Neglected Abdominals

By Liz Schneider 2014

Look at all the connective tissue (white) attached to the abs--can you imagine what kind of restrictions and tension those are vulnerable to and the postural implications? We forget to stretch our abs--stretch baby stretch! (Disclaimer: please consult a physical therapist or trained professional when trying any new stretches/exercises).

Very few people have experienced an abdominal massage for a number of reasons.  It is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body (neck is the another), because it is not protected by bones and A LOT happens here. The area is a place of constant breaking down of food, assimilating nutrients and producing energy. It is a place of destruction, birth, and rebirth. An estimated 300-1000 types of bacteria that help us assimilate nutrients and drive our immune systems call this place home (please consult reliable sources for more information/verification). Additionally, social and cultural attitudes and values influence how we feel about this part of our bodies. Many people carry stress in the stomach and belly making them slouch, unaware they are "protecting" the area with defensive postures.

Personally, I love receiving abdominal massage. I know that massage therapists have a different view of the human body and I'm around this work all the time. Second, it's very soothing and healing to have this area treated. If we look at dogs for example, they roll on their backs and adore a belly rub. Assuming I know anything of what goes on in a dogs mind--when they trust and submit to authority, they are able to experience the relaxation effect of letting go of control and calming an active area. Our organs are encased in connective tissue which is also attached to more connective tissue that wraps our muscles as well. My clients who receive the work report less tension in their backs and an overall relaxation affect. HOWEVER, comfort is of utmost importance and I will only address this area when I have explicit consent from a client. It's not something I typically mention directly unless it's vital to the client's goals or I've worked multiple times with the client and a higher level of trust is achieved. If I sense a client is adventurous then I may simply explain how it may help.

Meditation and Mindfulness

WILLPOWER CAN BE CULTIVATED
I've been meditating consistently for approximately 9 years, multiple times a day in some cases. Meditation for me came from a desperate need to ease widespread pain, spasm, and sensitivity to stimuli. I had very little control over the external environment and so I was forced to harness my own internal reactions and processes. In my case, the motivation came from the sheer need to survive. The wild horse let loose within needed to be run hard every day. I got kicked in the head and trampled many times before I gained the trust of an overactive nervous system that did not respond well to being controlled.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen in Making a Good Brain Great describes two types of brains: one of willpower and the other running wild. By the way, Dr. Amen's brain scan clinic is here in Reston, VA and I find his books interesting and practical. They are not without fault and he overreaches at times, but he makes some profound points. Dr. Amen says that even if you have a brain running wild you can change it with enough focus, consistency and effort.

Meditation is one tool that is proven to reduce stress/cortisol, increase focus and this writer believes it can create an environment fertile for creativity, problem solving, reflection, growth and balanced brain chemistry.

WHERE MY MIND IS DURING A SESSION
So what does this have to do with massage? I'm getting there, I promise. During a session I'm practicing mindfulness. This is where I am actively engaging all the senses in to a session--NOT just touch. I'm paying attention to differences in skin temperature, watching breathing patterns and seeing where skin and fascia gather abnormally, feeling my own body mechanics, checking the tone of my voice, paying attention to room temperature, taking note when a client shifts, and making sure I'm not distracted by dehydration/thirst. I'm also dismissing external noise, being mindful of pressure, following direction of muscle fibers and noting resistance or weakness in muscles/connective tissues. It irks me to think of a therapist whose mind wanders. There's no room for that and I often think I could been MORE attentive every day I do this work. One of my goals is to be in the highest state of attention possible during a session. If I am clear and engaged, the client's nervous system will welcome me even further into the body-mind. Lastly, I do believe in energy work, but because it's so mysterious I'd rather not address "energy work" in this blog.


WHERE YOUR MIND IS DURING A SESSION
Clients can also "participate" in my and their own mindfulness while still fully relaxing. They do this by really feeling what I'm touching. Actively relaxing and breathing into tender areas can, I think, aid in cooperation. I must emphasize that forcing and willing are two very different things. Some people try VERY hard to relax and this only backfires. Being in control, but not controlling is a very tricky line to walk. During a session is a fantastic opportunity to practice mindfulness and meditation. Since a client is being touched their mind is less likely to wander and they can concentrate on being in the moment. Some may argue that meditation is simply being in the moment without judgment. Simply put, graciously receiving the world or handing over control to someone else is a freeing experience. Being free allows the rest and repair function to do some of its best work.

