and the form of reflexology commonly taught in North America. In this month’s article I would like to share how Thai reflexology has influenced my own life and how Buddhism has informed Thailand’s practice of medicine, including reflexology.

Credit for founding the formal structure of Thai medicine rests with one man: Jivaka Kumarabhacca. Kumarabhacca was a legendary Ayurvedic doctor known to possess great healing gifts. In addition to administering to both royalty and commoner, he was the personal physician to Lord Buddha.

Buddhism in Thailand

During its period of advancement in India between 500 BCE and 800 CE many Hindus were drawn to the teachings of the Buddha, were ordained as monks and practiced Ayurvedic medicine as a way of expressing compassion in their lives. (Ayurvedic medicine developed in India between the mid-second millennium BCE to 500 CE and is the oldest model of medicine in the world.)

Ashoka, the great 2^nd century emperor of India, converted to Buddhism and sent monks out into the world with the responsibility of reaching more and more people with the teachings of the Buddha and Ayurvedic medicine. It is here that the relationship between Buddhism and health are birthed.

By the time the monks entered northern Thailand, influences from China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea were evident in a new style of medicine. (The Taiwanese, for example, added in the use of the wooden stick in the foot sessions.) The Thais embraced both Buddhism and the ideas on health and disease introduced by the monks. Buddhism became the official religion of Thailand with over 95% of the population observing. Overtime the country married these new ideas with its own and created a vibrant style of healing art that has survived for thousands of years, and even the arrival of western medicine in the country.

The Genesis of Buddhism

Just as traditional Thai medicine credits its beginning with one man, so does Buddhism.

Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian born to great wealth, literally walked away from a life of luxury at the age of 29. In his later years, people would ask him “Are you a god? An angel? A saint?” His reply to all these questions was, “No.” “Then what are you?” His response, “I am awake” became his title, for the word Buddha means, “awake.” Thus, Buddhism began with a man who roused himself from the illusion of the waking human state.

Siddhartha was the son of a regional king born around 563 BCE in what is now known as Nepal. When his son was born, the king summoned astrologers to discern his son’s future. The charts foretold the possibility of two paths in the infant’s life. Should he follow his father’s footsteps, the stars indicated that Siddhartha would unify all of India and conquer the world. Should he renounce the world though, he would live to redeem the world. The King, wanting the former, spared no effort to keep his son on track – his track.

All manner of privilege was placed at young Siddhartha’s disposal: palaces, dancing girls, rich food and drink, private tutoring in advanced military tactics and intellectual discourse. None but the philosophical pursuits interested the young prince. Orders were issued that nothing unpleasant be allowed into the prince’s courtly life. When he left the palace, servants ran ahead to clear the roads of the old, the diseased and the dead.

One day though, Siddhartha escaped his protectorate and set out on the streets on his own. For the first time in his life, this young man witnessed aging, disease and death. He also met a monk, from whom he learned about the path of renunciation. These encounters had a life-changing effect on the young prince. Siddhartha immediately recognized the source of his own dissatisfaction; the futility of finding fulfillment on the physical plane. Late one night, he kissed his sleeping wife and son goodbye and set out to fulfill his destiny. Reaching the forest edge, he discarded his royal attire, shaved his head and entered the world of asceticism.

In every austerity he outdid his teachers and fellow ascetics and eventually grew so weak that he nearly died. This experience taught him the futility of extremes – whether asceticism or privilege – and constructed the first plank of his program: the principle of the Middle Way, a path of centered moderation that holds the promise of liberation from all suffering.

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy with high moral values that lays great emphasis on human thought and action in dealing with the natural environment, society and personal challenges. It is concerned with the relationship between thoughts and behavior, and the relationship between behavior and its consequences. Interestingly, this spiritual tenant relates nicely to the modern recommendation of moderation and responsibility of which we hear so much today.

Buddhism and Thai Medicine

The Middle Way establishes the underlying principle of traditional Thai medicine, of which there are four branches. To conclude your understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and Thai reflexology, and to read about their impact on my life, please visit this link.

 

A Short Class in Reflexology

Many of you have had the pleasure of attending a live reflexology class; some of you haven’t. In any case, you may be interested in watching a video I made for the Florida School of Massage’s U-tube channel.

