For many years I shied away from doing Deep Tissue work, having had a few negative experiences with over-zealous therapists who dove into my sensitive spots with pointy elbows, leaving me sore and bruised for days. I heard similar horror stories from clients who, after a session, would thank me for my calm, gentle approach. Bolstered by this praise and holding stubbornly to my personal experiences, I became almost self-righteous in my aversion to deep work.
Over the years, as I’ve learned from my clients and responded to their needs, I found myself learning how to seamlessly integrate deeper work into the relaxing style of bodywork I’ve always loved. I’ve seen how a body that feels safe will open more readily to deeper pressure, when it is applied with presence and compassion. The key is meeting the body where it’s at and then gradually gaining its trust and sinking deeper, while maintaining sensitivity to the tissues. It’s about Presence, Pressure, and Rhythm. The combination of these three things is what makes the difference. As trust is built between the client and therapist over time, the body will begin to relax even faster and allow for deeper pressure.
This Deep Relaxation massage, as I call it, is an integrated blend of many techniques that I’ve learned – in classes, from books and magazine articles, and from other therapists that I’ve received bodywork from. It has become an intuitive dance of rhythmic movements that gently ease tissues and fascia into release. The client feels safe and the body stays relaxed, rather than guarding - which allows for deeper work without pain.
I noticed, as I began to let go and surrender into my work, that I could sense things like never before - the melting of tissues, the stretching and smoothing of fascia, the opening of areas where energy had become stagnant. My hands would flow with new purpose that came from a deeper place, not limited to the release of muscle tension. Suddenly my hands were engaging the client at all levels, moving energies while providing emotional and spiritual comfort – nourishing skin, tissues, the nervous system, and regenerating at the cellular level. As I worked, I could feel my intention radiating out like a heat wave : for my client to experience optimal health, vitality, and wellness of body, mind, heart, and spirit.
As I’ve allowed myself to let go of my pre-conceptions of what “deep work” is, based on those negative experiences of the past, I’ve opened up to bring forth a style of bodywork that is uniquely my own and is totally in line with my core values. It has been a profoundly rewarding journey and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to reach past my comfort zone and integrate something new. I’m happy to share the benefits of what I’ve learned with all those who find their way to my table.
