Bodywork Modalities and Natural Therapeutics

Lymph Drainage

The subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation. It reduces edemas, detoxifies the body and alleviates the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Additionally it aids in counteracting insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory. A lymph massage can facilitate in healing acute injuries, such as sprains and fractures, as well as long-term illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to heal burns and scars, as well as reducing stretch marks.

Ayurvedically speaking: the lymph system is the first Dhatu (tissue) upon which the other 6 Dhatus (red blood, muscles, adipose tissue, bone, nervous system, reproductive system) depend on. This means, that one has to address first problems with the lymphatic system before wellness in other body systems can be achieved.

Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses. Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph nodes may become swollen. Further, the system fails to remove the body’s toxins and can even affect white blood cell counts. Lymphatic drainage is believed to reduce blockage, which promotes health in the lymphatic system as well as other bodily systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular and endocrine systems. Some therapists believe that lymphatic drainage therapy can also reduce allergies, menstrual cramps, colds and other viruses.

While lymphatic drainage is about preventative health care and is considered safe, physical symptoms, such as swollen glands, can indicate a problem with the lymphatic system and should be evaluated by a physician.

Polarity

Polarity Therapy, based on ayurvedic principles and theories, was founded by Dr. Rudolph Stone, DO, DC, ND. Polarity is a dynamic balancing of life energy, which enhances the quality of health and well-being. Through a series of pressure and reflex points, various types of rocking and manipulations, exercises, and sound nutrition, polarity develops a system of balance through the mind and body connection.

Life energy is in constant pulsation from positive to negative poles creating fields and energetic lines of force within and around the body. By gentle hand contacts, the practitioner releases energy flows in specific areas, similar to unblocking a water pipe filled with leaves. Once the flow is restored, the body’s own healing properties become more effective. The results of releasing tension in this comprehensive way are feelings of profound relaxation and well being at the conclusion of treatment. These feelings have been known to last for weeks or months even after just one session.

When energy is unbalanced, blocked or fixed due to stress or other factors, pain and dis-ease arise. From the subtle to the dense levels, each element – Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth – may become out of balance resulting in specific body/mind effects.

During a polarity session, you may remain fully clothed and lay on a comfortable surface. The practitioner will touch and press and find (!) tender points on your body, particularly the head, neck, shoulders, back, feet and hands. Gentle pressure is applied to each tender spot and its corresponding reflex area until the tension releases and the tissues relax. You may also be given a gentle polarity exercise home program. Exercises often include self-massage and gentle positioning to relieve stress and tension. On occasion, nutrition is discussed and a diet is recommended.

Polarity Therapy is especially helpful to people with chronic conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments, like: Chronic neck, shoulder, back pain; Fibromyalgia; Headaches and sinus problems; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks; Frail elderly who “have no energy”; General complaints of “not feeling well” for a long time (though no medical diagnosis can be made); Health oriented persons who want to remain healthy; People with chronic colds, flu, and other indications of immune system depression; People with chronic gas, constipation, bloating; Sometimes helpful in arthritis pain relief; Any condition in which stress appears a relevant factor.

Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a potent tool using the functions of the Cranial Sacral system. It is an effective form of bodywork and of Neuromuscular Therapy which uses gentle movements to unlock tension and relieve pain. There are no rapid adjustments, painful contortions, or deep muscle probing.

Cranial Sacral Therapy was developed in the early 1900’s by Dr. William Sutherland, an Osteopath who discovered that the skull bones are designed for movement. The cranial bones are connected to the sacrum by a continuous membrane system of connective tissue that houses the brain and spinal cord. The spinal fluid is pumped through the membranes, creating a rhythm which can be monitored and balanced.
The rhythm, or cranial sacral pulse, is similar to the heartbeat, but it results from the rhythmic pumping of the spinal fluid in the head and spinal column. The whole body expands and contracts with this rhythm, but the cranial pulse can be felt most easily on the head. The core of your being, motor functions, learning patterns, emotions, and ways of perceiving the world are affected by the balance of your Cranial Sacral system.
As your Cranial Sacral system comes into balance, you will usually feel a release of accumulated stress and a general sense of well-being. Some specific complaints and physical problems will also clear up with Cranial Sacral work. Cranial Sacral Therapy can be effective in shifting emotional holding patterns and draining accumulated stresses in the nervous system. Clients often experience relief from headaches and other problems located in the head, jaw, neck, pelvis, and diaphragm. Conditions as diverse as learning disability, poor concentration, biomechanical dysfunction, and palsy can start to clear up using Cranial Sacral Therapy.

