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The following text is taken from the AHBMT's leaflet:

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. As a clinical psychologist she became interested in the effects of massage on people’s mental health. This led her to train as a physiotherapist and to use massage in her psychology practice.

Boyesen’s 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. We believe that the body uses such rhythms, or cycles, to self-regulate, and if they are
allowed to run their full course, the whole organism will be healthy.
The diagram below illustrates such a cycle.

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

• Planning – constantly having ideas but never getting them off the ground
• Acting – leading such a busy life that the effects of it are not noticed until a crisis occurs
• Relaxing – there are people who want to relax but find it difficult to let go
• Resting – is a vital element in recovering the energy needed for future activity.

• 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 makes the depth of biodynamic work possible is the relationship between the massage therapist and the client. The development of trust is very important and helps each person to become engaged in discovering more about him or her self.

The massage therapist works in close co-operation with the client, being sensitive both to comments and the body’s non-verbal signals.

What benefits can be expected?

Touch that is sensitive, appropriate and compassionate creates a sense of well-being.

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.

How we breathe directly affects our energy levels, and our ability to let go of tension and worry. The massage therapist tunes into the rhythm of the client’s breathing to encourage a sense of expansion and pleasure.

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. You will be kept warm and comfortable at all times and your privacy is ensured throughout the session.

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.

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