The The Psychology of the Body (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Educational Series) (Paperback)
by Elliot Greene (Author), Barbara Goodrich-Dunn (Author)

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36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, September 24, 2003
By Catherine Edward (Silver Spring, MD USA) – See all my reviews
It’s a fact that body and mind are not separate entities and an eventuality that massage therapists will encounter their clients’ emotional expression in some sessions. This book shares Elliot Greene?s and Barbara Goodrich-Dunn’s expertise, drawn from over thirty years experience each in dealing with body/mind phenomena and teaching why it comes about, what can happen, how it manifests in different forms, and other information about feelings and emotions that can arise during body work. The Psychology of the Body, written for massage therapists and anyone who works with the body, is a clear and concise book about a large and complex subject — the human organism. Because of its acuity, I think it is also a good book on the subject of Somatic Psychology in general.

“Our entire mind is reflected in the body. Not only our conscious thoughts, but also our unconscious anxieties, insecurities, desires and other feelings, beliefs, thoughts and values are reflected in our bodies?. The activity in the unconscious ranges from material that we either cannot or do not need to be aware of, to material of which we do not want to be aware.” (Page 101).

This is the central issue. Mental repression and resistance can hold uncomfortable or unwanted thoughts and feelings at bay from conscious awareness. However, feelings are an integral part of being human and will find bodily expression even when we use our minds to control bodily impulses and functions or feelings we think are negative (page 98). If held in resistance, feelings can exhibit in different ways outside our awareness and this shows in our bodies. Understanding how our psychological state is expressed in the body and how working with the body affects our psychological state as well as how our work is affected by the interaction between the mind and body is imperative for massage therapists.

This book also addresses the problem of the massage therapist who does not know what to do or feels uneasy when a client has an emotional release. The massage venue is a logical place to experience and move through emotional expression because the somatic practitioner is releasing tension and working into the soft tissue, which sometimes also leads naturally to release and processing of held emotion. However, the therapist?s discomfort may reflect societies? perplexity with emotional expression, concluding, “it’s bad, it’s wrong, it’s too much, it will lead to insanity, etc.” This discomfort might cause the massage therapist to have an inappropriate reaction or “invalidating response” (page 114) to the client, which can reinforce the client’s blocking of his or her feelings. For example, if the massage therapist is uncomfortable or impatient with emotional expression, then that is what they impress on clients. They either discourage the client from a richer relationship with self or they loose the client to a more empathetic body worker.

The other problem regarding dealing with emotional release is the massage therapist who responds by doing too much. The book explains how the massage therapist can make a balanced response that avoids either too much or too little caution.

A major point of this book is the boundary between psychotherapy and massage therapy and explaining how the massage therapist can remain on the correct side of this boundary. For example, one distinction the authors identify is the difference between processing and handling psychological material (page 69). The massage therapist needs to learn to handle emotional expression appropriately when it occurs as a secondary and spontaneous result of the massage. This allows clients to have their emotion without being placated, frowned upon or rejected. A critical issue is that the massage therapist neither induces the emotional reaction nor processes the psychological material. The authors keep to this subject with good ordering and progression of material, practical exercises, and exacting description.

Material ranges from information about the philosophy surrounding body/mind issues, the psychological implications of touch and physical sensation, psychological terms and mental health conditions that are defined without jargon or technical wording, the dynamic underlying therapist/client relationship, and the interrelationship between chronic psychological and physical patterns. In addressing psychological issues, they carefully explain the power differential between therapist and client and point out pitfalls, such as the therapist?s psychological inflation from the dramatic work and the client’s regard; in other words the attractiveness of the “healer archetype.” As the authors weave in and out of this material they never loose sight of exampling what is inside and outside of the massage therapist?s scope of practice.

Of special importance to massage therapists is the description of the difference between armoring and tension. Tension can dissolve with bodywork but armoring is embedded within the body, particularly the nervous system and corresponding dynamic psychological defenses — an important distinction. The authors? discussion of the different types of tissue and examples of working with different patterns are detailed and particularly clear. Goodrich-Dunn and Greene approach the subject of the psychological connection with the body?s tissue by defining and discussing the concepts of grounding, bounding and charge.

The practical exercises throughout the book give space for the reader to ask themselves some questions and personalize the workbook to their practice. Exercises include a list of emotions and how you and your family members relate to them, an in depth list of boundary issues and questions about personal beliefs. It is also helpful that there are extensive resources for various subjects such as situations that may require referral, understanding mental health conditions and disorders, and explanations of the various mental health care professions.

The authors’ style is no-nonsense and to the point, yet compassionate, particularly when discussing the paradox of therapeutic change and the characteristics of personality types. They never loose sight of the humanity involved in our profession and the responsibility with which we are entrusted.