Core Synchronism

Core Synchronism is a gentle palpatory approach to healing and harmony. Healing is stimulated by deep states of relaxation. Core Synchronism is deeply relaxing, safe and gentle. This work is based on the philosophy of natural therapeutics, cranial osteopathy, polarity therapy as well as the palpatory and philosophical discoveries of Robert Stevens. Core enables a practitioner to access all layers of the physical and energetic/causal bodies to release disharmonic patterns from their source. 
The human organism is comprised of the mental/emotional, etheric and physical bodies. The Soul or Vital Force is the animating, nonmaterial dynamic. Health is the experience of harmony between the Soul and the parts comprising the whole. All parts must operate as a synchronistic whole. Core Synchronism is a system of bodywork designed to assist Nature in establishing harmony with all parts of the organism, via the Vital Force and the Cerebrospinal fluid. All aspects of self are synchronized to the Soul Breath to access and release states of imbalance, trauma, pain, etc. completely from the system.

Reflexology

Reflexology (zone therapy) is the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health. This whole body treatment was first introduced in the West by Dr. William Fitzgerald in 1913. At this time Dr. Fitzgerald was a medical professional, working as an ear, nose and throat specialist and surgeon. However, when working with patients’ feet, the doctor noted that when he applied pressure to specific parts, it sometimes affected another portion of the body in a positive way. Working from this newfound theory, Dr. Fitzgerald created his first reflexology chart. He divided the body into ten vertical zones. The zones traced reflexes on the hands and feet, and noted hat when pressure was applied to these “zones” other areas and organs of the body responded.

Today, a reflexology therapist will still apply acupressure and massage to the ears, hands and feet within these same zones. The client is said to benefit from improved circulation, detoxification, reduced tension and the body’s ability to heal itself. The Association of Reflexologists claims that this treatment method can be effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis and many other problems.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art which stems from the same oriental roots as Acupuncture. In Shiatsu the practitioner uses their hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to the meridian energy lines in the body. Stimulation of the acupressure points combined with stretches and rotations of the limbs helps to release blocked energy or areas of tension and strengthen and deeply relax the body. An imbalance in a person’s energy may manifest as a backache, headache, depression, or in other ways. By working with specific meridians and pressure points, balance and health to the whole body can be restored. Shiatsu encompasses the whole person by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a being. Shiatsu is primarily a preventative medicine which helps to maintain good health, vitality and stamina yet can be effective in helping with a wide range of disorders and chronic conditions. Shiatsu usually leaves one feeling deeply relaxed, energized and more able to cope with stress.

Shiatsu can help with a range of stress problems and chronic conditions including: backache and pain, headache, muscular tension or stiffness, depression or anxiety, sports injuries, insomnia, exhaustion or fatigue, digestive problems, menstrual problems, high blood pressure and low immunity.

Windows of the Sky / Acupressure

“Windows of the Sky” are a series of Acupressure points that help Qi move upwards in the body, thus increasing awareness and acceptance of life experiences. This results in letting go of energy patterns that no longer serve us. Physical, emotional and spiritual imbalances realign so that we can move to the next step in our journeys. These points are stimulated with light finger pressure and some with Essential Oils. The experience is dream-like, meditative, during which greater clarity and resolution is achieved.

CCT Session 

Individual sessions focusing on healing can be done in person or in a distant format.

Crystalline Consciousness Technique is a simple protocol that consists of three phases. The first two set up the energetic component of an individual or group into a coherent, harmonic energy field, releasing all distorted energetic patterns. After this is achieved, then conscious Intent is expressed. When intent is introduced in a quiet, highly coherent, energetic field then it becomes the organizing dynamic for growth…very rapidly. Healing, manifesting and transforming are all qualities of growth.

Finally after Intent, the third and final phase is introduced which creates lasting change throughout the entire being. Following a CCT session there is often a period of chaos as the old patterns lift out. This period is followed by a rapid and permanent shift into a new level of health, manifestation or transformation.

