Therapeutic Body Work

What is “body work”?
Bodywork simply refers to a combination of healing therapies.  Used stand-alone or in combinations, these non-thrusting (as opposed to chiropractic adjustments), non-forceful modalities are strategically utilized to achieve lasting results such as improved balance, greater ease of movement, and elimination of pain.  Bodywork is applied to our fascia, muscle, or skeleton to address dysfunctional and compensatory patterns.   Techniques such as neuro-fascial release, acupressure, trigger point therapy, and others have long been relied upon to bring about positive, desired changes in posture, flexibility, coordination and strength and inherent energy activation.

How can it help me?
Bodywork is helpful to anyone suffering from acute, or chronic pain, or who is seeking relief from any amount of stress.  (See how stress really affects us)

You do not have to receive chiropractic care from Dr. D’Anna to experience the benefits of bodywork.  It complements any style of chiropractic care or rehabilitative work you might be receiving. 

Bodywork supports more permanent, positive change in the body by addressing aberrant postural and coordination patterns through our nervous and fascial systems.  Usually, if only one component is addressed when seeking restoration and relief, the unaddressed component will recreate the aberrant, unwanted pattern. 

A key aspect of bodywork is the pause, or the time during a session when no work is being done.  Pauses occur to allow the recipient to re-calibrate, or integrate the suggestion being made to one’s structure and energy patterns.  A sequence of action and non-action is a basic rhythm of life, and when bodywork respects this premise it is more effective.

What are some types of body work utilized by Dr. D’Anna?
Following are some types of bodywork used by Dr. D’Anna:

Neurostructural Integration (NST) nsthealth.com
~Known as the homeopathy of bodywork                   ~Has the capability to resolve the irresolvable   

~Excellent for release of neural tension                       ~aka Bowen Technique

~Rapid reduction in pain, improved physiology, enhanced vitality

In a study conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) in Italy from ’04 to ’06, 95 % of the participants reported a positive outcome, and 80% reported a total resolution within 1 – 5 sessions.

NST provides a multi-layered effect as it sedates tissue in the body, resets organs and muscles through a spinal reflex arc, and promotes auto-regulation within us.  These effects are much the same as a Chiropractic adjustment, only applied in different manner.  The results are a reset of the nervous system, spinal integration and balanced muscular tension, rapid reduction in pain, and a more robust physiology.

Zero-Balancing Technique (ZB)   www.zerobalancing.com
~Relieves body aches and pains                                                  ~Releases restrictions in movement

~Provides relief from emotional distress, unwanted stress   ~Clears block in the bod’s energy flow

~Amplifies vitality and feelings of well-being

The basic Zero-Balancing protocol, which was developed by Fritz Smith, MD in the early 1970’s, introduces a clearer, stronger force field in a recipient through skilled touch, allowing for relaxation, even reorganization of their structure and energy.  The practitioner uses both finger pressure and gentle traction at key areas of the skeleton to balance forces of gravity, posture, and movement.  A person’s nervous system is calmed, their mind becomes clearer, and their overall structure is harmonized with their energy.  Dr. Smith chose the name for the technique following a session with a woman who stated the work brought her back to a “state of zero”, as she felt she had been “restarted”.  Others have described feeling centered, grounded, and empowered after a session.

Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT)  www.theprrt.com
~Uncovers hidden deeper muscle aches and stresses            ~Greatly diminishes pain in tense muscles

~Helps 75-80% of pain riddled patients                                   ~Effectively improves mental focus, physical flexibility

~Impactfully addresses headache, low back pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, jaw pain, arm, wrist, and hand pain

Following traumatic events our nervous system responds with normal, protective reflexes that occur without conscious intention.  PRRT relies on two most instinctual or primal human reflexes, the startle and withdrawal reflexes.  If someone has an overexcited startle reflex, evident during a quick exam, they have an upregulated autonomic nervous system and so are constantly in a “fight or flight state”.  When a reflex is activated, one muscle may contract while another reflexes leading to pain, and/or decreased range of motion; this can progress to chronic pain and joint restriction.  PRRT was developed by John Iams, PT, and is an efficiently effective neural reboot.   

Myofascial Release Therapy
~Within its application includes additional techniques such Strain/Counterstrain, Muscle Energy Technique, Instrument assisted tissue release

~Significant decreases in pressure pain

~Reduction in severity and intensity of muscle pain especially in those with Chronic Fatigue syndrome

~Improves peripheral circulation and enhances would healing

Fascia, our underlying support fabric is connective tissue that consists of contractile fibers that responds to mechanical (touch, pressure, movement) stimulation.  In addition to underlying our skin, fascia covers bone, muscles, organs, joint capsules, blood vessels, even individual muscle fibers as it provides the supportive framework of our entire structure.  Fascia “sheets” also coalesce to form patterns, referred to as meridians which provide our supportive framework.  These meridians can be manipulated, a key component in aligning posture, balancing stability, and eliminating chronic strain patterns.

Thai Yoga Massage Therapy
~Increases flexibility while relieving muscular tension            

~Improves circulation and boosts the immune system

~Balances the body energetically while enhancing mental focus and clarity

~Induces a deeper mind, body and spirit connection

Thai Yoga Massage Therapy is a 2,500 year old practice which combines the benefits of yoga practice, acupressure, and energy balancing techniques.  It is a dynamic centering, healing approach, characteristic of Tai Chi with the inherent power of Chi Gong.  The rhythmic motion, which incorporates martial arts movements, palming and thumbing along energy lines, and the gentle stretching and breath work of yoga, creates a slow, flowing dance around and with the recipient’s body.  

Thai massage is performed on a table or mat, in loose and comfortable clothing.  Originally practiced in Buddhist temples by practitioners who considered it an extension of their spiritual practice, as they applied the energy of loving-kindness to the recipient.  “Metta”, or unconditional love and compassion is considered the most important element in the practice of Thai Yoga Massage.  The concept of Metta is not confined to Buddhism, however, and can be applied to one’s own traditions or religious beliefs. 

Thai Yoga massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering the pulse, slowing the breath, relaxing the body.  In the spirit of Metta (loving-kindness) and the mindfulness of the sacred space that is created in a therapeutic session, Thai Yoga massage creates a safe, tranquil, healing environment, nurturing the body and encouraging a peaceful body mind.                                       
from Thai Yoga Massage, by Kam Thye Chow

Raindrop Technique with Essential Oils
~Effectively powerful combination of healing massage techniques and 9 therapeutic grade essential oils

~Proposed to stimulate every organ, muscle, and bone at a cellular level thus deeply easing discomfort

~Enhances emotional well-being thru the art of aromatherapy

With the intention of bringing balance and alignment to the body, the oils are applied with a reverent attitude, respectful of the recipient’s healing requirements.  The application of essential oils and unique massage techniques creates an experience not easily forgotten.  Recipients have described feeling beneficial effects up to a week following the treatment, along with harmonized, re-aligned, and re-balanced.  As the oils are subtly dropped onto the body, reminding one of raindrops, and some of the application strokes are sweepingly applied to resemble feather strokes; the aromatherapy alone is sensually intoxicating.  Truly, Raindrop Technique is an unequaled mind, body, and spirit experience.