Rolfing Seattle

Rest and Sleep.

2011-11-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Rest.

Sleep.

Time and time again I can't help but notice how often many of my client's are feeling totally exhausted.

There can be many reasons for this. . .nutritional deficits, lack of exercise, and far too much stress and or anxiety.

One primal and fundamental need that seems to be forgotten in this day in age is, deep restful sleep.

In many ways sleeping is a practice. Similar to perhaps yoga or meditation. Sleep can be half hazard and on the run, or it can be a restorative mindful practice.

Some of us have lost or have never really understood the practice of sleep.

In this blog post, I hope to gently remind you of some simple steps that can be taken to honor your body's and psyche's need for sleep.

Sleep is essential for all mammals on the planet. Human mammals are not the exception to the rule. If you want a primer or a great teacher on the importance of sleep, look to your dog or cat!

Your body needs sleep. Deep sleep helps rejuvenate your muscular, skeletal, immune and nervous systems.

We are all different. Some of us need only 6-7 hours to feel fully rested. Others, such as myself, need anywhere between 8-9. Honor your body's circadian clock. No, you are not lazy if you need 9 hours of sleep.

Getting a decent nights rest also helps repair and restore your brain. We are more apt and able to attain higher cognitive functions, reasoning, and memory with enough REM sleep.

Not enough sleep can be attributed to hypertension, heart congestion and in some cases even diabetes.

So, what steps can be taken to once again honor this primal need? Here are a few. . .

1. Avoid TV before bed time. Or, for many of us this might also be...avoid your I-phone, cel. phone, lap top, web-browsing, movie watching, and facebook before bed time! Such multi-media stimulation doesn't allow our brain a chance to slow down and prepare for eventual REM sleep.

2. Avoid alcohol before sleep. Sigh...I know...I know...for some of us that means putting aside that glass of red wine. But wait! Feel free to have that night cap, just don't do it 4-6 hours before bed time. This rule of thumb applies to caffeine as well.

3. Create a regular schedule-ritual for sleep. Allow your body to know and find a rhythm of sleep that it get's used to. Sleeping 6 hours one night and then 9 the next and 5 the night after will wreak havoc on your body.

4. Now, word on the street says to avoid napping during the day. I say hogwash! I cherish my 20 min nap every day. I just try and do it in the afternoon. Afternoon siestas are gold if you can find the time for one.

5. Ahhh...your bed. Make it very very comfortable. As in, when you lie in it, you aren't too sure you want to get up again. If you are uncomfortable when you sleep, it's time to get a new bed!

6. Create a space for sleep that is quiet and has as little light as possible coming in. We need the dark. If you have lights in your room or street lamps glaring through your bedroom window, there is a good chance your body's ability to produce melatonin, an essential hormone produced by your body for sleep, will be impaired.

7. Your bed should be sacred. It shouldn't be your work station or phone bank! You have your office for those activities...

8. Create a ritual before going to bed. This could be reading, some stretching, or a nice hot bath. Remind yourself that you have done everything you could do this day, and the rest of the "to do" list can wait. I like to read with my cat about a 1/2 hour before bed time. This works like a charm.

Hopefully this blog post will be helpful for you. Even though it isn't Rolfing's primary goal, I am happy to know that many of you are sleeping much much better after a session.

Take care everyone!

Jim

Rolfing and Pregnancy.

2010-09-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

In my previous newsletter I talked about the pelvis and how creating balance in the pelvis is one of the fundamental cornerstones of Rolfing.

Our pelvis is a very sturdy yet sensitive creature. Change comes slow to the pelvis, and for good reason. It is meant to be stable and structurally sound.

That said, a woman who has been pregnant and given birth, contends with some radical transformations within and around her pelvis.

Amazingly, these fundamental shifts in her anatomy find some semblance of balance once again after giving birth. However, considering how much her viscera and pelvis goes through, more often than not, everything doesn't go back where it should!

Sometimes, many weeks and even months go by after birth without any major aches or pains to speak of. Yet, some time later, I do have clients who come in and are flummoxed... They are dealing with a great deal of pain in their body that they have never experienced before.

How does this happen?

One major player you already know is the Uterus. The other you may not be as familiar with is...The Peritoneum.

The Peritoneum is like a very large and resilient sheet of saran wrap that holds and contains most all of your organs. It starts near your pelvic floor and wraps up and around the base of your diaphragm. Please see diagram to the left. The Peritoneum is indicated by the color pink.

And the Uterus...

