Biodynamic Massageby Denise McCrohanBiodynamic Massage works across a wide spectrum from deep muscular work, to connective tissue massage, to light energetic touch and work in the aura. And it also puts particular emphasis on the psychological understanding of the body. Biodynamic Massage works across a wide spectrum from deep muscular work, to connective tissue massage, to light energetic touch and work in the aura. And it also puts particular emphasis on the psychological understanding of the body. Having an understanding of the somatisation or expression of distress in the body and the potential to work towards its physical and emotional release makes it a truly therapeutic massage. One of the most powerful industries in the world tries to find solutions for our physical distress through medication. Exploring your bodily sensations through massage may give you a better understanding of the reasons for your physical distress, whether this is somatically expressed as a headache, backache, irritable bowel, sleeplessness or depression. Understanding that these may be the result of years of holding back your anger, sadness, or disappointment can help to relieve your symptoms. I have worked for nearly 10 years with people who have started their journey of self-discovery and change through Biodynamic Massage. For some people this has just been six sessions which have enabled them to get a greater sense of themselves and their body. For others it has been a journey of many years with a positive outcome for difficult health and stress problems. Wilhelm Reich, a student of Freud, began to include the body in psychoanalysis in the 1930s. His work led him to believe that the physical armour, or physical tension, is always an indication of psychological tension. By working with massage, we can soften the physical armouring, release deep, suppressed feelings and free old, fixed patterns in the body. Reich had a major indirect influence on the development of Biodynamic Massage. The background to Biodynamic Massage Gerda Boyesen, a physiotherapist and practising psychologist, brought this highly effective psycho-physical therapy from Norway in the 1960s. Biodynamic Massage is one part of the psychology that Gerda Boyesen evolved and called Biodynamic psychology. The term 'Biodynamic' was chosen because 'bio' means life and 'dynamic' means movement or force. Thus biodynamic massage is concerned with the re-establishment of the natural life force in the body. Boyesen had analysis training with Ola Raknes, who had worked with Wilhelm Reich. Through this training she realised the importance of linking bodywork and verbal work in psychotherapy. She continued her studies to become a physiotherapist and then did neuro-muscular massage at the Bulow-Hansen Institute. In Norwegian psychiatry it is usual for patients to receive physiotherapy. During her work with mental health clients she noticed that, when there was a physical release of the autonomic nervous system such as shivering, crying, sweats and so on, the clients made good psychological improvements. She also noticed that this physical release often opened up the peristalsis (wave-like movements in the alimentary or digestive canal) and stomach rumblings could be heard. She believed that stress is processed through the alimentary canal and that the stomach noises indicate that the client's body is 'digesting' unresolved stress. She called this psycho-peristalsis. She went on to develop many different massage techniques with the aim of clearing the body tissue of the 'stress remnants' from old, uncompleted emotional cycles. She used a stethoscope, placed on the abdomen, to follow the peristaltic noises. The Vasomotoric Cycle A primary theory in biodynamic massage is that energy is always moving through cycles, Gerda Boyesen called this the vasomotoric cycle. When these cycles are constantly interrupted and incomplete, discomfort and eventually ill health can result. The aim of the therapist is to encourage the completion of the cycles to clear the system and restore harmony and the free flow of energy through the body. The vasomotoric cycle has four movements that correspond to the two movements of the Autonomic Nervous System:
The stages in the cycle can be illustrated by a deer's response to danger:
As adults we often find ourselves in situations where we are inhibited
from expressing our startle reflex, such as the boss shouting at us.
Because we do not express our emotion the charge is left in our body
causing stress and tension. This can build up to such an extent that
we are constantly on guard. A therapist's role would be to encourage
the expression of the client's anger at the boss, and massage areas
of tension to facilitate harmony. If left unexpressed, this tension
could manifest itself as a stiff neck, headache, upset tummy or irritability.
The list is endless. It is the inability to discharge the impact of
the startle which causes the problem, not the boss. The massage techniques Biodynamic massage has evolved many massage techniques. These include energy distribution, aura-work, lifting, packing, holding, deep draining, hypotonous work, stretching, basic touch and connective tissue work. These can be energising, calming, reassuring, grounding, and affirming. Every client at each session receives an individualised massage that works towards an on-going process of releasing stress and tension. Placing a stethoscope on the abdomen, the therapist would follow the
peristaltic sounds closely. These sounds indicate to the therapist that
the body tissue is succeeding in letting go of some 'stress remnants'
from old uncompleted emotional cycles. By working to increase the sounds,
the therapist progressively clears the body tissue of its armouring
to allow energy to flow more freely. On a physiological level massage encourages the deepening of breath, releases tension in the tissues, increases body tone, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases the circulation of blood, and stimulates the digestion and elimination of food. Massage can also release endorphins, the body's own pain killers, and so help to relieve pain, depression and anxiety. The massage therapist's ability to create an atmosphere of safety and comfort is important in enabling people to relax and gain these benefits. Touch that is caring, attentive, non-sexual and undemanding is very nurturing and creates a sense of well-being. Some people are uncomfortable about some parts of their body being massaged, such as their abdomen, buttocks or legs. These feelings would be respected by a therapist trained to be sensitive to each individual's feelings about being touched. While I was receiving a massage many years ago I was upset by the work the therapist was doing on my legs. I was finding this disturbing so I asked her to leave that area but she insisted that she needed to complete that part of the massage. A more sympathetic response to my feelings would have helped me to come to terms with them rather than causing me the upset I experienced. Biodynamic Massage Therapists have a training of 1-3 years to learn
techniques that enable them to work sensitively with their clients.
Therapists have regular supervision where they discuss the clients'
process. If a therapist belongs to a professional association with its
own codes of conduct and ethics this provides an additional safeguard. Who can it help? Finding the type of complementary therapy that suits you, an experienced and well-qualified therapist, and committing to regular sessions over a period of months or years all combine to allow massage therapy to be effective. Having a supportive lifestyle is also vital. As a Biodynamic Massage Therapist I work with clients who are manifesting stress-related problems such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel, neck and back problems, high blood pressure, lack of concentration, inability to relax, irritability, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression. Some of my clients have needed support with ME, Distonia, frozen shoulders, post-operative care, pregnancy, bereavement, and trauma. Biodynamic Massage is also used with cardiac patients, the elderly, mental health patients, the terminally ill and those with learning difficulties. Biodynamic Therapists work with other therapists such as doctors, psychiatrists,
osteopaths, acupuncturists, Alexander technique therapists, cranial
therapists and psychotherapists to facilitate the healing process. |