“The most important tool for distinguishing between projection and true perception is self knowledge.” (Page 42).

This is an excerpt from author Fred Gallo’s blog and addresses the importance of eliminating negativity from one’s past.

The Law of Attraction
8:33 AM PDT, August 31, 2007, updated at 11:17 AM PDT, September 1, 2007
Dear Friends,

There’s lots of talk today about the “Law of Attraction,’ which has been popularized by the The Secret. While this may seem like a scientific law that all you have to do is put out a request to the Universe and whatever you want will happen (Your Wish is My Command) that’s probably a bit farfetched. Actually there is NO Law of Attraction in a scientific sense, although there are some wonderful techniques for being able to remove the obstacles that prevent you from getting what you want. Those obstacles include limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, and painful memories that interfere with healthy psychological functioning.
Energy Tapping for Trauma and Energy Tapping offer you the means to manifest your very best future by eliminating negativity from the past and getting in touch with your innate health and true personal powers. These books cover simple ways to transform the negative and help you to come from your best possible state. See chapter 7 in Energy Taping for Trauma that covers protocols to actualize your “Best Possible Self,” Gratitude, Extraordinary Energies, and more.

Getting what you need or want isn’t just about putting out a wish to the Universe or being lucky. Psychological preparation is needed. You have to do the work. This has been said in different ways by many people. The mid-1st century Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Noted scientist Louis Pasteur opined, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” In the 1970′s football coach Paul (Bear) Bryant expressed a similar view when he accounted for his University of Alabama wins: “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” And more recently Oprah Winfrey said it in her own way, “I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.”

Be well and do good work,

-Fred

fgallo@energypsych.com/.

Clinical article

Use of Mind-Body Therapies in Psychiatry and Family Medicine Faculty and Residents: Attitudes, Barriers, and Gender Differences

Victor Sierpina MD1, , , Ruth Levine MD1, John Astin PhD2 and Alai Tan MD, PhD3
1University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
2California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
3Office of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Available online 13 March 2007.

Background

Mind-body medicine (MBM) approaches to many health problems have been well documented in the literature, including through multiple meta-analyses. Efficacy has been well demonstrated in conditions such as headache, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, fibromyalgia, hypertension, low back pain, depression, cancer symptoms, and postmyocardial infarction. However, an apparent disconnect (ie, translational block) prevents more widespread adoption of such therapies into practice. Biofeedback, relaxation therapy, hypnosis, guided imagery, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducational approaches are the domain of MBM we examined in assessing physician attitudes, beliefs, and practices.

Methods

Using a Web-based survey, we obtained responses from 74 faculty and resident physicians in the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry. Our response rate was 69%. We conducted descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. Various statistics were chosen depending on the nature of analyzed variables. Synoptic tables are presented.

Results

Comparing these cohorts, we found little difference between physicians in the two specialties, but substantial reports that barriers to the use of MBM were largely based on lack of training, inadequate expertise, and insufficient clinic time. Lack of expertise and insufficient clinic time were higher among family physicians than among psychiatrists. There was a high interest in both groups in learning relaxation techniques and meditation and lower interest in biofeedback and hypnosis. Female physicians were significantly more likely to use MBM, both with patients and for their own self-care, and were less likely to be concerned that recommending these therapies would make patients feel that their symptoms were being discounted. Female physicians also had significantly higher beliefs about the benefits of MBM on health disorders in several of the conditions examined, with a consistent though nonsignificant trend in others.

Key words: Mind-Body therapies; medical education; translational barriers

Complementary medicine treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome

Brian M. Berman MD, Director, Complementary Medicine Programf1 and James P. Swyers MA, Senior Science Writer, Complementary Medicine Program
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Third Floor, Kernan Mansion, James L. Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207-6697, USA
Received 1999, Accepted 1999 Available online 6 April 2002.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic-pain-related syndrome associated with high rates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use. Among the many CAM therapies frequently used by fibromyalgia patients, empirical research data exist to support the use of only three: (1) mind–body, (2) acupuncture, and (3) manipulative therapies for treating fibromyalgia. The strongest data exist for the use of mind–body techniques (e.g. biofeedback, hypnosis, cognitive behavioural therapy), particularly when utilized as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The weakest data exist for manipulative techniques (e.g. chiropractic and massage). The data supporting the use of acupuncture for fibromyalgia are only moderately strong. Also, for some fibromyalgia patients, acupuncture can exacerbate symptoms, further complicating its application for this condition. Further research is needed not only in these three areas, but also for other treatments being frequently utilized by fibromyalgia patients.

