Author: Noriko Miyake

for Myofascial Pain       The Practice of Informed Touch

by Donna Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T & Steven Finando, Ph.D.,L.Ac.

Extract from Chapter 2,    QI, MOVEMENT, AND HEALTH

…..Perhaps most intriguing and powerful aspect of Oriental medicine is its direct connection to universal principles. The Taoist application of cosmology to human health – the view of the human being as a part of a much broader universal system – is foundational to understanding the ancient Oriental approach to health care. Seeing the human being as a microsystem that is part of a macrosystem is intrinsic to understanding how to treat health problem…..

…….. Health requires movement; when movement ceases, life ceases…..

….Qi, like other metaconcept, is in the same category of definitional complexity. However, once we relate the concept of qi to movement, we hold a rather elegant idea that bridges Eastern and Western views of life and health.

Myofascial meridian therapy operates from this simple unifying construct. Movement, harmonious activity, unimpeded flow of bodily fluids, unimpeded nerve transmission, and the free range of motion of muscles and joints are all connected to health and life.

Given the functional definition of qi as movement, myofascial meridian therapy is concerned not with “moving” some substance called qi, but rather with removing or minimizing disruptions to movement itself. Our inclination is to trust the inherent wisdom of the body, we endeavour to provide an optimum environment in which the body can heal itself……..

….Myofascial meridian therapy is concerned with constriction not only in the muscles but also in the fascia. The fascia is unique in human physiology, existing as a single continuous sheath that extends from the head to the toes, encasing every organ, muscle, and muscle fiber as it winds through the body…..

…..Doctor of osteopathy John Upledger describes the fascia as “a maze which allows travel from any one place in the body to any other place without ever leaving the fascia”….

Foundations of Massage

Authors: Lisa Casanelia & David Stelfox

Extract from Chapter 4 – the importance of touch – Sheena Worrall

….Smith states that this kind of tactile interaction has profound effects on the neuroendocrine system, making it possible for animals that are naturally excitable and aggressive to live calmly in close proximity to one another (Smith 2000:92). Like other primates, humans also seem to find touch an important way to bond, communicate and enjoy positive experience together.

An act of touch as simple as holding someone’s hand can have a major impact on their physiological and psychological state.

…..The profession of massage is a caring one. Massage therapy addresses the need for positive sensory experiences and comfort. Physical contact through positive touch may foster a powerful sense of connection and caring. This sense of connection with the environment and other people may be an important source of strength and comfort of humans. Massage therapy can help with this.

Physiotherapy educator Gjertrud Roxendal claims that massage is communication. She believes that the therapist, in caring for the client, is sending messages via the skin, especially the question: ‘How are you?’ The client receives the care and in turn answers via changes to breathing, muscle tension and skin reactions. Roxendal also believes that massage confirms the receiver through the body. The fact that the therapist is prepared to touch the client confers on them acceptance and validation as a person (Roxendal 1990).

…. A lot of the psychological benefits of massage therapy seem to relate to the establishment of a close and trusting relationship between client and therapist. Positive touch engenders a sense of confidence in the therapist (De Domenico & Wood 1997) and demonstrates caring and concern. Massage can evoke feelings of acceptance and respect for the body and psyche of the person being touched (McCabe 2001). ……..