Holistic pulsating massage

Tovi Browning was born in Israel. In the late 70s, she moved to London, where she studied structural osteopathy and craniosacral therapy . The search for a holistic method of treatment, including the impact on both the physical body and the psycho-emotional state of a person, led Tovey Browning to create a special system known in the world as Holistic Pulsing. The western practice of osteopathy , reflexology , as well as the work of Trager, Trager, Curtis Terchin, Gestalt therapy , body therapy of Alexander Lowen, the work of the famous Raykhian scientist David Boadell, and also Oriental approaches to working with the body influenced the creation and formation of the method.

Since time immemorial, rhythm, pulsating and swinging movements have been used in various schools of the West and East. In modern practice of manual therapy, individual elements of rocking began to be used by the American doctor Trager. The essence of the approach consisted in the procedure of smoothly shaking the body, as well as the patient’s arms and legs in certain directions, which made it possible to quickly reduce the tone of pathologically tense muscles, reduce pain and stiffness of movements. Subsequently, Curtis Terchin, used the pulsating movements proposed by Trager, collecting them in a single sequence and calling it Pulsation.

For twenty years, Tovey Browning, integrating her experience, has created her own method with many additions, accents, new principles, introducing the “feminine principle” in both the technical and therapeutic parts, which she outlined in the book “Gentle Miracles - Holistic Pulsing” (1992) . The book has been translated into several languages ​​of the world. After working for several years in Australia and New Zealand, Tovey Browning returned to Israel in 1999, where she created her own training center, Ozmat Arakut (Hebrew. Otsma - strength, power, Rakut - softness, tenderness), and published the book “The Power Power of Softness - Holistic Pulsing. "

Distinctive features of holistic pulsating massage is the integrity and gentleness of the approach, both in the technical and therapeutic parts. In holistic massage, significant importance is attached to the use of various technical methods in working with the body, methods of working with blocks, as well as methods of psychological and psychotherapeutic influence. An important feature of the instrumental and technological model of the method is the setting of realistic and phased therapeutic goals, which is carried out based on bodily awareness. The impact of holistic massage as a holistic method can be considered in three planes: bodily, where massage, osteopathy and manual therapy are used, psychological, where psychotherapeutic work is carried out, energetic, which ensures restoration of a single rhythm due to synchronization of the work of various organs and systems, as well as conscious and unconscious spheres of personality. The integrity of the approach provides a wide range of applications in the treatment of various kinds of psychosomatic disorders. Due to its softness, the method can be used in work with adults, children; as well as people of advanced age. Due to the softness and the principle of “non-violence”, the massage technique is indispensable in the recovery postoperative period, it can be successfully used in reflexology, manual therapy, cosmetology, fitness, psychotherapy, etc.

Massage is carried out on a couch, the patient lies in comfortable loose clothing. Unlike other methods, the patient plays an active role, and is not just a passive participant. The implementation of massage elements is accompanied by a dialogue that is of therapeutic value. Holistic massage is a flexible method that can be used simply as a relaxing massage, as well as interweaving elements in ordinary massage procedures. The average massage takes 35-50 minutes, the frequency of its implementation 1-2 times a week. A session can last from 10 minutes (for example, with thrombosis or at the very beginning of work with complex diseases of the musculoskeletal system, during rehabilitation after a stroke, heart attack) and up to 60 - 120 minutes (if this is a psychotherapeutic work). Recommended number of sessions: from seven to ten.

Movement

The main ones in holistic massage are swinging and vibrational movements. Along with swinging, other movements are also used in this technique, such as: rubbing, “rolling up”, “tossing”, stretching, and turning. Small vibratory movements may also be used. Almost all movements are performed with a soft open palm with a certain amplitude and in a certain rhythm (endorhythm), peculiar only to this patient.