Remember that I mentioned that the Peritoneum, aka saran wrap, holds most of your organs. Well, the uterus lies just below it. So, as the uterus grows and grows and grows, it pushes up aaallll the other organs and the peritoneum above it, sometimes up to a foot or more! The Uterus is now the big boss in town. The Pelvis is directly affected by organs that are displaced and squeezed into new and interesting positions.

Now, when birth happens, the uterus abruptly descends. After weeks and months go by, the uterus begins to find it's original shape.

Back to the Peritoneum...

The Peritoneum, or, the saran wrap which holds all of your organs, tries to come back to it's original contour and shape as well, yet this doesn't always happen. Take a sheet of saran wrap, gently bundle it up into a loose ball, and then try and bring it back to it's original shape. Not going to happen... You will have created all sorts of wrinkles, catches, and interesting shapes.

Now, please read my blog below on Visceral Manipulation. In a nutshell, when our organs are displaced, or are unable to move around in a free flowing fashion, this creates not only imbalance in your pelvis, but a sleuth of discomfort and pain elsewhere in your body.

In a C-section, the body creates even more adhesions. Any type of surgery can, unfortunately, create scar tissue and long lasting adhesions. Couple that with the what happens with the peritoneum, and you may have even more compensations in your pelvis and throughout your body.

Fortunately, these compensations in the viscera, peritoneum, and the rest of the body can be changed quite readily.

The body, in it's infinite wisdom, tries and tries to conform to it's original shape and form before pregnancy. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen. Rolfing, especially Rolfing using Visceral Manipulation, can be profoundly effective in helping create balance in your body. Keep in mind that Rolfing should not be utilized as a modality when you are actually pregnant. After you are pregnant, Rolfing can be profoundly beneficial.

As a man, I do not know of the direct physical or emotional transformations that take place during and after pregnancy. I have, however, worked with many Moms, and have witnessed the absolute joy of motherhood as well as it's heartaches. I have worked with many Mothers who are once again reclaiming their body. I am grateful to have this opportunity. Hopefully the above blog post can help Mom's de-mystify some of the aches and pains that might follow pregnancy.

If you have any further questions about this blog post, or about Rolfing in general, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Anatomy Of A Session.

2010-01-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

In my most recent newsletter, I talked about how a session is looking like these days. In the blog post below, you can get a feel of how I incorporate Osteopathic - Visceral modalities into my work. I am still using good old fashioned deep myofascial work to get the job done.

The other day, I had a client come in with some neck pain. In the old days, I would have just done work on the various and elaborate musculature and fascia in and around her neck. If need be, I would have done so around the shoulder girdle, pelvis, legs and or feet if the work warranted it. I would have had some pretty good results, thank you very much.

These days, I am addressing not just muscles and their adjoining fascia, but also organs, arteries, bones, nerves, joints, and ligaments.

At the beginning of the session with this client, osteopathic "listening" (see blog below) and assessment brought me to the Popliteal Artery, on her right side.

Yes, you see the diagram to the left correctly. This artery is located in her calf. I know, I know, you are probably wondering, "Jim, ummm...hate to break the news to you, but the pain in her neck is in her neck." I understand dear clients. YET, keep in mind, one artery is part of a WHOLE SYSTEM. Ten to one bet that there is some difficulty of circulation in her neck, and this is just one link in a whole chain. The first link... the Popliteal Artery.

The Popliteal Artery provides a great deal of the blood to the lower extremities of the knee, calf and foot. It is an extension of the Femoral Artery. Often times, if you find restriction in this artery, you will also find structural anomalies in the ankle, foot and toes. Perhaps with our client, this lesion in her Popliteal Artery was not only indirectly affecting the circulation in her neck, but also her structure. Its possible her upper body, and neck, were compensating for the confusion in her lower right leg.

On to the next item!

After standing her up, I discovered that her posture had already improved by at least 60%. What shall we find next?

Yes indeedy, I was then drawn to her right Carotid Artery.

Well, I should have bet money. The Carotid Artery supplies the head and neck with a tremendous amount of blood. From the carotid artery, you will find a handful of other arteries branching off. This artery is the kingpin of the neck.

If it gets squished in any way, it will take everything around it for a ride. With my client, there was a strong downward pull near the carotid artery. The body, in its infinite wisdom, will make a critical choice: keep the muscles of the neck in healthy alignment OR keep blood flowing to the brain. Hmmm. The body takes the later. Thus, poor posture and neck pain!

What do we have next?

Jackpot, another artery of the neck! We now are drawn to the left Subclavian Artery.

