A Tool for Self-Alignment and Meditative Release

Modalities:

Orthopedic Massage

  • Engages the entire neuromuscular system by targeting muscles as well as their neighboring joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones in an intentional manner

  • Aims to pacify the source of bodily pain and tension

  • Works to restore balance to one’s physical structure

Myofascial/Positional Release

  • A gentle exercise alleviating muscle and connective tissue tightness by creating a series of dynamic stretches within the body

  • The physical form is navigated via spatial awareness and perceptive discernment of current state

Post-Isometric Relaxation/Muscle Energy Technique

  • Practice that involves mellow to moderate, voluntary contraction of one’s muscles against a distinctly controlled counter-force (in this case, the individual’s own bodyweight) from a precise position and in a specific direction

  • Based on reciprocal inhibition

    • Theory stating that muscles on one side of a joint will always ease to accommodate the contraction of muscles on the other side of the joint, when indirect pressure is applied

  • Lengthens and softens taut or spasmed muscles

  • Improves weakened ligaments and muscle strength

  • Enhances range of motion

Structural Integration

  • Movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity and affects posture and structure

  • Calms strain patterns throughout the entirety of one’s being

  • Creates more ergonomical and refined arrangement of movement

  • Focuses on proper anatomical/physiological synchronicity of the body so as to maximize its potential for healthy functioning

  • Individual remains mindful of autonomic nervous system activity and adapts to fluctuations within the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems

    • Energy conservation is highly encouraged

      • Individuals shift, exert, and relax in sequences accustomed to overall vitality in the present moment

Neuromuscular Reprogramming

  • A form of positive kinesthetic conversation with the body to imprint new learnings within the brain (particularly the motor cortex) and within the subconscious/subtle layers of one’s energetic field

    • Electromagnetic/neural pathways (linked to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual operations of one’s form) are redirected willfully to create a smoother mind/body/spirit connection

Energetic Balancing

  • Individual pays attention to areas of distortion or discomfort within their space and smooths/harmonizes form towards a greater equilibrium via visualization, rhythmic/sustained breath work, and conscious self-instruction

  • Rejuvenates system

  • Regulates physiological measures in the body (i.e. body temperature, blood pressure/heart rate)

  • Lessens density of electromagnetic field and extends subtle forces

Progression:

Step 1:

Take notice of your general demeanor and condition. Consider your reason for needing/desiring this progression. Keep in mind that this methodology can be utilized for mental/emotional clearing and/or physical relief. It can be used to work with any physical malady (including chronic or acute illness) but is particularly beneficial when experiencing the distortion of pain, in whatever fashion that may be. Note that a system disturbance can be brought about for a number of reasons and often has several derivatives (within the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes). If you can rule out a specific point of injury or activity that generated a visceral response, it may be helpful to look towards recent instances of stress. Whether the stress trigger is fleeting or prolonged, the body will need to process the occurrence. The duration and severity of the symptoms will depend on the intensity of the conflict.

If the physical body seems to be structurally offset, you can employ a mirror for observational purposes. While you may not be able to examine accurately from every angle, you may pick up on slight differences in posture. You may also walk from one end of the room to the other, changing pace as you proceed and monitoring gait patterns and any restrictions or sensations you can intrinsically feel. Be aware, for these indications may assist in guiding your progression. Lying on a flat surface and noticing points of ground contact may also serve you well.

Step 2:

      Set an intention for your space. This could involve various forms of prayer, preparing a mantra, or simply occupying a moment of centering. Make it a goal to flow with both conscious efforts and subconscious silence. By this I mean, find balance between an opened and directed mind. There may be periods of time in which you fall into a perceptive void and other lengths in which you are working with yourSelf in a very definitive manner. The latter may consist of reorganizing thought patterns and examining modes of self-dialogue, exploring emotional capacities and subjective perceptions, or applying knowledge/tools in seeking physical adjustment of one’s physical form. However, do not become too lost in trying to understand or formulate a solution - it will often come to you. You are not necessarily looking for anatomical exactness but rather coherency and unification of maneuvered space. 