DOING IT "RIGHT" VS. CONSISTENCY: CONSISTENCY WINS
Employing my imagination and using visualizations are very powerful in my personal growth. In the beginning I'd have varied results. Sometimes I'd have very clear moments and then I'd try to cling to it and it would dissolve. Consistency instead of results was key in the beginning of my meditation practice. "Trying too hard" is normal and a phase in learning (or unlearning) how to quiet the mind. Don't take my word for it--do your own research and consult the experts.

FALLING ASLEEP DURING MEDITATION
Many people complain about falling asleep during meditation. It is normal to fall asleep. It still happens to me from time to time. It means I need sleep first before I can do anything else. I try to stay awake and present, but no need to complain about getting rest!!

SITTING UP VS. LYING DOWN
Some meditation practices will encourage you to sit cross legged or maintain some kind of challenging position. I say get comfortable. Many people cannot sit in these positions without becoming distracted by discomfort. I like to lay flat on my back, palms up, heart open. I want to give everything the opportunity to relax. Sitting has its benefits, but I make sure I do it in a chair, legs at a right angle, imagining my feet have deep roots into the ground.

VIDEOS: WHERE TO GET GUIDED MEDITATIONS
There are thousands of guided meditations on Youtube. Not all are created equal and certain visualizations resonate more strongly than others. If I don't like the tone of the narrator's voice or the content then I move on. I opt for 10-20 minute meditations and I use keywords like "guided meditation", "meditation letting go," "heart opening meditation," "body scan meditation," "meditation forgiveness," "meditation gratitude," "meditation for stress," "diaphragmatic breathing," and so forth.

BODY SCAN MEDITATION
Body Scan Meditations: get in touch with specific areas of the body through concentration and start becoming aware of where and how you hold stress:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7xGF8F28zo

CHAKRAS OR...GLANDS
What are chakras? Even if you do not believe in chakras, I think they are poetic descriptions of major glands and organs where there are high activity levels in the body. This is a fun, easy description regarding self-examination and where some people believe we hold blockages in the body. If nothing else it gets you thinking about why you hold tension in particular areas and taking some personal inventory. Who knew Nickelodeon had come so far!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02FkMr21xOA

Talking During a Session and Letting Go of Control

I'd like to address this frequently asked question. What is my opinion of talking during a session?  Massage therapists are taught to limit conversation during massage for a few reasons. Contrary to popular belief, the massage I try to execute is not a lower level motor function like driving. I'm not only concentrating on what I'm feeling, but I'm collecting information from the rest of the body and integrating various structures to follow the lines of tension. For example, if I'm massaging the shoulders I'm also tuning into the clavicle, sacrum, rib cage, as well as following breathing patterns and picking up on things I have a difficult time trying to explain. Without getting too mystical, those of us who work closely with and touch people every day all day develop what I like to call a physiological sensitivity. You just "know" certain things in this work. It is both a gift and a skill. I could expand upon that, but I'd rather leave that for one-on-one conversations with curious minds. For the sake of the session, the client does not need to know everything I'm experiencing to gain the benefits.

I speak during a session when I want to relay information that is relevant and helpful OR if I sense the client is having difficulty relaxing (or better yet their mind is far removed from the present moment). For the most part, when a client asks me questions during a session I find myself giving disjointed responses because I'm trying to stay connected to listening and following the patterns. The client has the right to speak as much as they wish, but I like to make them aware by answering briefly that it may temporarily disrupt the chains I'm following.

Typically, many people need to talk in the beginning or at points of the session that stir up emotions, memories and/or thoughts. This is healthy and normal. The greatest benefit a client can gain is to stay present during a session and feel what I am feeling, but try not to get too attached to anything that arises. Recognize it and then let it go---visualize it leaving your body through your feet, top of your head, hands and if you need to share something YES speak up. Otherwise, give yourself permission to let go of control.

Testimonial II for my massage therapy

I received another unsolicited testimonial from one of my longest standing and most loyal clients. This is one of the many reasons I do this work--I'm grateful to see a client's transformation and attitude change. Also, it is a great example of a person who used the massage therapy to grow into other areas of life and push their body into a new level of awareness and freedom. Massage therapy as well as other types of body work can open the door to a person who wants to gain control and power. Why go through life not knowing the potential and art of your own beautiful body? Whatever state you are in, I find you a magnificent work of art and am honored to work with you!!

This is a second testimonial I’ve written to compliment the talents of Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Schneider. 