Now, the Subclavian Artery is another major artery of the neck. Not only does is provide a great deal of blood to the head and neck, but also the upper thorax, i.e., the shoulder girdle and arms.

Who knows, perhaps my client hurt her left arm at one point, and her neck pain is a result of this old trauma. Again, we are dealing with whole systems.

After standing her up, I can see that the right pull on her neck is pretty much gone. For the remainder of the session, I release some traditionally stubborn myofascial structures in her shoulder girdle and neck. I can't help but notice, that most of these have already let go.

At the end of the session, my client reports feeling much better. Her posture is more solid and I can see her neck is floating rather than veering down and to the right.

Thank you for geeking out with me dear clients. If you have any questions about this blog, or my work in general, don't hesitate to let me know!

Visceral Manipulation.

2008-07-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Our bodies will do everything they can to protect the integrity and healthy function of our organs. We NEED to have a liver, lungs, heart, stomach et al. that works, and ideally, works well. If, during our day to day lives, something happens to our guts, whether it be stress, a blow or bad food, our bodies will sacrifice the integrity of our muscular-skeletal system in order to protect our way-ward organs.

Even if you have the smallest of adhesions on or around your stomach, there is a good chance that your shoulder might feel stiff, or your neck super tight. Why? Your body is recruiting other structures in your body to protect your stomach. Lo and behold, if the adhesions are removed, your shoulder pain will begin to diminish.

I use the following protocols and techniques to get the job done...

Functional Methods: Or Tricks of the Trade.

General and Local Listening.

General Listening. At the beginning of each session, you will find me gently touching the top of your head. If I leave my hand there for just a moment, your body will "break" at a particular or general spot. Sometimes the shoulder will fold forward, or your hip will sway to the left or right.

Local Listening. Once I have found this "break," I place my hand gently near the area where your body shifted. Here is the absolute kicker. My hand will be drawn to the precise area that needs to be worked on first. It feels as if there is a magnetic pull upon my hand. Once I know where to start, I have a variety of rich techniques to chose from.

First Barrier.

With "First Barrier" I take the tissue and move it either where it wants to go easily, or I take it where it doesn't want to go. Either way, once I have decided on a direction, the tissue will begin to...well...it begins to move! A dance of sorts begins to follow. Sometimes I follow the tissue into a new pattern, or I pull it back as it goes into it's old pattern. Within a few moments, the area quiets down. Voila, health is restored!

Motility.

OK, hands down, this is where Visceral Manipulation is just plain fun.

Each organ in your body has an intrinsic movement of its own that has been with you since you were a wee one in your mothers womb. It follows the same pattern of its embryological development. Many times this rhythm will get thrown off course. Stress, emotional exhaustion, food allergies, toxins etc can affect the organs natural rhythm, or motility. If the motility of an organ is altered, your overall structure will suffer as a result.

What I can do, is tap into this swaying movement and help get it back on track. I will actually take it deeper into it's dysfunctional pattern. This is called, "Induction.

When I do this, the organ will "ricochet" back into a healthier pattern. It's a slower dance, but it is deeply appreciated by your body.

In Conclusion

What this work is showing me is what I already knew, that the body truly has the intelligence, wisdom and history to find balance and health once again. My job is to LISTEN. That, and help coax your body back to where it yearns to be, at peace with it's own self.

Rolfing and Emotions

2008-02-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, your emotional life can become quite rich while you are getting Rolfed.

Since this is such a complex field, I thought I might simply share with you some of my thoughts and observations.

I. Experiences.

In my newsletter I talked about some of the emotional phenomena that begins to unfold during Rolfing. "During Rolfing" entails not only the session itself, but the time in between sessions, and even after the completion of Rolfing.

On one end of the spectrum, clients have experienced feeling a sense of melancholy or loss. Others have wept freely as they finally lay claim to lost memories and old pain. There are those too who have felt a deep sense of exhaustion, as if their nervous system has found the space and place to finally "let go."

On the other end of this emotional continuum, you will find those who become really pissed off between sessions for no particular reason. Indeed, this new found felt anger can be quite empowering. Clients have told me how assertive and clear they become in their relationships.

And every one's favorite: bliss. I have been told that client's begin to feel new movement within their body that feels spacious and clear. With this new found space, many begin to feel a greater sense of peace.

These, ladies and gentlemen, are simply but a few examples of the emotional stuff to be found during Rolfing.

II. What happens?

OK Jim, that's all informative and what not, but what in the hell happens to bring all this up?

Let's break it down to two categories: blunt and atmosphere.

Blunt first...

