The work we do has quite a lineage. The art of manual therapy, the use of touch, began thousands of years ago as a way of helping people feel better, helping to deal with the rigors of daily life. It is a tree that has grown many branches and roots. We feel the healing power of compassionate touch whenever we come in loving contact with another human being. I have had the opportunity to study with several talented teachers in the past several months and have noted how each different approach relates to the others. There is a foundation based in the meeting of intention, awareness, inquiry, compassion and cooperation that is common to all that allows the various techniques to deeply affect the body. Each of the teachers I’ve experienced approach the body from different perspectives. Tom Myers has a linage coming from Ida Rolf and focuses on the myofascia. He looks at the relation between structure and function, and thus how to get balance to suspend the bones. Deane Juhan looks at the relationship of the nervous system with the contractile system and how to engage this to get full function. Our own Ariela Grodner taps into the ancient Thai traditions focusing on energy lines and centers of balance in the body. Gil Hedly comes from a spiritual and Rolfing background and looks at how the body is organized and constructed. All of these folks offer wisdom to feed our work. I am amazed at how the approaches intersect, yet may be very different in technique. All have a common emphasis on the whole body. They speak of addressing the spiritual, emotional, breath and physical bodies as integral to the work. All recognize that while we may apply our technique to specific parts or areas, it all must be integrated into the whole. All are interested in inquiry as a tool for change. Through inquiry-based work, both participants are invited into awareness and participate in the process, a much better approach than “fixing” someone. All emphasize working with ease of effort, sinking in, using shift of weight and movement to access the area being addressed. All talk of meeting the person where they are. And recognize the spiritual aspect of what we do, that we draw on something larger than ourselves for the common good. We are blessed to have so much wisdom and experience available to us to further our work. I am reminded whenever I study with someone what a great resource we have in FSM. We have been exposed and bathed in these commonalities that make the work so effective for healing and transformation. I give thanks for all the teachers who have offered me their time and experience. They have prepared the ground and it has helped me grow in the process of being a body worker. As you consider your next area of exploration, note how many excellent teachers are available right here at FSM from the folks you already know, to the visiting teachers who offer their insights. We are blessed in riches as we pull from so many opportunities to pursue our interests. If you are interested in working with Deane Juhan, he will be at FSM offering his approach to engaging the nervous and contractile system May 10-12. It is listed in the continuing education listing. I also highly recommend Ariela’s Thai workshops. I really enjoyed studying with her. Both of these folks offer approaches that can easily fit into and enhance any type of massage practice. For more information on Deane’s offering, contact me directly at 352 371-0743 or fmerillat@mac.com.