Over the past one and one half years this writer has continued to receive massage therapy sessions from Ms. Schneider at least once a month.  I cannot say enough about her superb techniques, polished through her knowledge, dedication, and commitment to her craft of integrative massage therapy.  I can sense her therapeutic techniques/styles have matured, gained (writer’s thoughts here) through experience from the feedback she gets from her continuously growing client base.  I’ve also noticed that her dedication to the art of massage therapy has deepened.  Not once have I had a negative experience.  If something was not working, I would make suggestions and she would willingly alter her session, and we would work it out.  Those who read her blog and for some reason may be hesitant about massage therapy, or who have visited her once and were not sure about a follow-up visit, I ask what are you waiting for?  If for some reason your expectations were not met, communicate!   


In my April 2013 testimonial I mentioned I was experiencing positive “vibes” as a result of the relaxation response I get from Ms. Schneider’s massages.  What have I done since then?  I have participated in yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes, and continue my interest in music.  I exercise every day, stretch, meditate.  What lessons have I learned?  That it important to know your body - treat it with respect, and the mind and body will synchronize.     


How did I learn these lessons?  Although Ms. Schneider tells me it is all me doing these things, it is, unfortunately, the one time I disagree with her.  Through the sharing of her knowledge, as well as being a grateful recipient of her therapy, along with her encouragement, I attribute it to her.  Without her encouragement, without being the recipient of her knowledge and techniques, I honestly feel I would be deprived of many of the aforementioned benefits. 




The benefits of Ms. Schneider’s massages continue to resonate.  I thank her again for her courteous, respectful, and compassionate integrative massage therapy sessions.

Going "Deep" on pressure doesn't always produce the results you'd think...

I advertise deep tissue or Swedish  massage as options to choose from for clients. The public is familiar with these two terms and for marketing purposes it translates well. In truth though what I'm really doing is integrated massage, unless the client expressly asks for a Swedish massage and we've discussed it . What's deep for each person is highly individualized and sometimes the most gentle precise touch can go deeper than anything you've ever experienced.

Just because a muscle is located "deep" or under other muscles DOES NOT make it more important!! This is truly a folly of linear thinking. One reason it feels so good because those muscles are not touched by stimulus that the superficial muscles experience on a day to day basis. However, the "deep" muscles are not more important than others. They may be fatigued and doing specific, repetitive movements/contractions which make them tender. All the muscles are important and individual muscles do not exist in a vacuum.

So taking the hierarchy out of muscle location, it is very important that superficial muscles are properly warmed up and addressed first. These superficial muscles truly are the gatekeepers to the muscles located under them. You must negotiate and satisfy them first before going deep. If not, then they will go on lockdown and that's when we start to get unpleasant pain and at that point the massage therapist has lost the battle. It is an art form to knock gently and ask those muscles to relax enough so that they may work WITH the therapist to access the muscles down to the bone.

If you ask me, ironing out a body, stepping on it and forcing it to release is a lazy way to massage and can create more negative memories in the muscles. Just because you think you can take it, your body may not be able to and a therapist has to be able to listen with their hands to how the body talks. And let me tell you the body talks incessantly!!

This is what I do not believe in (photo above). Very few people can take this kind of pressure and remain relaxed enough for muscles to release. SOME therapists can do this, but they'd have to be very experienced, work slowly and are sensitive to pressure for me to be convinced to try it. Therapists have different beliefs on technique and some will disagree with me. I would argue that the therapist and often the client may not know if they have an undiagnosed anomaly in the spine or the body. Work using the feet can be used in certain areas and at certain times. However, I'd employ other non-evasive techniques that are much lower risk. Personally I don't want someone stepping on me--with exception of the hamstrings. It might look like it's doing something significant, but I think it's for effect and people don't know any better.

Do not discount what long sweeping strokes can do. I wasn't a believer in the lighter techniques until I massaged for a couple years and saw that I could use significantly less pressure and still go down to the bone with the client relaxed. I myself have been injured by very deep work which was very expensive and I needed a Swedish massage the next day just to smooth over all the jarring it caused. It was an expensive learning experience and within a few days after the massage I felt like my body recoiled like a rubber band and returned to an even more defensive tightened state than it was before the massage. This is TRAUMA and yes your body remembers it and goes into defensive mode when triggered.

Think about when you do a belly flop on the water (the body being a therapists hands and the water being the client)--the body absorbs the sudden burst and the water is only disturbed on the surface. It might look like it's a hard hit, but more so on the person, not the body of water. I'd much rather dip slowly into the pool and make my way to the bottom.

