MASSAGE + YOGA

What is Myofascial Release?

So what is MFR? Mayfascial Release is a buzzword often used to describe deep tissue massage techniques. MFR is not a deep tissue technique. It is a whole body approach where a long gentle hold that engages the fascial system, and waits, for this system to release itself. By using this approach, the body is able to heal itself.

Whenever you experience trauma, either physical or emotional, or perform repetitive motions with improper form, you affect the fascia. They can cause the fibers to become restricted and the ground substance will become solidified. This prevents nutrients and nerve impulses, among other things, from reaching your cells. It can also put as much as 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch on your cells. You may feel the pain from these restrictions immediately, or it may take years of small restrictions before you feel the pain.

Myofascial release is the ONLY manual therapy that can change the collagen fibers of the body. Traditional massage, mobilizations, and manipulations only address the elastin. When you apply a long gentle hold, the first 90-120 seconds releases the elastin. After that, there is tension, or a hold. You have to wait an extra three to five minutes to release the collagen. This is where the magic of myofascial release comes occurs. By waiting those extra few minutes (or even longer), you can create a permanent effect on the body. In other modalities, the elastin is released, but the collagen will pull the elastin right back to where it was . . . and the pain returns.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle manual technique developed by John E Upledger, uses the craniosacral rhythm to communicate with the body. For example, a skilled therapist places their hands in certain spots in the body to feel the craniosacral rhythm. When they feel an area where the rhythm does not flow correctly, the therapist knows this area needs attention.  This therapist then feels the changes in the rhythm to guide the session and decide what the patient needs.  This technique allows the client to guide the session and the body to heal itself versus the therapist “fixing” the patient.

What is Craniosacral Rhythm?

The craniosacral rhythm is the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid flowing through ventricles in the brain and down the spinal cord. First, this fluid helps remove metabolic waste from the brain back to the bloodstream. Also, it serves as a cushion to the brain, protecting it from head trauma. Finally, it travels through the body every five to ten seconds, and the therapist can feel it with light pressure on the body. However, damage to the body will change the feel of this flow, and the practitioner will know where to work based on how the rhythm feels throughout the body.

How does it work and how can it help?

Craniosacral therapy involves gentle pressure used throughout the body and skull to help return the craniosacral rhythm to its natural rhythm. A craniosacral therapist does not fix someone or heal someone. Rather, they provide a space for the client to heal themselves. When the craniosacral rhythm returns to its natural flow, the body can heal itself.

Clients report feeling extremely relaxed and clear at the end of the session. Other reported benefits include decreased insomnia, decreased headaches, improvements with neck, back and TMJ pain, decreased stress and anxiety. Clients often report feeling more alert and present after a session.

Craniosacral therapy’s gentle approach often leave people shocked by its effectiveness. These subtle adjustments often provide surprising profound effects.