Sometimes during the course of our lives, you will experience a blunt trauma to your body and or soul. This can be a car wreck, broken leg, or that fall you took while playing soccer. When this happens, sometimes the brain is unable to fully integrate or "deal" with all that has happened.

So, our nervous system responds with gusto and glory to deal with the situation. The injury mends, but the memory of the event remains carved out in our bodies.

Afterwards, our nervous system may get stuck in a loop, a perpetual circle which never breaks. This ongoing tension may stay "On Hold" for years and years in your fascia, muscle tissue, and nerves. Along comes your good hearted Rolfer, and whammo, this cycle is touched, released, and the whole body is finally able to integrate this old, but simultaneously, new found information.

Atmosphere...

Certain thoughts or feelings around a charged emotional situation may be so overwhelming for someone that their body may simply begin to" hunker down" or adapt for the long haul.

Even though their might be a deep, deep need for our bodies and soul to heal, this is overridden by the organism's top priority: S U R V I V A L. Vulnerability simply isn't an option when one is under constant stress or threat.

Thus, during Rolfing, our bodies begin to slowly but surely let go of this long held armor.

This is rich territory. Clients might begin to feel anxious during this transition. Understandable. After all, our structures; our bodies have gotten us this far, why in the world would we want to deconstruct what has worked? This begs another question, is survival the same as living fully?

As this shell begins to fall, those once overwhelming emotions may finally begin to surface. As the emotional dust settles, where one was once frozen in the past, they suddenly begin to look around and, lo and behold, there is a life to be lived!

III. In Conclusion.

Never ever hesitate to touch base with me about any new, wonderful, and even scary emotions and or experiences that may crop up during Rolfing. Sometimes, as was mentioned in the above paragraph, one's survival may have depended on NOT sharing one's emotional state.

Not with me...

I consider it a gift to bear witness to your transformation, whether it be rage against everyone and everything, delight at being in your body, or a heart filled with sadness.

As a toddler told me the other day, "It's all good..."

Practice, practice, practice...

2007-08-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

The following interviews are with two die hard practitioners of Aikido and Ashtanga Yoga. Recently, in my latest newsletter, I discussed how important it is to have a practice that one can return to day in and day out regardless of life's circumstances.

"Practice" can be most any activity that brings you closer to state of equanimity, balance, or peace. Depending on life's circumstances, this can be a daily walk around Green Lake or perhaps two hours of meditation every morning at 5 a.m. (not I said the fly!)

Rolfing is a vehicle that can inspire you to find a discipline that best suits you. Time and time again, clients have discovered a new found energy to pursue endeavors that they had once pursued more fully. This, more than anything, can be deeply satisfying to witness as a Rolfer. Also, those who have had little or no desire to explore somatic or spiritual disciplines before, have found their curiosity stirred.

Please enjoy the following interviews. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Also, if you would like a subscription to my newsletter, just let me know!

Interview with Kimberly Richardson:

http://www.twocranesaikido.com

How has Aikido changed you?

Over and over again. At the bright age of 22, just out of college and grieving the death of my mother, I was in search of meaning and short on self-esteem. One of my first teachers said, "Aikido is about waking up!" That advice has framed my study. The practice of Aikido has given me a way to learn who I am-expand my spirit, sharpen my senses and open my heart.

How long have you practiced Aikido?

I have practiced Aikido most days for twenty-nine years.

Please describe the evolution of your practice.

I came to Aikido as a dancer. I loved the spiral movements, the spinning and tumbling. Unlike any study I had ever done, I found myself showing up for practice each day with very little effort-as if I were teleported to the dojo. The year that I began training, I was a student at the Naropa Institute (Boulder, CO), and practicing meditation with the revered Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trunga Rinpoche. The lessons I gleaned on that fire-red cushion were evoking - to be quiet for the first time in my life felt unworldly. But most of the time I struggled to sit on that cushion. So my surprise when I found something that I could hardly wait to do each day. I could practice moving and being quiet simultaneously.

The psychological lessons I have learned from Aikido have guided me in facing the major events of my adulthood, both happy and devastating. It has helped me shape myself as a therapist and as a teacher; inspired me to sow the seeds that create lasting friendships and community and informed me about the power of compassion and forgiveness.

What about your practice fascinates you at the moment?

Aikido lets us see the laws of the universe in action. Because we can experience that big is in small and yin is in yang, we can aspire to imitate the movements of nature. We can stand straight and resolute like a redwood tree, roar like a raging river or float like a cumulous cloud. The movements can make us feel gratitude for the gift of our lives and give us a context for seeing how we are all connected.