In it I explain a little about the theories behind reflexology, the longitudinal and horizontal zones, the reasons people seek out reflexology, and more. You’ll also see a demonstration of a foot reflexology session.

It was fun for me to watch the video. People always comment about my voice when I’m teaching, and I just got to experience it myself!!

http://youtu.be/hrvnnf7wzj4

Massage Therapy to Improve Quality of Life for Hospice Patients

Walter Loeb was 66 when he decided to follow up on the “massage hobby” he’d been enjoying since he was 50.  He was the “oldest” student in his class back in January 1999, and he is still practicing massage at age 78.  He works in a spa, in private practice, and with hospice patients.  It is this last population that he finds to be the most rewarding of his career, and the one he is most passionate about.

“Hospice patients are people who are viewed by primary care physicians to have an anticipated survival of six months or less,” Loeb said.  “The hospice objective is to make the person’s quality of life as good as possible for their last days.”

The experiences he has had with people in their final days and hours are what Loeb has discovered to be the magic in massage.  He said he has many stories of hospice patients who were nearing their final days, and massage either helped them be comfortable and to feel loved in their last moments on earth, or in a few special cases, see a full recovery.

He tells of one man in his early 80’s who had stomach cancer and was confined to bed and a wheelchair.

“He’d never had a professional massage before,” Loeb said.  “After four massages, the man was walking around the neighborhood, driving his car, and was up for a re-evaluation of his diagnosis.  He appeared to recover and was discharged from hospice because the six months no longer applied.”

Of course it’s not always this way.  Loeb also tells of one patient whom he massaged one afternoon and who seemed in good condition, and then the person died in the night.

“Hospice massage has been gratifying and enlightening,” he said.

Loeb is a retired veterinary pathologist, having studied at the University of Pennsylvania, Ohio State University, and Michigan State University, where he completed his Ph.D in 1965.  While at the Florida School of Massage some 34 years later, Loeb participated in extra electives including Student Clinic Management Team, Feldenkrais, Infant Massage, and Choosing Happiness.

Loeb will return to FSM at 3PM on Monday, March 12, for a one-hour presentation on Hospice Massage.  Included in the discussion will be: Hospice and its objectives; What the massage therapist can learn from hospice patients; How the massage therapist can benefit the hospice patient; Techniques for the massage therapist working with the hospice patient; and Experiences with hospice patients.

Email dar@floridaschoolofmassage.com to reserve your space.  The event is free and open to all.

Thai Foot Reflexology

“I’m on the floor, on my back, my left foot reaching for the ceiling; my Thai massage therapist leaning into the back of my extended leg. Got the picture? And then she says – casually – ‘blah, blah, blah… Thai reflexology.’  Well, my head literally shot up from the floor! ‘You mean there is a Thai session just for the feet?’

And so began my study of Thai foot reflexology.” – KB

In keeping with the saying “aging starts from the legs”, the legs serve as a barometer of health in Asian cultures. We all know that the heart pumps blood to the cells and organs of the body, and contraction of the muscles facilitates venous return. Because of this physiological function, in Asian medicine the legs are referred to as the “second heart.”

When the soles of the feet do not receive enough stimulation, circulation of the blood in the feet and the legs tends to lessen, eventually leading to many health complications. These astute understandings, coupled with the centuries-old recognition of reflexive spots in the feet that can influence the well being of the rest of the body, underlie the importance of footwork in Asia, and are reflected in the fact that all Asian bodywork sessions begin with the feet.

Of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine, reflexology is arguably the most popular treatment used to maintain health in Thailand. As well as the monks and doctors providing treatments, it is not uncommon to see rows of people seated at the side of the street at the end of the day exchanging sessions with one another.

What is Thai Reflexology?

Thai reflexology is a manual therapy for the feet, lower legs and knees that developed in Thailand about 2000 years ago. People receiving Thai reflexology always report feeling relaxed afterwards; the treatment is also more often described as refreshing and revitalizing, as opposed to sedating. It is often referred to as the “marriage of India and Asia”, because it incorporates elements of India’s Ayurvedic medicine (which are its origin), Japanese shiatsu and Chinese reflexology. Utilizing stretching and a variety of manual techniques, including the use of a specifically tooled wooden stick, Thai reflexology seeks to restore balance within the body’s 72,000 sen (energy lines).