Author Keywords: acupuncture; biofeedback; chiropractic; cognitive-behavioural therapy; complementary/alternative medicine; fibromyalgia; hypnotherapy/hypnosis; manipulation; massage

An recent article in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain (Geenen, 2009) points out that even though the number of studies on Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) have increased six times over what existed 20 years ago, the struggle for validation of this condition is still ongoing. This search for validation is a very important issue for many who suffer with FMS and are reminded on a daily basis how real the pain is. The Dutch Fibromyalgia Association has made validation an important issue.

Source:

Geenen, R. (2009) Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, Vol 17 Issue 1, p 80-85

Anne M. McCaffrey1, 2 , Guy F. Pugh1 and Bonnie B. O’Connor2, 3

(1) Marino Center for Progressive Health, 2500 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
(2) Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School Osher Institute, Boston, MA, USA
(3) Department of Pediatrics, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
Received: 14 January 2007 Revised: 20 June 2007 Accepted: 3 July 2007 Published online: 11 September 2007

Abstract
Background Integrative medicine (IM), a combination of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has become a popular source of medical care, yet little is known about its use.
Objective To identify the motivations of people who choose IM for their primary care needs.
Design Qualitative study from focus group data of regular users of IM.
Participants Six focus groups that include a total of 37 regular users of IM who consented to participate in a study of IM use.
Approach Focus group meetings were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis using grounded theory was used to derive the motivations for use of IM.
Results Participants beliefs include the following: the combination of CAM and conventional medicine is better than either alone; health is a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual well being; nutrition and lifestyle play a role in wellness; and pharmaceuticals should be avoided except as a last resort. Participants suffer from health problems that are not well treated by conventional medicine. Participants want to discuss CAM with physicians and obtain guidance on its use. Participants want time with their providers, to feel listened to and to have the opportunity for shared decision-making.
Conclusion Much of what patients are seeking in integrative medical care is likely universally shared: a strong therapeutic relationship with providers who listen and provide time and knowledgeable advice. Users believe a combined approach of CAM and conventional medicine is better than either alone and want to be able to discuss CAM use with their providers.
KEY WORDS CAM – integrative medicine – patient satisfaction – therapeutic encounter

Anne M. McCaffrey
Email: amccaffrey@marinocenter.org

Understanding Patient Preference for Integrative Medical Care: Results from Patient Focus Groups
Journal Journal of General Internal Medicine
Publisher Springer New York
ISSN 0884-8734 (Print) 1525-1497 (Online)
Issue Volume 22, Number 11 / November, 2007
Category Original Article
DOI 10.1007/s11606-007-0302-5
Pages 1500-1505
Subject Collection Medicine
SpringerLink Date Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Here are excerpts from: Formulary; Feb2009, Vol. 44 Issue 2, p32-33, 3p about the newly FDA approved Milnacipran for fibromyalgia. Please note the safety precautions. There are some heavy duty concerns that should not be dismissed. Please choose wisely. Hope you are all doing as well as possible.

Selective noreplnephrine and serotonin
reuptal management of fibromyaigia

Milnacipran is a selective norepinephrine
and serotonin reuptake inhibitor that inhibits
norepinephrine uptake with greater
potency than serotonin uptake. The
precise mechanism by which this agent
inhibits pain and improves the symptoms
of fibromyaigia is unknown. Milnacipran
was approved on January 14, 2009, for
the management of fibromyaigia.

Milnacipran-treated patients
were also more likely to rate themselves
as much improved or very much improved
on the patient global assessment

Safety. Patients with depression or other
psychiatric disorders may experience worsening
of depression, suicidal ideation and
behavior, or unusual changes in behavior;
treatment with drugs that inhibit norepinephrine
and/or serotonin reuptake may play
a role in inducing these symptoms. Patients
treated with antidepressants should therefore
be monitored closely for changes in behavior,
especially early in treatment and at times of
dose changes. Treatment with drugs that
inhibit serotonin reuptake may lead to the development
of serotonin syndrome, especially
when these agents are used concomitantly
with serotonergic drugs and drugs that impair
the metabolism of serotonin. Inhibition
of norepinephrine and serotonin may lead to
cardiovascular effects, particularly increases
in blood pressure and heart rate. In clinical
trials, treatment with milnacipran was associated
with mild elevations of alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase
(AST). Treatment with milnacipran
may lead to hyponatremia. Patients treated
with this agent may have an increased risk
of bleeding events. Milnacipran can affect
urethral resistance and micturition. Patients
treated with milnacipran have experienced
mydriasis; this agent should be used with
caution in patients with controlled narrowangle
glaucoma. The most common adverse
events associated with milnacipran treatment
include nausea, constipation, hot ñush, hyperhidrosis,
vomiting, palpitations, increased
heart rate, dry mouth, and hypertension.
Dosing. The recommended dose of mil