As a result of September 11, 2001 and other world events, stress and/or emotional trauma has increased in our clients. When threatened or injured by shock or traumatic stress, the body and the nervous system respond by dissociating, stiffening and/or collapsing. These unconscious defense strategies immobilize the body and brain to prevent further threat or injury. If these somatic patterns of dysfunction and held stress in the musculoskeletal system are not given an opportunity to reorient to a functional, integrated midline (spinal relaxation, tissue flexibility, etc.) a myriad of symptoms may occur. Some of these are anxiety, depression, insomnia, visceral dysfunction, chronic pain, headache and other adaptive responses. Current research in the field affirms that these are the most intelligent compensations the body can make when in a state of overwhelm.

When skillful observation of the client’s autonomic nervous system is made and hands-on work is applied gradually, stored stress in the sympathetic nervous system is given the opportunity to release. Release may be indicated by tissue vibration, body trembling, accelerated heart rate, sweating and other autonomic phenomena.

In this workshop, you will learn a new approach to add to your existing hands-on practice called “neuro-affective touch.” This is crucial for the successful resolution of trauma imprinting in the brain and body. Our focus will be practical application of new research with hands-on work to increase clinical effectiveness for a wide variety of musculo-skeletal problems.  Note that emotional release work will not be taught. This class is appropriate for anyone using massage therapy, bodywork or craniosacral therapy in their clinical practice.