The transpersonal aspect of the practice compels me. Every day I step on the mat I look for that aspect of spirit that resides under and or behind who I think I am.

What challenges do you face with your practice?

1. Injuries challenge me. I know that I learn precious lessons from them.

2. Balancing the art of training with the art of running a dojo is intriguing. I am grateful to those who have helped me create and sustain our school and I pretend sometimes I am a monk in study-just to slow it all down.

3. The learn and forget part-maintaining the faith that things I knew 20 years ago are in there somewhere and bound to show up again.

Why do you do it?

For all of the reasons stated above.

Interview with Troy Lucero:

http://troylucero.com

How has Yoga changed you?

Hmmmm... Well, it's been nearly 20 years now. I started formal practice in 1988. So, I think it's a bit hard to separate how yoga has affected me with how life has affected me. I hope it's helped me to become a healthy, sensitive and more loving human being.

How long have you been practicing?

20 years of formal asana (posture) practice is the straight answer. However, when I was 8 or so, back in the early 70's, I saw this variety show called, "That's Incredible." One evening they had a loin-cloth wearing yogi on the show. As I remember it, which could be faulty of course, this guy climbed into a Plexiglass box all tied up in a knot. Then they dropped the box into some water and left him there for a portion of the show while they went about the business of showing other "incredible" things. They'd check in on him every now and then to show that he was indeed under the water and getting no extra air. After a while they lifted the box out of the water, let him out, and everybody oooohed and awed.

I was impressed enough to start working on holding my breath for longer and longer periods of time. This was my first sustained pranayama practice. I've been obsessed with breath practice ever since. So, I guess we could say that I've been practicing for 35 years although I wasn't to get any formal instruction in pranayama for another 16 years.

Please describe the evolution of your practice.

Without writing a book about the details I think it would be fair to say that my practice has gone from gross to subtle and back to gross while continuing to pay attention to the subtle. In the beginning it was important to learn technique, build strength, relax into flexibility, and develop the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. I spent the first 15 years or so practicing in the traditional format, working at pushing the limits of my body to perform more difficult and complex poses.

These days my asana practice is still quite vigorous but not nearly as complex. I've learned, more than a few times the hard way, what the limits of my flexibility are. So, even though I still work at my flexibility, I tend to pay more attention to the subtle aspects of practice: clean concentration, center of gravity, stability, efficiency of movement, freedom of breath, strength with ease, noticing the interplay of opposing forces, staying sensitive with what is internal and while maintaining a relationship with what s external and just generally noticing how my mind works; noticing what are my beneficial and detrimental habitual patterns.

What about your practice fascinates or intrigues you at the moment?

I think what's fascinated me for a while now is the oscillation of awareness between the periods of self absorption and internal dialogue and the moments of being able to step out enough to make a true connection and have a real relationship with the world outside my body and my own personality.

What challenges do you face with your practice?

From day to day I have the same challenges as everybody else. Just showing up on the mat can be difficult when the list of things to do that keep a modern life organized seems endless. In the bigger picture, facing the reality of the slow and inevitable disintegration of the body can be difficult. This is especially true for those engaged in body centered practices. We learn to love our bodies and the amazing things they can do. And naturally we get attached to them.

The ironic thing is that yoga is ultimately preparation for death and letting go. So far as I know, the 10 out of 10 statistic hasn't been disproved yet. "No one gets out alive" as the saying goes. I'm remembering something my grandmother, a true church lady, said. We were talking about the preponderance of acquisitiveness when she commented in her Northern Virginia accent, "Some people seem to think they are going to take it with them when they go, but I'm afraid they're mistaken!" Ha! I loved that woman!

So, when we practice Yoga, we begin to witness the natural processes of the body and our relationship with it. These are processes that have been developing from the beginning of life on the planet. In the end, someone who has practiced well, hopefully will be able to cut through the natural fear of the unknown and give up with dignity something that he or she has never truly owned in the first place.

Why do you do it?

Primarily, it's fun. I love the situations when all the variables line up, the lines of communication are wide open, and a student (or students) and myself drop into the "Aha" moment together. It's those moments that keep me believing that Yoga is such a great vehicle for our times. For me, it carries the best potential for waking up to the brilliance and awe of human experience.

Questions 2: The Principles of Rolfing

2007-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Clients who have been working with me for quite some time have been very curious as of late. They feel wonderful changes taking place in their body. Before perhaps they would shrug and call it good. Yet, over time, I think many are wondering about how this Rolfing stuff really works.

Well, for now let me address some of the primary foundations of Rolfing. There are many, many attributes to this beautiful modality, and for this I will continue to post many a blog.