The Mystical "Healer" and other Attitudes/Beliefs about Body Work

I am wary when professionals and clients refer to body workers (massage therapists, chiropractors, energy workers, acupuncturists, etc) as healers. I personally do not refer to myself or others as "healers." I am of the school of thought that healing comes from within the client when the body worker creates an environment conducive to healing.  I will disclose first and foremost that I am in no way an authority on psychology or physiology. I am one more person with an opinion and I hold experiences and failures and successes like everyone else. Everyone has to decide on their opinion as to the "healer" if they decide to go to a professional (or unprofessional) for body work.

The term "healer" suggests that the body worker has the ability to eradicate pain, drawing on an external source. The sufferer needs this outside source to be able to bring the body back into balance or "fix" a problem. My issue, as stated previously, is that "healing" is a very high expectation and if it is not achieved or the results are not permanent then it can create a sense of despair in the individual, hindering progress and perhaps driving a wedge between the alleged healer (body worker) and client. Time and time again people come into the rehab center who have seen a string of professionals and they are deeply dissatisfied with the results or how they were approached. It may be the case that the client really isn't getting help. But, I'm not referring to those people. I'm speaking of the people who expect to be fixed (perhaps also with some kind of mystical experience). This person may not have acknowledged or owned up to their responsibilities by making real changes in their lifestyles, attitudes and health. Constant disappointment in lack of results only fortifies pain and negativity within and they are not able to see their role or power as their own healer.  I hate to break it to some of you, but the body is dynamic and constantly changing. It's also a thing of habits and patterns over weeks, years, and decades.

So what is it then that body workers do if they don't heal??? I believe that they create space. The body is always seeking to return to optimal alignment and balance. Sometimes muscle and connective tissues are wound so tight and dense that the skeleton keeps hitting resistance when it tries to "click back" into balance. Moreover, our inefficient postures (think hunched over) are so conditioned that both the body and mind accept it as the new normal. When the muscles are relaxed, stretched and stimulated coupled WITH the openness and positive attitude of the client, the nervous system  (the true healer) allows the muscles to relax, let go of accumulated tension and hopefully move towards a healthier and efficient posture. I believe that massage alone can offer many benefits, BUT when it is used in conjunction with physical therapy and perhaps chiropractic care, plenty of water and nutrition, and stress reduction then true healing can occur. Massage therapy can break-up adhesions and expedite this process, getting a client to a place they can't get to themselves. But, if the nervous system is not participating due to mental, emotional or physical blocks then it can only go so far.

I like to think of progress as a multi-layered process that abides by the individual's own internal time frame for change. The deepest layer is true healing and transformation resides within the individual. My clients with positive attitudes and healthy lifestyles report more excitement about progress with their bodies, thus encouraging the mental to follow suit. Hopefully, the frequency between pain episodes becomes less and less and the client gains a sense of control over their quality of life. Pain patterns can disappear, wax and wane and others move from one place to the other in the body. Speaking with my own body, they tend to wax and wane. I haven't had an issues disappear and that's ok because they are so infrequent that they do not interfere with my life. Sometimes they are triggered by an emotional event and other times due to my own lack of discipline or falling back into inefficient postures (i.e. hunching over at the computer).  Can they be totally healed? I don't know--this might be a question for another professional. I just know for myself that I have to set realistic expectations and maintain a positive attitude and openness about my capabilities as my own healer. It can be a very challenging  wave to ride, but if one learns to swim and ideally surf then it becomes much less stressful to cope with. One doesn't learn to surf in a day and certainly a body that has been doing the same motions for years or decades is not going to respond in one session or sporadic attempts. The body often mirrors the effort put forth.

As time passes, I become more and more a woman of science. I want to see experiences measured and given the justice they deserve through empirical study and not accept claims of "mystical" healing. It limits the client's perception about what is possible and can backfire because results run the spectrum of placebo to unexplained. As I learn more and more about what people go through with physical therapy, the more I want bring awareness to the public about what is possible within themselves.

How is a client supposed to "act" during a massage??? Gas, Underwear and Pimples

I want to get the awkward moments out there and just let it all hang out. Why not? No point in getting a massage if the whole time you are worried about passing gas, if your arms are in the right position or what to expect. Anyway, people ask me these details in social settings. Well here's what you are all wondering...

***General Etiquette***

Hygiene: It would be nice if the client showers before the massage or at least same day. I understand that most people are trying to fit in a massage between activities so I'm not a stickler on this--read more for my gross out tolerance.

