Integrative Bodywork
Integrative Bodywork (IB) does not fit neatly into any typical classification of “massage.” Although it is a, direct form of bodywork, the purpose of the therapy is not limited to addressing muscular issues. The key to understanding this type of bodywork is the word “integrative.”
In our Western culture almost everything is viewed as reductionistic. We try to find the most powerful essence of something, the purest single element, a clear solution; then we attempt to make this process even more focused and concentrated in order to come up with some single thing that addresses a very specific concern or issue. For the most part, our allopathic medical model, the pharmaceutical industry, educational and religious organizations, follow this logic as they have developed methods and perform research.
The IB approach sees things differently. IB is aligned with a holistic perspective of health and wellness which does not parse out issues of physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. The person is seen as a unique, complete entity, with no separations or compartments. In the IB model, what may be physical in origin may impact the emotional state; what may cause spiritual angst can result in physical impact – almost anything or event can cause unexpected cross impact and be manifested in a variety of ways. The holistic IB approach is consistent with many Eastern and Oriental wellness perspectives. These non-western traditions have thousands of years of practical and theoretical basis that have proven their usefulness. Unfortunately, our Western culture is not equipped to easily comprehend or incorporate these models of wellness.
IB does not affiliate with any specific religious or spiritual perspective. Nor, is IB a Western form of mental health treatment or talk therapy. The body, and the body’s energetic force, is used as a point of understanding and intervention. Within the IB model, many different methods, techniques or modalities may be used. There is no set protocol to an IB session and each session is tailored to the unique presentation and situation of the client. Alignment of the client’s goals and expectations with that of the practitioner’s activities is of paramount importance. A fundamental concept that underlies the IB method is that we are energetic beings. Our thoughts, actions, feelings and physical presence are all based on the fact that we consist of energetic constituents. When energy is flowing unimpeded within all aspects of a person, then a person is considered healthy. When energy (any kind of energy) is not flowing well or is stagnant, optimal health is impaired.
The energetic viewpoint of IB is consistent with many long-standing theories. Some of the more common theories include: Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, Yogic philosophy, somatic body issues, craniosacral therapy, Ortho-Bionomy, somatoemotional release, aromatherapy, reflexology, meditation, and Shamanic techniques (there are many more).
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What to Expect from an Integrative Bodywork Session
It is hard to predict exactly what your IB session will consist of. Prior to your session you will have a one-on-one talk with your practitioner. Based on that conversation, and exploration of your current situation and goals, an agreed upon session plan will be developed. A typical session occurs in a massage room and uses modified draping methods to aid in the direct work of energy areas and chakras. Areas of the body may be physically worked or they may be the focus of energetic techniques. Along with the practitioner’s work, the client will be active in an IB session. In order to help get optimal results from a session, the client is encouraged to tend to and acknowledge whatever energy arises. This may mean that the client tries to “unwind” areas of muscular or fascial restriction, release energetic cysts, or allow emotions, memories or feelings to surface and be expressed or explored introspectively. The client’s process may be assisted with meditative, breathing, or guided imagery techniques. Chakras, marma points and sen lines may be checked to asses changes in energetic flow.
It is difficult to encapsulate or explain all the possible methods that may be used. The essence of an IB session is that whatever seems to work will be used to assist the client with balancing of their overall presence and energetic flow. An IB session is simultaneously hands-on and educational in nature.
Most people have a very good and immediate response to an IB session. However, some may have a period of time where the body may be challenged with the newly instigated energetic flow. A body sometimes tries to keep things at the status quo. Any change, even a good change, may be met with some resistance. Therefore, the body may experience a form of physical, spiritual, emotional or mental detoxification effect. Although a mildly uncomfortable experience, the overall process moves toward heath. Proper session after-care can help mitigate these types of rare occurrences.
For most clients, IB sessions are considered a stand-alone type of wellness activity; just like any other form of traditional body or energy based work. However, clients who have known medical, mental health, or physical / sexual abuse issues should seek concurrent treatment by an appropriately qualified professional. Clients who are under current care by any health or allied-health professional will require a release prior to participating in an IB session. An IB session will almost always fully support traditional treatment methods, but it is cautious and courteous to coordinate the work.
Integrative Bodywork is a powerful amalgamation of techniques that can have a wondrous impact on a person’s overall wellness and quality of life. IB sessions enhance the body’s opportunity to focus its own internal healing ability for addressing a range of significant issues.
To learn more about our Practitioners, please visit our Bios page.
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