Step 3:

      Choose your environment. I alternate working with mySelf on the floor, parallel to a wall, sitting in a chair, or lying in a hammock or on the bed. I find that different setups create quite a variation in how the progression plays out. Sometimes you will want to work with gravity a bit more intimately, for example, closer to the ground. Occasionally you will find it favorable to have a vertical force of resistance. You may become partial to firm versus soft or flexible surfaces. So long as you are complacent stabilizing yourself appropriately, the hammock can be an excellent build for participating in a more dynamic interplay with gravity and body positioning. Each type of setting can be used for distinct reasonings. Health limitations of any sort should be considered when choosing a scene. Furthermore, some people may find it enjoyable to be outside or incorporate oils, stones, teas, tinctures, music, or other relevant objects in their space. Whether clothed or otherwise, make sure you are comfortable and able to move effectively.

Step 4:

      Here is where we will all spin off in diverse directions. This progression will seep into interlaced segments that will vary in length and in content. The session can be as short or as long as you would like it to be. You may want to remain still for a majority of the time, or you may be in a more constant shift of Self. Be cognizant of your present state of being. Sometimes we need a counter balance (more yin or yang energy). It is valuable to know where you are currently residing.

For example, mood and overall vitality will influence the nature of the progression. Knowing whether or not you are in a state of conflict or healing could affect your progression. All qualities of your disposition will fancy a certain array or combined series of moments conducive towards attaining attunement, or balance. Some individuals may feel inclined towards a more homeopathic approach with the ‘like cures like’ principle of healing. Some people’s systems may desire a more contrasting element to aid in evening out the scale. Be mindful of your energy reservoir, headspace, and physiological measures such as body temperature and heart rate. These things will help determine speed and repetition (or lack thereof) of movement, breathing modifications (rhythm, pace, point of interest within field), and amount of time spent in stillness and in flux and how often you switch between the two. The idea is to remain conscious of all muscles and joint areas of the body and their corresponding angles, (perceptively gauged) oz of pressure/resistance being exerted through each stretch, and migrating degrees of rotation, flexion, or extension within various zones. You may use your own bodyweight to actively engage many muscle groups. Similarly, the wall, ground, back/sides of a chair, or table/bed can be utilized as a means of counterforce. Minute differences of orientation in space can be meaningful. Do not underestimate the power of subtlety in movement. It is critical to pay attention to what the body is capable of versus what you feel the body needs to do. It is not necessary to push yourself the full length of a stretch or until you hit a point of boundary or limitation. You are merely looking for adapted interaction of muscle groups and lines of fascia. You may have decided initially that you would like to target a particular region (i.e. the shoulder joint), but your body may wish to perform a sequence of stretches concentrated within the lower portion of the body first before a proper release will occur in the upper body. Listen to what you are lead to do. Think less. Like I mentioned before, your background of insight will be relevant, but your intuition should ultimately receive the spotlight. Attempting to synthesize sections of the mind/body/spirit complex requires that you be aware of what is transpiring on any opposing end so that you are continuously holding a full body image as you change the arrangement of your form. This will allow each part to support other parts of the Self. Additionally, if you want to work more closely with the nervous system, following your body’s movements with your eyes can help with establishing ground for new ‘norms’ of muscle memory. Keep in mind, there is no specified routine. Each movement will be decided upon in the present moment. The series that transpires is completely unique to you as an individual and no two progressions of movement will ever look alike. The time allotted for such can vary from a minute or two to upwards of an hour, depending on the intention of the progression and severity of the issue.

Video Links:

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/0vXZgOHUSfU

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/hQLkKFSTWkc

Part 3 - https://youtu.be/tidDnBGV0Jc

Part 4 - https://youtu.be/dC1e7sit-Oo

Part 5 - https://youtu.be/6pQN_gk83-w