The style of bodywork I offer benefits musculoskeletal system, nervous system, internal organ function, mental-emotional health, range of motion and flexibility. That means it treats a whole lot of various conditions- physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Whether or not you have received the magic of touch-therapy, you probably wonder: how does bodywork work? This is a great question to have- especially if you’re a receiver!
The main idea of bodywork is working with the body’s communication flow. In order for the body to sustain well-being, information must be smoothly and quickly transmitted throughout the body.
The body transmits information via:
Connective tissue/fascia
Nervous system
Hormones
Muscles
Blood
Bodywork facilitates the natural healing abilities of the body by optimizing these communication system. When communication is optimal, we experience our natural state of balance and wellness. Bodywork manually stimulates connective tissue, or fascia. Fascia is the tissue that connects every aspect of our body from the tip of our head to the tips of our toes. This connective tissue contains channels rich in information including blood, energy, and nourishing fluids. As the fascia unwinds to its natural state, information flows more efficiently and all other forms of communication benefit. The body relaxes, the mind calms, restoration and healing deepens.
There is researched-based evidence that bodywork can have the following effects:
Increased blood flow locally & regulation of overall circulation
Analgesic, or pain relieving, effects via opioid-peptide release
Hormonal balance by activating endocrine system through pituitary gland & hypothalamus
Down-regulates nervous system by affecting neurotransmitters & neurohormones
Optimizes immune system by strengthening immune function on cellular level
Relieves tension by stimulating neuro-muscular junction & resetting brain-muscle connection
When considering the benefits of bodywork, it is important to remember the nature of informed, intentional touch is nourishing in itself. When a loved one needs support, we lend a hand. When we stub our toe, we reach to hold it. When a baby cries, we hold it close. Touch is nutritive, and highly underrated in our society. Bodywork offers a safe and non-judgmental space to receive compassionate touch-based therapy.