A - Z Guide

What is Biodynamic Massage?

Biodynamic massage is concerned with the integration of mind and body. It involves a broad range of techniques that work not only at the physical level of skin, tissue, muscle and bone, but also at the more subtle level of energy flow in the body.

In health, there is a relatively free flow of energy through the body and the system is balanced. But when the system becomes imbalanced, for whatever reason, blockages can occur in the energy flow that may lead to physical symptoms and ill health.

Biodynamic massage helps to dissolve the blockages of accumulated tension and bring the body’s systems back into balance, leading to improved health and well-being. Working with the effects and origins of stress, it can promote deep relaxation, improve the circulation and increase energy and well-being. It can also help to relieve chronic symptoms, such as headaches, tension, pain, digestive problems and insomnia.

Each course of treatment is designed to suit the individual’s personality and health needs, and the biodynamic therapist will select the appropriate techniques to restore balance and improve overall health.

History
Biodynamic massage was first developed in Norway in the 1960’s by Gerda Boyesen. Her unique contribution was discovering how we actually digest unexpressed emotions and the after-effects of stress through our digestive organs.

She called this process psycho-peristalsis. Hence, in a biodynamic massage therapy session the therapist will often listen to the peristaltic sounds of the client’s intestines through a stethoscope whilst working, to get feedback on how the system is unwinding.

Completing Cycles
Biodynamic massage stresses the importance of bodily rhythms such as: breathing in breathing out; waking sleeping; planning acting; relaxing resting.

Sometimes we get caught up in just one aspect of the cycle.

Biodynamic massage attempts to help clients complete these cycles and re-establish their natural rhythms. It aims to bring the nervous system into balance between excitement and relaxation, restore a good muscle tone, deepen breathing in and breathing out, help relax where there is too much tension and mobilise unused energy resources.

What benefits can be expected?
Biodynamic massage therapists are trained to help make sense of both the physical and emotional aspects of daily experiences. Sometimes people get in touch with feelings or memories which help them find a meaning in their current situation, and the massage therapist will give support and space for this process if it is chosen.

Biodynamic massage will increase a client’s awareness of his or her own body. It aims to encourage us to value and trust our bodies as part of our whole self.  It also helps to make connections between mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of our lives. This approach enhances the body’s own self-healing capacity.

What to expect
In a first session you will be asked to say a little about your life and medical history. This information will be treated as strictly confidential. During the massage you may remain fully or partly clothed, as you wish. Although you may feel some benefit after one session, a sustained change is only made possible by regular sessions over a period of weeks or months.