TOUCH
Bodywork as a complementary treatment, which is focused on bodily function, may include Reiki, Rolfing, Bowen, or tissue manipulation techniques. Bodywork is more about developing a relationship between the mind and body, becoming aware of bio-mechanics and uncovering the root causes behind ailments. Open communication is crucial to deepen your experience and facilitate sustainable, long-term healing.
Bodywork involves “touch history” to which one must remain cognizant. There is often possibilities that touch triggers exist. Because bodywork is more intimate than traditional massage, conversation often prefaces bodywork commencement. Bodywork isn’t for everybody. The art of bodywork lies in non-verbal communication, being led intuitively to the areas of the person’s body necessitating touch.
THE COMMITMENT
The journey involving bodywork began in early 2000 when I was introduced to massage and chiropractic therapy following an injury. Being raised in a family connected to western medicine the thought of such practices was “quackery” and to receive such care was grounds to be institutionalized. That mindset kept me distanced from those health philosophies until the point where discomfort became unbearable. Eventually a friend convinced me to commit to at least five sessions of chiropractic care and five sessions of massage therapy.
As the scheduled days approached my curiosity piqued and I began learning about each modality on a very introductory level. The interest was to become more aware of the practices and prepare for for the experience rather than expected results. When the time for first visit arrived it was realized that the reading hadn’t prepared me for the experience for neither the massage nor the chiropractic sessions. Following both sessions it was a matter of days before my anticipation for my next visit turned into excitement. As each visit resulted in increased and improved physical health, my anxiety began to decrease and personal relationships began to improve. Shortly after the five sessions of massage and chiropractic care, my focus on the intricacies of each nearly became obsessive.
Sometime in 2005 my studying of body mechanics and related material became a healthy obsession. For nearly four years I immersed myself in studying any related material that became available. For hours each day, working a 40 hour job, and on weekends endless hours were invested in understanding the multiple levels of these practices. Classes were taken on the Internet and in classroom environments whenever the opportunity was available.
COMMODIFICATION AND CAPITALIZATION
Although immersion in these modalities consumed four years of my life, there was never an intent to become certified and licensed to work in this field. This was something in which knowledge is powerful and liberating. This was something to be carried with me and shared as a gift to to others in the healing journeys we experience. It was about building trust and developing bonds. This type of interaction is far deeper and more personal than simple health care. By attaching a certificate and license to that level of connection and unity does nothing but minimizes that process to capitalistic and profiteering approach, thereby removing the very sanctity of the practice. When the final phases approached, after years of learning, the option to convert that into monetization was declined. Having a successful career in information technology and the industry surrounding multiple facets of computer technology there was no need to manufacture additional revenue sources. That’s the thing about gifts, those are freely given without expectation. To attach financial gain would eliminate the gifting aspect.
Usui Reiki, Qi Gong and Tantra
Naturally, my interests evolved into deeper and more esoteric practices including the art of Usui Reiki, Qi Gong and Tantra.
Studying those taught by different Masters, my journey introduced me to these arts or philosophies specifically focusing on bringing peace, happiness, and harmonious health to oneself and then to others.