Phase Two of CCT uses Healing Chambers, five shapes known as the Platonic Solids. Each of these five solids have faces, edges, and angles that are all the same size, though not to each other. And they are all structured by the Golden Mean, the ratio of phi (pronounced fee) or 1.618. All matter is created by these shapes, hence they are referred to as Sacred Geometry. The human energy field consists of a multitude of these crystalline forms. Many are said to be linked to human consciousness. Evolving geometric configurations link to evolving consciousness. 

What makes a CCT Healing Chamber, however, is not just the sacred geometric shape but also the sound vibration that charges the shape. Through the law of resonance our own bodies respond to these vibrationally programmed shapes, moving into greater coherency, alignment and unity.

The five Chambers are:

1. Empowerment
   Cube: 4 sides, squares. 
Element is earth.
   Promotes a sense of homecoming within our own body. Opens conscious connection with the DNA.
2. Crystalline Emotion
   Icosahedron: 20-sides, equilateral triangles. 
Element is water.
   Promotes connection to the higher realms of emotion such as joy, bliss, ecstasy, happiness, peace, and contentment.
3. Multidimensional Time
   Octahedron: 8-sides, equilateral triangles. 
Element is air.
   Synchronizes all rhythms, cycles and timing elements in the body to each other and externally to other elements such as the moon, sun and planets.
4. Pure Essence
   Tetrahedron: 4-sides, equilateral triangles. 
Element is fire.
   Increases the Light Quotient within the body necessary for enlightenment and greater levels of communication throughout all body systems.
5. Creation
   Dodecahedron: 12 sided, pentagons.
   Element is quintessence (space), holding all other elements.
   

Healing in person is often done on a massage table. After an initial discussion with the practitioner about what you would like from the session, you remove your shoes for comfort, lie down and are covered with a light blanket. The practitioner will be gently placing their hands on or slightly above different, non-intrusive body positions as you receive all three phases of CCT. After phase two, you’ll be asked to state your intentions. During this part of the session other modalities may be introduced as well. Completion of the session then follows. A receiver usually feels relaxed, revitalized, balanced, centered, grounded and expanded after a session.

Benefits are unique to each person but many people experience:

Greater ease in healing
Clear diagnoses with medical conditions
Relief from pain
Clearing of longstanding, chronic conditions
Improved well-being
Improved mental/emotional state
Lower blood pressure
Improved circulation
Overall improved sensory integration
Enhancing of medical procedures or medicines with reduced side effects.

What to Expect after a CCT Session:

Crystalline Consciousness Technique™ heals in very different ways than what we are used to. It helps to have a context to understand what is happening after the session so that you don’t become confused or disoriented. Below are some general guidelines.

1. Remember that CCT is an energy model. It touches psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical elements because it works with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy bodies. However, it does not work through those contexts. If you are using other tools such as therapy or drugs, CCT will support and enhance these tools, not conflict with them.
2. CCT works individually. You will experience your own unique healing signature.
3. During the following week after a session, parts of your life can appear to get worse and more chaotic. As deeper levels of patterns are released from cellular memory or other levels they surface at the conscious level before releasing completely. REMEMBER THAT THE CHAOTIC FEELINGS OR EVENTS ARE RELEASING. Keep breathing, stay detached and suddenly they will lift out leaving a greater sense of freedom throughout the whole body.
4. Develop your observation skills. What shifts after a session? Internally? Externally? What was a surprise? What new insights and understanding do you have concerning your Intention?
5. During the “up-in-the-air” chaotic phase is not the time to do another session unless it is just for balancing and stabilizing. Allow the new order and organization to anchor into place first.
6. If your life is not completely reflecting your Intention after the session is fully anchored in, you may need follow up sessions. Ask your practitioner to muscle test to determine when to do another session.

Herbal Wraps

The body wrap produces therapeutic and cosmetic benefits by cleansing the body of toxins and reducing inches. Body wraps are great for anyone who wants to improve, tone and tighten the look and texture of their skin, including people with loose skin from weight loss or pregnancy. Also those who experience joint pain and inflammation will benefit from the therapeutic effects of body wraps.

First a warm oil (specific to your constitution) is applied from neck to toe, then hot towels soaked in an herbal mixture are placed under and over your body, you are wrapped in sheets and blankets to keep you cozy while you relax, receiving a scalp massage. Most likely, you will perspire when getting a body wrap anyway, but you should drink lots of water before, during, and after the body wrap. Body wraps are not just a water weight loss.