In my recent newsletter I briefly explored the primary principles of Rolfing. These being...

1. Wholism.

2. Support.

3. Adaptation.

4. Palintonicity.

5. Closure. (This one is still up for debate... More on that in just a second.)

As I mentioned in my newsletter, approaching my client with a wholistic intent allows me to work with the totality of the person. I try and understand their history, their cultural underpinnings, the psycho-spiritual makeup, and where did they get those new shoes anyway?

Within the context of wholism, I look at three major contributors to their structure: Coordination, Perception, and Expression.

Coordination may be lacking at various places throughout the body, or throughout the entire body. From a Rolfing perspective, often these inhibitions in coordination can be resolved through structural work. Over time the body simply begins to work better. However, movement work needs to be introduced from time to time if someone's coordination is still off. In this way the nervous system begins to find it's natural rhythm.

Perception has a profound affect on our structure. How we perceive the world shapes our dialogue and interaction with it. Where perception is closed off, our bodies follow suit. If, for example, you are unaware that there is actual space behind your head as you read this, you will be slumped forward. Bring awareness to where it is lacking, and by golly your posture will change.

Expression. Following perception is expression. How do we interact with our world. Relationship. Closed? Withdrawn? Gregarious? Joyous? Fearful? Often where perception is lacking, we cannot find expression there as well. First, open up perception, then MOVE into this new found space.

Support. Support is often found from below. Our feet carry ALLOT. Often, if our feet and lower legs are askew, they can throw your whole body out of whack. Try putting more weight on the outside of your feet. Notice what this does to your hips. Notice what this does to your breath. Now, try the reverse, bringing the arch of your foot downward. See what this does. . .

Adaptation. Sometimes shifts won't manifest fully until a variety of different relationships throughout the body are addressed. Early in Rolfing, allot of groundwork is covered, simply to prepare the body for changes that will begin to ensue on deeper levels. This is also called adaptive capacity.

Palintonicity. In the early days of Rolfing, Palintonicity was referred to as "The Line." The line is a metaphoric, and some would argue energetic, construct to which all of Rolfing is trying to help bring the body back to. This "line" starts from way above the head, goes through the top of your head, down through the base of your mouth, and down along the front of your spine, and leaves through the midline of your pelvis. This "line" is what I try to bring your body back to. In Rolfing it is assumed, and I believe rightfully so, that this "line" is the place our body naturally wishes to reside.

Two directional orientation, and two directional movement.

Closure. Well, we have to end the session at some point!

Closure is semantically misleading. Closure to many means END. I think what better describes this principle of Rolfing is resolution. Resolution on a fundamental level. There are varying levels of resolution. For some, this resolution may be found in the absence of pain in their left shoulder. This does not mean END however.

Healing is cyclical.

Perhaps this same client months down the road realizes that the pain has diminished in their left shoulder, yet it does re-appear from time to time under stress. Then, at this juncture, they may wish to explore this facet of their healing. Resolution at this crossroads may mean finding better ways to deal with stress, or perhaps re-examining the emotional damage that was done in a car wreck from years ago.

Well, there you have it my fellow rolfee's. All of these principles are fundamental signposts that I refer to as often as possible. They help ground the work, and they certainly help remind me that Rolfing is indeed radical in scope. As a Rolfer, I want to help move the sky, and not just a few stars.

Feel free to email me with any questions that you might have!

j.allbaugh@worldnet.att.net

Questions

2006-11-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

Recently I asked current and previous clients if they had any questions they would like to ask me about Rolfing in particular and body work in general.

Thankfully, I received quite a few...

One of the first questions I received was one of my favorites.

"During a Rolfing session, my stomach starts to growl. Afterwards, I sometimes get very hungry. Why is that?"

It is so true! Sometimes a client's stomach will want to get in on any conversation we are having. Usually, my client's are wondering, why is my stomach making such a racket? I always tell them, "It's a good thing!" Here is what happens and why.

Unfortunately, we live in a fight or flight world. Even though it isn't really necessary, we live in this self induced and culturally sanctioned place called "stress."

One branch of our nervous system is called the Autonomic Nervous System. This puppy is the brains behind the brain. I.e., it doesn't think so much as it acts.

The hypothalamus is the prime regulator of the The Autonomic Nervous System, or ANS. It's in the brain, and it's tiny. It may be tiny, but it has a tremendous impact on our bodies.

From the hypothalamus, you've got two branches of the ANS. One is called sympathetic, the other is parasympathetic.

