New Ways to Work the Body
You've probably had a chiropractor crack your back, a massage therapist work on your muscles or an acupuncturist needle some points but this only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to body work. I am by no means undermining the power of the mentioned modalities, as they can be instrumental in the healing process. Even I have needed them from time to time. However in the world of bodywork there are many more options you might like to explore. Here are just a few worth trying.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
Erin Oglesby was first drawn to CST when she became a yoga teacher because she felt it was a way to move deeper energetically with her clients. After her first training with Dr Ron Wish in Nyack, NY, she knew it was her calling. CST uses light touch to perform static holds and gentle manipulation of the bones of the cranium, sacrum and the entire body. The practitioner listens to the craniosacral rhythm, which is the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid up and down the spine. When it is free-flowing, the nervous system is calm and the body feels relaxed. Restrictions in the rhythm can lead to stress and anxiety, which can be released by the practitioner to restore a state of balance. According to Erin, people with chronic pain, TMJ dysfunction, chronic headaches or migraines as well as people battling stress, depression and anxiety can benefit from this technique. Regardless of the reason, most will experience a deep sense of peace and self-acceptance as a result of their CST session.
Alexander Technique
Sorry I know I shouldn't have favorites but Alexander technique has profoundly improved my health and wellbeing so I naturally had to ask my teacher, Witold Fitz-Simon, about the technique. Witold decided to teach the technique because he found it was so effective in reducing his back pain caused by sacroiliac joint hypermobility that he needed to spread its benefit to others. In Alexander Technique, we learn to identify and repattern our bad habits of movement which causes us to be overworked leading to pain and injury. Studies have shown that it is effective in contributing to the relief of chronic back pain as well as repetitive stress and recovery from injury. In addition to helping people who suffer from chronic pain, the technique can help actors, dancers, singers, musicians and athletes with their performance.
Reiki
Brooklyn based reiki practitioner,Cindy Hanson, fell in love with the technique when she gifted herself a session for her birthday many years ago. It's not hard to see why anyone who has experienced it might easily leave feeling like they don't have a care in the world. Cindy describes reiki as a gentle hands on healing modality that helps relieve stress and restore balance, which in turn, promotes and engages the client's innate healing processes. Reiki originated in Tibet over 3000 years ago and was revitalized by Dr Usui, a Japanese physician and monk in the 19th century. In a reiki session, one can experience relaxation of the body and mind, an increase in energy levels, improvements in sleep and relief pain. For this reason, people dealing with a chronic or auto-immune condition might find it very beneficial. Overall it's an excellent way to embrace and strengthen self-care and emotional well-being as well as provide opportunities for new insights during times of transition.
The Practitioners
Craniosacral Therapy
Erin Oglesby
5 Point Physical Therapy
37 W 20th St Ste 607 New York, NY 10011
(347) 450–3681
erin@erinoglesby.com
http://www.erinoglesby.com/
Alexander Technique
Witold Fitz-Simon
Balance Arts Center
151 W 30th St, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001
(917) 626-0425
witoldfs@gmail.com
https://www.witoldfitzsimon.com
Reiki
Cindy Hanson
347-262-6067
cindy@reikiandchakraenergy.com
http://www.reikiandchakraenergy.com/