Rhythm and Pace

Performing movements occurs in a certain rhythm, which provides a coordinated movement of the poles of the body, organs and systems. At the same time, during the selection of the rhythm, the functional state of the skeletal muscle tone is diagnosed, and a resonance between the internal rhythm of a certain skeletal muscle, internal organ, and also the psychoemotional state of the person is provided. Violation of the rhythm is detected due to visceromotor, vertebro-motor, meridian-motor, emotional-motor and other connections when the body is rocking, as well as through feedback from the patient, who plays an active role in the massage process. With the right rhythm and resonance, the body sways easily and freely, the task of the massage therapist will only maintain rhythm during the session. Massage is performed at a calm pace, which helps to relax the patient, his ability to focus on the sensations of the body and emotional state.

Amplitude and frequency

During the massage, movements of both large and small amplitudes are used. Large-amplitude movements are useful when rocking the entire body and limbs. Movements of small amplitude, penetrating deep into, have a strong effect on the emotional sphere. Using movements of both large and small amplitudes, the masseur helps the patient to feel comfortable in various conditions ^{[1] [2]}

Key Patient Positions

Holistic massage is a very flexible method and can be applied in any position dictated by necessity. The main positions:

• on the stomach
• on the back
• on its side
• sitting

• 1. Ubiquitous movement: The main goal of massage in any area is to create movement throughout the body. The presence of the smallest vibrations in remote areas will be evidence that movement occurs everywhere.

• 2. Expansion and elongation: Swinging and stretching not only lengthens the body, expands the chest, releases tightened joints and muscles, it also helps release pent-up emotions and constrained energies.
• 3. Connection: The connection of various poles and aspects of the body is achieved through the ubiquitous movement of the body, through massage of the borders and adjacent areas, and can also occur due to the patient's awareness of the difference in the reactions of body parts.
• 4. Interconnection: Contact during the session is carried out directly through the hands, as well as psychological attitude and inclusion.
• 5. No coercion: the purpose of the massage is to create a calm, safe atmosphere, to awaken the body's natural healing abilities. The principle of work without effort is demonstrated throughout the entire process, both during physical exposure and during psychotherapeutic work. The principle reminds of restraint in the work of such manifestations as directiveness, the desire to persuade, control. disingenuous. Dogmatic statements should also be avoided.
• 6. Healing, not correction. For the first time encountering a block, massage does not imply immediately working with it, since knowledge of a particular moment does not make it possible to judge the situation as a whole.
• 7. Self-healing. The therapist’s interaction with the patient is to help restore his ability to trust his feelings, feelings. It is important to welcome the human right to have an opinion and choice.

Behind the rocking technique are three main elements that create a holistic approach. These three keys open the door to self-development, increase awareness and provide growth. They apply to both the patient and the therapist. These are: awareness, responsibility, acceptance.

• Awareness is one of the important principles of holistic massage. In order to realize, you must be "here and now." This principle indicates the need for the therapist to focus the patient on the present, the reactions of his body, emotions and behavior. In life and in the session, this is of great importance, because now - this is the only time in which a person really exists, has real power and the ability to change something. The past and the future are of great importance, but in order to realize, you must be in real time. The depth of the patient's awareness of the causes and mechanisms of the disorder will depend on the applied psychological concept, including the cognitive and emotional aspects of consciousness.
• Acceptance is one of the important components of the method, reflecting the ability to accept the feelings and opinions of a person. This is the most difficult and at the same time the simplest component of the approach for a Western person, since the habit of evaluating is deeply rooted in the mind. Acceptance is the strongest response to a difficult situation. By accepting, a person can see what is facing him and realize. Aware, you can make decisions and act.
• Responsibility - although the patient is taken care of during the session, the therapist must remain realistic. This means that the therapist does not take responsibility for the changes that the patient needs, remembering not only the limitations of his capabilities, but also that the resource for changes is inside the person himself. For the patient, it is important not only the presence of motivation, but also an understanding of the principles of treatment. These two conditions are crucial for psychological work during a session of holistic massage. In some cases, it takes time to build trust and the patient has a hope for healing or resolution of the conflict through collaboration. The softness and acceptance that are present during massage sessions are good soil for starting such a dialogue.