The sympathetic runs tightly along the spine, and then branches out throughout the body. What does the sympathetic nervous chain do?

It dilates the eyes, thickens saliva, dilates breathing, stimulates the secretion of adrenalin, increases heart rate, and here's the kicker, decreases digestion.

Sympathetic = fight or flight.

And the lovely parasympathetic?

The parasympathetic branch of the ANS is responsible for the constriction of the pupils, secretion of saliva (How many times have I drooled during a Rolfing session or massage? I can't count them all...), decreases heart rate, and, here we go, increases digestion.

Parasympathetic = chill out.

So, often times, during a Rolfing session, we interrupt the loop of the sympathetic ANS. So our body which is often, too often ruled by the sympathetic, has an opportunity to explore the parasympathetic. Don't get me wrong here, we need the sympathetic. We just don't have to live there day in and day out.

So, next time you are on the table getting rolfed, and your stomach starts to growl, and damn that sushi sounds good, I say, indulge! Enjoy the new found freedom of parasympathetic digestion.

Recommended Reading.

Don St. John, Ph.D. (2006), Limbic Hypersensitivity and Structural Integration. (article from IASI Yearbook, 2006)

2006-10-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Anatomy of a Breath

As you read this, your body is systematically and unconsciously bringing in one breath after another. This is a very rich and complex process. There is a anatomical symphony that is utilized to allow this to happen. A circular chain of events that are in perpetual momentum from the day you are born to the day you pass on.

Rather than write a exhausting essay on all that it takes to breathe, I thought it might be prudent and wise to simply discuss a few of the more critical anatomical players in breathing.

Also, with this Blog, it is my hope and intention to explore on a more regular basis the fascinating interplay of anatomy, structure, and form in Rolfing.

The Players

First off, I would like you to meet the one and only, "Diaphragm." Think of World Wrestling Federation here. The lights dim, smoke machine is turned on, fireworks explode, and walking down the runway comes..."The Diaphragm." Without this dome shaped muscle, ain't nothing going to breathe...

The diaphragm is a muscle that pulls down every time you breathe. Thus allowing the lungs to fill with air. Every time you breathe out, the diaphragm simply releases. Contract-breath in. Release-exhale. On and on it goes...

When the diaphragm contracts, it pulls on what is called the central tendon. The central tendon runs vertically from the nadir of the diaphragm down the front of the spine. This changes the volume in your chest, thus leading to the inflation of your lungs!

The lungs expand with every contraction of the diaphragm. The elastic tissue of the lungs is stretched.

With every release of the diaphragm, the lungs recede. The lung tissue begins to recoil.

Back to the World Wrestling Metaphor. Every big player also has a side kick. Well, on the outside of the breathing ring, but still integral to the working mechanisms of the Breath is "The Scalenes." Perhaps not as formidable as "The Diaphragm" but very important none the less.

The scalenes assist in helping lift the top ribs and the upper part of the thorax (in other words, your chest.)

In lifting the top ribs up, up and away, they are key players in allowing the ribcage to expand.

As you read this, see if you can feel the scalenes being utilized in each breath. Place your fingers on your scalenes. The diagram to your Left is the front of your neck.

Now, take a very full breath. At the apex of each breath, there will be a momentary shift in your scalenes. It's as if they momentarily shift downward, when in fact they are lifting your rib cage up. Try it out.

Well, that does it for the Anatomy 101 of a breath. In my latest newsletter I discuss ways in which you can explore and expand your perception of breathing. Feel free to contact me if you would like this newsletter.

One of the first and primary goals of Rolfing is to "Free the Breath." Freeing up the ribcage, releasing the diaphragm, as well as lengthening the scalenes are but two of many ways in which I help you re-discover what it feels like to truly Breathe...

An Interview with Diane St. John

2006-08-21T22:57:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone.

This is an interview with Diane St. John. She is a colleague of mine and is very good at what she does. She helps find ways for people to unwind, dissolve, and integrate trauma.

I hope this interview with Diane will help everyone understand that trauma is not at all a "bad" thing. Most everyone has unresolved trauma fixated somewhere in their nervous system. Perhaps this interview will help illuminate what some of us already know.

Thank you for visiting my blog

Diane can be reached at:

206-368-8145

Her web-site is:

http://pathsofconnection.com

How long have you been practicing?

In 1981 I began doing biofeedback as part of a stress management practice. At that time I was working primarily with people with headaches and TMJ/ dental issues. Since that time, I have been in private practice and working with many different types of people and issues; traumatic experiences, chronic diseases, emotional distress… I guess all of the things that practitioners find in their offices on a regular basis! I also teach professional and public workshops with my husband, Don.

