Massage

Massage therapy is just one form of bodywork that is used to address muscular issues. Many people train to become a massage therapist, but becoming a bodyworker takes time and maturation. While a practitioner of bodywork also works on the deep muscles and can perform sports massage, or another massage technique for that matter, they incorporate and have experience in  several forms of bodywork.

Posture 

A bodyworker will observe the client through posture and take them through a postural analysis. As the client walks and stands, the therapist will watch their gait. They will notice the balance in the hip and shoulder girdles. They will also take notice of the neck and head placement in relation to the spine. 

It is not to say that a massage therapist does not look at posture. A bodyworker has trained their eye to see catches, hitches, pulls and snags that have manifested in the client's body just by watching them.

Movement

  A bodywork session will be begin with a somatic check in , both walking and sitting or lying.  The session will proceed either fully clothed or as with a traditional massage, with oils directly on the skin.  The bodyworker will listen and respond to the needs of your body. The pressure can vary from deep tissue work, soft tissue manipulation, trigger point therapy, shaking  to a very light touch.  Sometimes the client will completely surrender and allow the therapsit to take the client through a range of movement eg  Thai Massage or  to be engage actively in movement  e.g.  Physio exercises,  Hanna Somatics, Yoga, Feldenkrais and Pilates. 

Somatics

 Somatics is  a form of self-study and goes hand in hand with a bodywork.  At ENERGYBODi all our practices are based in Somatics. 

 Yoga, Meditation, Dance, Pilates & meditation can all be a somatic practice but not a given.  

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Soma is a word of ancient Greek origin and means “body”. In the contemporary field of bodywork,  Somatics is the body as perceived from within, your internal experience of your body;  the body & mind as one, an inseparable entity. 

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Somatics emphasizes the idea of learning from and through the body. The goal is for people to embody what they long to be, to be who they are more wholly, to heal that split caused by life stressful, traumatic events. It’s about transforming to be more alive and act more aligned with one’s values and purpose.

Connection

Why does touch matter?  Touch has been shown to shift and lift mood, boost immune system, and is vital for our self of wellbeing and happiness. Many of us are touch deficient, and it is as vital as making sure you are eating a balanced diet. 

Touch releases  Oxytocin which has been nicknamed the 'happy' hormone.  Regular touch, alongside clear boundaries allows us to feel safe,  builds trust, connection and is fundamental to our health. 

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Connection is the main function of the Vagus Nerve, the wandering Nerve.  The vagus nerve, is the longest cranial nerve and connects your sense of hearing, sight with your heart and gut 'instinct'  Good vagal tone means you feel you, relaxed, happy and have a sense of belonging in the world.  Bodywork and touch naturally supports vagal tone along with specific techniques. 

Soul

Bodywork as also a term used  for the outer shell of a car, where we repair and fix the parts.

Humans are not parts to be fixed' and certainly not to be compared to any kind of machine or computer.  We are so much more than that, both in terms of complexity and integration, emotions and mental concepts and imaginings;  

Beyond that, there is an essence in us, whatever you call that.  

We are greater than the sum of our 'parts'.

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We  relate to, communicate with others with a  felt sense intelligence. This felt sense intelligence is honed and fine tuned  like any accomplished artist would.

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A Bodyworker is an artist who explores with you your unique somatic and soul experience.