The seasoned Massage goers are often puzzled when they see this modality offered. What is it? How can it benefit us? What is so special about it? Hopefully I can put into layman’s terms the concept behind this relatively new therapy in the massage world.

Within every living organic thing there is an element of motion, of movement that dictates how we function. Like the ticking of a clock signaling the movement of many small parts making up a beautiful time piece, the movement within all of us governs our well being. From the earliest point in our cycle of life, our body begins to record and playback our existence which can have positive or negative effects on us. This “motion of life’ is manifested by subtle, rhythmic pulses which can be felt and palpated my sensitive hands.

Over 100 years ago Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopath, realized that the sutures of the cranium, that until then had been believed to be rigid, actually had a minute movement. Almost as if they were breathing.

There are at least three rhythms identified as “tides”:

• The cranial rhythmic impulse:  a superficial rhythm expressed at a rate of 8-12 cycles per minute
• The mid-tide:  carrying ordering forces into the body at a slower rate of 2.5 cycles per minute
• The long-tide:  a deep and slow rhythm once every 100 seconds, this tide is considered to be the beginning of the life coming from the center of our being. The ‘Breath of Life’ if you will.

This Breath of life is an expression of the health of the body. The fluids containing these rhythms are important for transporting and disseminating the healing properties throughout our body. Like the sap in a tree carrying vital fluids within to keep it healthy.

From early on in our development, this rhythm keeps us functioning in a balanced way and any disturbance in that balance affects our overall well being, events such as trauma of surgery, accidents or other stressors. These stressors become locked within our bodies and act as sites of inertia. Like placing a boulder in the middle of a flowing river disrupting the natural flow. In turn, these sites of inertia become imprinted in us at the cellular level like a video recording and replay when stimulated by similar events or triggers.

The therapist ‘reads’ the body of the client through subtle palpation of certain areas and encourages the sites of inertia to release, bring back into balance the body and mind. Often the client does not need to disrobe. The therapist places hands on strategic areas of the body and it could seem at first as if they are not moving at all, hence the term ‘massage-less massage’. But soon the client begins to feel a deeper than normal relaxation as balance is restored to their well being.
This treatment is also good for the therapist as they have to focus so much on the rhythms being felt and stay so in tune with the client. It helps to keep their attention on the client without the common distractions of the mind. For instance, you will never be able to read a clients ‘tides’ if you are thinking of what to have for dinner! It is a good exercise we as therapist can all benefit from. Even in a Swedish massage, our focus should be on the client at all times, ensuring that they receive the very best out of every treatment we provide.

Look into classes to expand your horizons and incorporate this rewarding modality into your practice and may your success be as great as the mighty tree!

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