How did you start?

Biofeedback was my starting place. Since that time I have been exploring and studying different disciplines: psychology; (i.e. Voice Dialogue, Psychology of Mind, the Enneagram, A.E.D.P., Peter Levine’s S.E.), somatic practices: (Primarily Hellerwork structural integration, craneiosacral, breathworks) movement (Continuum with Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper), and I have my own spiritual practice. I have always been interested in exploring ways to integrate and weave these together in a coherent way that works for me.

What are some of the more rewarding attributes of your work?

I really love working in a relational way with patients. I love assisting them in be coming more attuned to their bodies, more aware and more self-reflective. I appreciate being part of an individual’s growth and being able to support them in becoming more resilient and capable in meeting life’s challenges. I know also that this work challenges me to stay in a continuing learning process both for myself and for my professional growth; that is rewarding also.

What are some of the more difficult challenges?

I think for me, people who come to me to deal with a shock trauma (ie: an auto accident) and we discover that there are underlying traumas from a long time ago that haven’t been dealt with. How to open that up and deal with it skillfully is challenging. Also, meeting people where they are and being really present with them is an art form in itself that is challenging.

What kind of work do you do?

I work very eclectically; depending upon what I think would be the most appropriate for the patient. Helping people learn how to slow down and attend to their inner sensations is really important. Helping people to discover and attend to their hearts intelligence is also a big part of the work I do. I also educate people, helping them learn what is occurring in their bodies and how to understand and work with it. I sometimes use touch, movement and breath, sometimes on the table but more frequently I work in a dialogue format; using the relational part of our work as part of the healing journey.

What is trauma in your opinion?

Trauma is anything that overwhelms the organism’s capacity to feel, deal and process energy. If that energy is not processed, released or integrated, the capacity for the autonomic nervous system to stay in sympathetic-parasympathetic balance becomes overwhelmed. A person will be living in a flight or fight mode, resulting in excessive and chronic sympathetic nervous system activation. Over time this creates not only adrenal exhaustion but can lead to the onset of a host of physical or emotional symptoms.

What are some common signs of unresolved trauma?

Good question! There are many signs to look for; hypervigilence (the person who is always on the lookout for danger…real or imagined), chronic anxiousness, a tendency to overact to emotional or physical events, guardedness in the musculo-skeletal system, difficulty maintaining relationships, emotional volatility, a tendency toward physical or mental rigidity. People’s lives can become very narrow.

How can trauma be resolved and integrated?

Often this takes time; I would say some of the resolution depends upon the individual’s resiliency and their personal and social resources. This type of person, in my experience, is capable of moving through trauma fairly well. A person who is less resourced and resilient needs to have their sense of safety, resources and trust restored or at least ‘roughed-in’. This is often the most vital part of the work. Then I work to titrate experience (break it down in to bite sized and digestible pieces), and then help the body to release the excess energy in a manageable way. As this happens, I want to help each person create a coherent experience, that is: be able to recall and remember the event without activation. This is perhaps an oversimplification, but it gives you an idea of the process of resolution.

What is S.E.?

S.E. is a termed coined by Peter Levine which stands for Somatic Experiencing. Basically, it is tuning in to the subtle experience, the felt sense, which is always occurring in the body. By turning attention to these experiences and learning to be present with them, a person can become more familiar, even comfortable, with newly felt sensations. When there is avoidance or fear, the work is to help people learn to tolerate unusual or difficult sensations. This preparation facilitates the release of excessive energy which is what ultimately allows for the trauma to be resolved.

How does Rolfing and S.E. benefit one another? Similar? Different?

I believe that being aware of S.E. is an advantage for anyone working with the body. It is a way to educate patients and help them become more attuned to their experience moment to moment. They in turn are then more adept at dialoguing with their practitioner about what is happening for them…the work becomes an exchange with each other, a healing relationship. It is also useful for the practitioner to know when to back off and when to go forward with his (her) work…especially if the objective is to assist the patient in becoming more integrated physically and emotionally. They are two really different processes but I believe S.E. can be brought to Rolfing in a way that is very beneficial for the patient.

What are you curious about these days?

My husband and I are developing the work of Paths of Connection. I am also interested in learning more about the role of the heart and how this understanding can be useful in the healing of trauma as well as working with other health issues. I am studying attachment relationships and how to work with them. What happens in a baby and child’s early experiences that sets the tone for their developing ability or inability to engage with themselves and others successfully? There is just so much to explore!

2006-07-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

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