Although a practitioner may be very familiar with specific reflexology points commonly displayed on North American foot charts, the focus is never on those points, but rather on removing energy blockages and strengthening the flow of lom (energy) within the sen. With that accomplished, the body is then free to restore itself and to correct whatever imbalances are present.

When asked how Thai reflexology compares to our western model of reflexology, Thais will respond with the colloquialism “same same”, which translates to “similar and not the same”. In the west, the focus is on points, with the intent to improve the functioning of the related organs and glands. Although desire to foster better health within the organs is part of a Thai session, the focus is more on encouraging the flow of energy. The Thai practitioner rarely thinks of points – he or she trusts that all are being stimulated through the well thought-out and time-proven protocol and techniques. The ordered sequence of moves and techniques are all designed to systematically open up the sen lines, free blocked energy and stimulate the reflex points.

Traditional medicine practices around the world recognize that symptoms are not the disease, are not the enemy, are not static; symptoms/sensations are simply the language of the body, the voice crying out for help. Therefore the Thai practitioner will work to alter the flow of energy and strengthen the healing ability of the body, rather than attempt to eliminate symptoms.

The Benefits

From the therapist’s perspective Thai reflexology is a very enjoyable and engaging modality to administer. Although the session can be offered on the floor or in chairs, in the west it is most often proffered using a massage table and stool. It requires not only the therapist’s attention and presence, but also the full participation of the therapist’s body. Techniques originate within the practitioner’s body and are transferred by way of body movement to that of the recipient. By moving his/her own body during the session the practitioner reduces the likelihood of muscle stiffness that can result from remaining stationary for a length of time and also encourages lymphatic function. Repetitive strain injuries are avoided through the application of a variety of techniques that put little stress on the digits or vulnerable joints of the hands.

For the recipient, the benefits of Thai foot reflexology are wide ranging. Various sources and clinical testimonies report benefits that include:
● improved circulation in the legs and hands;
● improved lymphatic drainage;
● increased removal of waste deposits and toxins;
● elevated functioning of the immune system;
● reduced stiffness and improved flexibility;
● accelerated physical healing;
● relief from stress;
● improved sleep; and
● increased mental clarity and performance.

Next month, I will write a little about the influence of Buddhism on Thai reflexology and the ways in which practicing and teaching Thai reflexology have deeply impacted my own life.

Upcoming classes: Unlike the conventional style of reflexology practiced in America, which requires many hours of training to become proficient in, Thai reflexology can be learned in just two days of study. Visit here often to see dates and details for Thai Foot Reflexology workshops as they are scheduled in 2012.

Dusk on the River

My intention today was to write something on reflexology, as well as remind you that you still have time to register for this year’s Therapeutic Hand & Foot Reflexology Professional Certification beginning February 2.

I considered Parkinson’s disease, hammertoes, menopause, phantom limbs, colds & flu – some of the many conditions that certified reflexologists commonly and successfully address. And then, in one of my many moments of distraction☺, I came across a blog post that so totally captivated my attention that all other possible topics faded away.

The article has nothing to do with reflexology or massage, so consider yourself warned, my friends! Hopefully though, like me, you are prompted to reflect on how you choose to respond to what’s coming at you in your world. Let’s face it; life does seem to be happening at warp speed these days, with impending events often heralded by predictions of gloom and doom.

I am referring to a blog post written by a Western woman teaching at a university in Japan. She writes about a reading/discussion assignment that centers on a lovely tale written by the American Buddhist Pema Chödrön.

I read this simple story, asking myself the same questions as were asked of Ms. Thomas’s students. At the end, as I read the comments expressed by the Japanese, I was reminded how easily I can become trapped in the emotions and perspectives which my culture has cultivated in me, and how differently we all might perceive a shared experience. I am thankful for the reminder this article gifts me: that my way – my vision – is but one of many valid ways in which to experience this wild and crazy ride.

Dusk on the River

Oh, and by the way, I will write on those other topics at some later date in the future!