Bodywork
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How can Bodywork help you?
There’s no denying the power of Bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives assigned to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons you seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), the many different forms of Bodywork can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. The incredible benefits of Bodywork are even more powerful when taken in regular ‘doses.’
Over the decades, research shows that with Bodywork:
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow
- Preterm infants have improved weight gain
Mind/Body Integration. Mind and body have a reciprocal relationship. Soma (body) affects the psyche (mind) and vice versa. Hence there can be somatopsychic effects, in which the conditions of the body affect the mind and emotions, and there can be psychosomatic effects, in which psychological or emotional conditions affect the body. Change in one domain may cause change in the other. A habit or fixed pattern in one may also impede change in the other and require special attention. Often psychotherapy and massage or bodywork complement each other.
Reduction of Stress. Stress is increasingly believed to induce illness, and perhaps 80 to 90 percent of all disease can be linked to stress. Bodywork is an effective non-drug method for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Energy. Many modalities in this tradition work with the flow of energy through the body as a means to promote healing. Energy can be directed or encouraged to move through and around your body in such ways as to have an impact on the physical structure and function of your body as well as on emotional well-being. This work may involve hands-on contact or may be done with no contact with your physical body.
Overview
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing Bodywork, and Massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami explains that the more massage you get, the greater benefits you reap. Here’s why:
Experts estimate that upwards of 90% of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, Bodywork and Massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased anxiety
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Greater energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue
Body Work is any of a number of therapeutic or simply relaxing practices that involve the manipulation, Massage, or regimented movement of body parts. Examples include Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and Pilates.
Bodywork may be used as an adjunct to medical treatment, or it may be prescribed on its own as a form of Physical Therapy for certain conditions.
Bodywork and Manual Therapy are general terms that refer to body manipulation therapies used for relaxation and pain relief. Massage is a well-known form of manual therapy.
The idea behind Bodywork is that people learn—or are forced by injury or stress into—unnatural ways of moving or holding their bodies. This unnatural movement or posture changes the natural alignment of bones, which in turn causes discomfort and may contribute to health problems.
The aim of Bodywork is to realign and reposition the body to allow natural, graceful movement. Bodywork, along with identifying possible contributing causes of unnatural movement and posture, is thought to reduce stress and ease pain.
Bodywork treatment options may include
Bodywork is commonly used to treat
Explore the Research
We believe you should have access to high-quality research to help you make informed health decisions. Below are four trusted databases you can use as tools to expand your healthcare knowledge.