Underwear on or off?: You may disrobe to your absolute comfort. It makes no difference to me as long as you are comfortable. I can work with people who are fully clothed to completely nude under the sheet. I prefer less because I work with lotions and the long sweeping glides allow me to address the muscles completely. Either way--this is about your comfort, not mine and some people have cultural and religious reasons for not disrobing. Always be comfortable.

Moving during a massage: Yes please move around if you have an itch or your arms are uncomfortable and you need to hang them off the table or put them beside you. I will work with it. If you are face down and it hurts your lower back, pipe up! There are always modifications for your individual needs. In short, you don't have to lay there like a mummy unless you want to.

 "Helping" the massage therapist:. I used to do this myself because I thought it would make the therapist's job easier and second I couldn't relax and let go of control. Let me give you an example so you understand what "helping" means. Sometimes when I get to massaging the arm, the client will give me their arm from under the sheet and leave it tense in my hand. Or when I bring a leg up to stretch, the client will activate that leg to lift it. This is where you can be a mummy--When I'm moving around arms and legs, necks and heads, it is to the client's benefit to be completely passive. You will get a better stretch and effect if you are passive. I will prompt the client for any movements where they need to be involved.

Music and other sounds: If the client doesn't like the music or would just like to have silence or the fan, I encourage them to let me know. I will not take any requests personally. Again this is about YOU! I'm so zoned in to my movements I usually don't hear the music or register outside noise.

Talking during the massage: I will not initiate conversation with the client unless they speak first. Then I will answer the question briefly. If someone needs to get something off their chest or they just have questions, they are absolutely welcome to talk every second of their massage--it's their time. However, I know for me I can't give a really stellar massage when I'm having a conversation. All the focus and energy needs to be in my finger tips, hands and body mechanics. The body speaks and I have to listen to where it is guiding me. The millimeters of knots and unhealthy fascia (connective tissue) is so subtle that the finger tips actually become hyper sensitive over time. My body is engaged in full on nurturing and feeling for the hidden nuances in the body.

Tipping: tips are not required, but the are appreciated. I understand that it's a lot of money to shell out $95 or $135 for a massage. So if you don't tip, I'm not keeping a ledger and cursing you under my breath. Just pass my information to anyone you know that may need body work. I appreciate that so much more than a tip. I love this work. If you have money to spare, I greatly appreciate it. But, life can be financially difficult and I will not think any less of you if you can't afford it.



***** Embarrassing possibilities  ****

 Massaging Live on Air. This is what I call fun!

Gas: let's get right to it. People pass gas every now and then during a massage. I really don't care--in fact that's a great sign that your body relaxing and the elimination process is kicking in. I had one woman tell me right up front "I always fart during a massage." She really didn't care. Listen people, I grew up with a twin brother who would fart on me as a form of torture and my dad's morning explosive fart signaled the beginning of the day. My gross out tolerance is VERY high. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty or touch the body in whatever stage it is and I'm not scared of gas--loud, smelly, squeaky. Just say "excuse me" and own it. Laugh it off, be embarassed, it's a bonding  moment ;) .

Pimples: Very little opinion here. I don't care. I only care if they are sensitive to the touch and then in that case I will avoid the pimple. I don't have any qualms about gliding over them. I had body and facial acne until I was about 20. It was very embarrassing and I'm sensitive to a person's reservation about being touched with blemishes. I'm more concerned with spreading an infection and your healthfulness.

Body odor: Again, I'm pretty tolerant. I might use some natural oils to cover up any smells. Still. I massaged some sweaty, sandy, sticky bodies in the heat of Costa Rica. You can't do this job if you have hang ups about bodies.

Body hair: I don't care or judge. I have no opinion about women who shave or don't shave. Hairy backs? Bring em on.

Erections: Yep I'm going there. They happen. Sometimes just blood flow and stimulation in a particular area (sometimes not even anywhere near the penis!) can cause an erection. HOWEVER, if the client's intent is to get an erection and is engaging in sexy thoughts, that is NOT OK. I will end the massage and ask the client to pay and leave immediately. But, I will give the client the opportunity to explain. I try to keep extra blankets/sheets around that area for the man's comfort.

Crying: it happens. People have emotional releases on the table where they start crying, laughing or have some kind of intense emotional reaction. The massage room is a safe place to express those things. I've had one myself. It is a sign that something is moving in the body and should be expressed in a safe place. It is a great compliment for someone on my table to have a release. It means we were working together and making change happen. However, if intense emotion arises that is overwhelming or feels like it is coming from the massage, then taking a break or stopping might be the best option. I will honor the lost time at another session.