From the January/February 2009 Massage & Bodywork (p. 50):"Eric Kandel, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2000 for his research on memory and brain function, reported that new synaptic growth and subsequent brain change is only long-term when the new experience is repeated. If we reinforce our novel experiences, we strengthen the neural net that supports them. If we do not, the new neural circuitry decays within a month. [...] Bodyworkers are positioned perfectly to make these kinds of revolutionary differences in their clients' lives.[...] The quality of one's attention when providing somatic treatment is transmitted directly through the therapist's hands to the client. This is, of course, a two-way street. The therapist is continually receiving bioelectrical messages from the client's body even if, and perhaps particularly if, the client is asleep. Just below the level of discursive thought bioelectrical channels chatter away...."
What I love most about giving and receiving Breema bodywork sessions is that the focus for the practitioner is on their own experience, their awareness of their own body shifting weight, recalling Breema's 9 Principles of Harmony, rather than diagnosing the client's problems. (There's a time and place for that, true, even in my own Ayurvedic consultations.)
The end result is one of deep tranquility in the mind of the practitioner and very deep relaxation for the client. Sometimes a nurturing quality is present for the client, and also often a refreshing 'zing' of energy afterwards.
And all without either the client or practitioner having to 'effort' their way to an explanation of what needs to be 'worked on,' 'fixed' or diagnosed.
As a client for three solid years before I ever learned the practitioner's methods, I loved not having to talk during the session or direct the practitioner's attention to any particular area to work on; I could just 'be.' And intuitively, she *always* got around to areas in my body that most needed kneading or holding or stretching. How amazed was I when as a Breema student I realized that she was doing all this just by fully tuning in to acceptance of HERSELF!
http://www.breema.com/
