Glossary Of Bodywork Modes
Alexander Method was founded by F.M. Alexander, an actor, at the turn of the century, as a cure for his constant loss of voice on stage. He did this through the discovery of the appropriate connection between his head, neck, back, and pelvis. Alexander and Feldenkrais borrowed much from each other's material but their approaches differ. Alexander focuses primarily on the relationship of the head and neck. The Alexander method has a standard or ideal way of moving whereas Feldenkrais treats each person differently.
Applied Kinesiology (AK) was developed by Dr. George Goodhear, a Michigan resident. It is a tool that is widely used by many types of practitioners. AK practitioners recognize that specific muscles are related to the specific parts of the body. Each muscle has an organ or glandular relationship. The applied kinesiologist manually tests the relative strength of muscles to determine any existing imbalances. Corrections are made through spinal manipulations, cranial and neurological stimulation, and nutritional and dietary management.
Bioenergetics was founded by Wilhelm Reich in Austria in 1902 and further developed by Drs. Alexander Lowen and John Pirokos during the 1950s in the U.S. It is a body-centered psychotherapy in which the therapist is able to read the body and see where trauma has become incorporated into the structure. Through breathing and specific postures, the client learns to move and change energy patterns, freeing the body and the mind simultaneously.
Craniosacral Therapy was developed by Dr. Sutherland, an osteopath in England in the early 1900s, currently popularized in the U.S. by Dr. John Upledger. The technique involves a very noninvasive touch that influences the flow of the cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF). Enhancing CSF rhythm revitalizes all fluid flow in the body and intimately works with the clients' own natural mechanisms to enhance health.
Feldenkrais was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais in the mid 1940s. He believed that when we present the brain with a choice, it adopts the motion that strains the body the least. The Feldenkrais method communicates with the nervous system by physically teaching the body, through touch, a more effective way of moving. This allows the brain to cancel the old image of movement and to transmit a new one. The client learns to minimize the overall effort to create a movement and to make it light, easy, and graceful. There are two ways to learn Feldenkrais. One is through group classes known as Awareness Through Movement and the other is through private sessions.
Hakomi was developed by Ron Kurtz in the mid-1970s. Hakomi utilizes body sensations to access information about the limiting belief patterns of a client. The process involves following these beliefs back to childhood events where lifetime habitual patterns were created.
Hellerwork was developed by Joseph Heller, a student of Ida Rolf. The structural goals are the same as Rolfing. The Hellerwork series involves 11 sessions. Movement exercises help teach the body to move in new ways and help to reinforce the structural changes. The practitioner engages the client in a verbal exploration of the emotional patterns that have created the tension in the client's body. Each session has a theme that applies to both physique and psyche.
Massage Therapy (Myomassology) uses kneading, stroking, friction, and tapping of the body to stimulate or relax the body. Many massage therapists' work is eclectic or uses a combination of many techniques such as trigger point therapy, polarity , acupressure, reflexology, and deep muscle massage.
Polarity Therapy was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone in the mid 1920s. He believed that the body contains an electromagnetic field that directs the muscles, glands, and nerves. Blocks in the flow of energy caused by emotional or physical trauma create pain and disease in the body. A polarity practitioner analyzes the flow of energy and uses hands-on techniques which restore a balanced energy flow.
Reiki was discovered in ancient Tibetan scriptures by Dr. Usui at the turn of the century and brought to the Westin 1980 by Mrs. Takata of Japan. Through gentle non-invasive hands-on healing, it uses specific hand positions and symbols to increase energy flow. Reiki means universal life force.
Rolfing is the product of 50 years of study and practice by biochemist Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. It is a system of body education and physical manipulation originally called "structural integration." Rolfers believe that 1) most people are significantly out of alignment with gravity, 2) people function better when they are lined up with gravity, 3) the body is so plastic that alignment can be altered at practically any time of life. The aim is to correct bodily misalignment by releasing chronically held tension in the fascia or connective tissue, through deep manual manipulation of these tissues. Rolfing involves a series of 10 sessions where the body's connective tissues are systematically manipulated into an alignment that is more in harmony with gravity.
Rubenfeld Synergy was founded by llana Rubenfeld of the U.S., who was trained in the Alexander Method, Feldenkrais, and in Gestalt Therapy (a verbal psychotherapy). She combined these three disciplines into the Rubenfeld Synergy method. The practitioner uses gentle touch and movement to bring awareness to the body and the bodily components of thoughts and emotional pattems. Guided imagery is also used to facilitate change.
Shiatsu is a 70 year old Japanese healing art based on the principles of acupuncture. It utilizes finger pressure techniques along meridian lines as well as stretching and movements of the joints. Meridians and organs lacking in energy are balanced to improve overall health.
Trager was founded by Milton Trager in the U.S. in the 1920s. This approach sets up a motion or light rocking in the body to move muscles deeply without resistance or pain. Simple exercises called mentastics are included.
Trigger Point Myotherapy was developed in Germany in the 1870s and was popularized 15 years ago, in the U.S. by Bonnie Pruden. It consists of holding and compressing specific points in the muscles to release tension. It also involves passive stretching exercises to do at home.
Yoga is a several-thousand year old practice from India which aims for realization of the unity of the whole being. Asanas, or exercises, are practiced in classes that strengthen, stretch, build awareness, and tone the body. Breathwork or pranayama oxygenates the blood and invigorates the brain and nervous system.