Ways to work with blocks

The swinging rhythm during the massage session is set in such a way that the whole body moves, which makes it easy to identify blocked areas: there is no response movement. Holistic massage offers 12 ways to open blocked areas. 1. Direct contact. 2. Massage adjacent area. 3. Indirect block massage. 4. "Fixed" massage. "5. Touch. 6. Call. 7. Breathing. 8. Sound. 9. Amplification. 10" Conversation "with the symptom. 11. Imagination. 12. Movement.

Blocks attitude

In a holistic pulsating massage, the concept of “block” is never classified as something bad, because the very existence of blocks contains the greatest healing potential. Tovi Browning writes: “Speaking about our blocks, failures and failures, we need to remember the following: gold is found in sediments at the bottom of the river, diamonds are found in simple sticky clay, pearls are found in damaged shells, and the roots of the lotus flower, this beautiful symbol of life, grow in dirt. The key to the deepest healing is hidden in our blocks. Never approach blocks without love and respect ” ^[3] .

Body language

In a holistic pulsating massage, the body is considered as a certain system of poles: left - right, front - back, upper - lower, head - body, trunk - limbs. Each pole corresponds to a certain psychological aspect of our life. The goal of holistic massage sessions is integration - the free flow of energy from one pole to another.

Indications for use

The method is useful for both children and adults. Massage is of great importance for the elderly. Thanks to the movement in which the whole body participates, massage ^{[3] [4]} :

• increases the functional ability of the ligaments and tendons , as well as the flexibility and elasticity of the joints , activates blood circulation in the joints ;
• effective in case of overwork, stress , fear , depression ;
• improves sleep , mood, balances the nervous system ;
• useful for decreased function of the immune system , with hormonal disorders and infertility ;
• effective in dealing with victims of physical and sexual abuse ;
• useful in preparing patients for complex operations;
• stimulates a positive attitude and activates vital energy. Holistic pulsating massage can also be used in more complex cases, such as working with children suffering from cerebral palsy , autism, with various psychosomatic disorders, etc.

Contraindications

• The presence of an infectious process, a “fresh” fracture or joint damage, thrombosis .
• With thrombosis , varicose veins, this area is not massaged, and indirect massage techniques are used
• In case of heart disease , diabetes , etc., coordination and monitoring by the attending physician is necessary
• Small and large psychiatry requires special training and education in this area, since massage releases the energy of the unconscious .

The simplicity and accessibility of the method made it popular for a wide range of both professionals and amateurs, returning the natural ability to help each other. The element of "wiggle" laid in the basis of the method is well known to everyone. However, to become a professional in holistic pulsating massage, special training is needed. The technical component and the psychotherapeutic orientation of the method make special demands on the quality of training, qualifications, and experience of the person using this method. Training has several steps. The main course in Holistic Pulsing in Israel has been taking place for three years. Further steps to improve practice and teaching take about five years. Teachers begin to teach (those who are suitable for this) only after a minimum of seven years of education. And they receive teacher status after two years of teaching.

• 1. Tovi Browning. “Gentle Miracles - Holistic Pulsing” (1992).
• 2. Tovi Browning. “The Power of Softness - Holistic Pulsing” (2000).
• 3. Karvasarsky B. D. Psychotherapeutic Encyclopedia. St. Petersburg: Peter, 2006 ISBN 5-318-00694-9 , 5-8046-0152-0
• 4. Fedorova G. M., Bazhurina V. B. “Holistic massage”. St. Petersburg: Nevsky Prospect, 2001 ISBN 5-94371-052-3
• 5. Fedorova G. M., Kobrin V. P., Bazhurina V. B. Pushing the line, World of Medicine, N 9-10, St. Petersburg, 1998
• 6. Fedorova G. M. Liminal creativity. Materials of the III Cultural Congress. Eidos, p. 99, 2010
• 7. Tovi Browning "The Power of Softness. Holistic Pulsing" (2004).

• Massage Technique: Tovi Browning Holistic Pulsing [1]
• Karvasarsky B. D. Psychotherapeutic Encyclopedia. Palsing [2] (link not available)