Aromatherapy / Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the art and science of helping living things toward wholeness and balance using the essential oils which can be extracted from plants. Aromatherapy uses very concentrated “essential” oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with purported healing properties. These potent oils are mixed with a carrier or the oils are diluted with alcohol or water and rubbed on the skin, sprayed in the air, inhaled or applied as a compress. They should never be consumed. Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that the aroma of these “essential” oils directly stimulates the brain or that the oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where they can affect the whole body and promote healing.

Flower Remedies

In a nutshell, Bach Flower Therapy is centered around flower essences that are recognized for their ability to improve one’s state of well-being by eliminating negative emotions and opening the mind to the free-flow of positive feelings. British doctor Edward Bach believed in the homeopathic use of flower remedies to resist illness, improve mental state and enhance personal growth and overall wellness. These flowers were reduced to an essence, which was mixed with brandy as a preservative. People would take a certain number of drops at certain times of the day to alleviate their mental symptoms. Bach identified 38 remedies – made up of wildflowers – and the conditions he thought his specific remedies addressed. According to the Bach Centre, the aspen flower, for example, should be taken by people who fear unknown or unseen things, while a remedy made of the essence of red chestnut is ideal for people who are overly concerned for the welfare of their loved ones.

However, Bach Flower Therapy does not consist of herbal remedies alone. It’s used in conjunction with traditional counseling to treat stress-related disorders, mood imbalance, anxiety and emotional issues. Specific remedies will treat certain emotions – for example sadness, despair, anger, shyness, fear and various phobias. As you undergo the therapy, you will take a tincture of water, mixed with a tiny bit of brandy (for preservation) and the vibrations of one of Bach’s 38 different flower remedies, four times daily. The treatment is applied to your pulse points or taken internally until the unhealthy emotions disappear. As the remedies have no preventative properties, there is no need to take them in the absence of symptoms.

Colonics

During colonic irrigation, a small speculum is passed into the client’s bowel through the rectum. This is attached to a thin tube, which leads to a water reservoir with temperature-controlled water. Your colon hydrotherapist lets the water into the colon at a controlled rate. The temperature of the water should ideally be kept as close to body temperature as possible. The client will temporarily be filled with water up to the level of the entire colon. Clients say they can feel the water up under their ribs but that the process, although sometimes uncomfortable, is not painful. The amount of water will vary but will generally be in the region of between two and six liters (or quarts) at any one time. This triggers peristaltic action and the patient will begin to expel the water along with fecal matter back through the tube. The fecal matter is flushed out through a viewing tube, so that what is eliminated may be monitored. Quite often, unsuspected parasites are expelled, along with very old fecal material, very dark in color, which may have been in the colon for years. Some therapists comment that it looks like aging rubber.

During the treatment, the therapist will gently massage the patient’s abdomen to help dislodge impacted fecal matter. In addition to massage, sometimes acupressure, reflexology, or lymphatic drainage techniques may be used to loosen deposits and stimulate the bowel. It is important that the right amount of water is used, as too much will cause discomfort and too little will be ineffective. If correctly done, colonic irrigation is not painful at all and some patients claim to sleep through their treatment. Sanitation is vital to this process. The tubes and speculums used are generally sterilized, as well as the viewing tube, must be sterilized after each client.

Normally, a series of treatments will be required to achieve desired results regarding the elimination of impacted, decaying matter, and restoration of bowel regularity. Initially, only gas and recent fecal matter may be expelled. The residue attached to the colon wall is usually the result of years of neglect, and therapists say that one cannot expect complete relief in only one session.

Normal Colon:

Impacted fecal matter can cause an imbalance of the natural organisms that normally populate the bowel, causing what is known as dysbiosis. Under ideal conditions, the bowel is populated by a variety of naturally occurring organisms. It seems that the enzymes occurring in fresh fruit and vegetables encourage these beneficial organisms. One of the results of eating processed denatured foods is that this natural balance is upset, and food may begin to rot in the bowel instead of being processed.

Decomposing matter can cause a toxic condition and may lead to many health problems, as constipation causes backed up pollution of the body cells. The process of repair and elimination of wastes enters a downward spiral which at best will cause fatigue, lack of energy and premature aging, and, at worst, can cause degenerative diseases, among them allergies, and even cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.