JP Article

A Little Deeper, please…

Written by Jean-Pierre Hartmann
Edited by Lerato Mmutle

Many people consider massage as an important contribution to their mental and physical health. Massage can dissipate emotional stress, and for some people allow contact with repressed emotions.
One may think of classical massage as an infrequent pampering session. Classical massage brings about a temporary feeling of letting-go and well-being.
Living a very stressful life can cause constant tension and pain. This added pressure may not be alleviated by classical massage as the relief is often very short lived, and are most often overlooked due to the process. A better and long term solution to chronic problems would be deep tissue massage.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is generally used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as, limited mobility, Muscle tension and other physical disparities. Due to the healing effects of deep tissue massage, it has become very popular. Thus a normal massage is often sold as deep tissue, the only difference being the use of greater speed and depth of movements, this often causes discomfort and abnormal pain. This particular practice is not correct and is not recognized as proper deep tissue massage.
There are variations of deep tissue massage. Most of these can directly be traced back to Rolfing. Rolfing was the first of many deep tissue massages, others are known as: Rebalancing, Mayo-fascial Release, Heller-Works, MAT and Sports Massage.
All these techniques with the correct pressure adjustments, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable session.
There is a fine line between too much pressure and too little pressure. When receiving the massage, you should feel that there is a constant firm touch and a gentle pulling or stretching of the muscle. The level of pain experienced from the pressure should be of such a nature that no other parts of your body are tightened in order to cope with the discomfort.
The point is, it is not a fixed and rigid technique. It’s merely using intense pressure with the elbows, knuckles and fists.
Deep tissue massage can be understood as the ability to work with muscles and tissue at a deeper level. It helps with releasing long term holding patterns, for example high held shoulders: relaxation and lengthening the deep tissue layers.
With this, the body can then be used in the most energy efficient way possible. People often find a noticeable improvement in their range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.
Consumer Reports magazine reported that deep tissue massage can have an incredibly positive impact on chronic physical conditions. About 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm)
Not only does deep tissue massage allow for great physical improvement but it has a surprisingly amazing effect on your frequently-ignored emotions. The type of work that is effective in the letting go of emotional holding varies greatly from individual to individual.
Any body work may act as a catalyst but deep tissue massage seems to be associated with more “emotional release” than many other forms of massage.
Possibly, the faith required to trust someone to work deeply at a physical level may carry over an emotional trust. One need not subscribe to the theory that emotions are stored at a cellular level for it to facilitate emotional awareness. Furthermore, if you have spent your life contracting feelings of sadness in your chest muscles, then releasing these muscles may facilitate the release of these emotions. However, most people experience a subtle, non-cathartic emotional release several days after a deep tissue massage rather than during the session.
To give more insight into this powerful session, let’s have closer look at a few important elements.
What makes this technique different is its attention to detail. Instead of working on the whole body, the therapist will focus on a few very specific and strategic areas of the body. This is in order to completely relieve every inch and cause greater balance in the rest of the body.
All the movements are performed at a very slow pace, in-fact, the slower the movements, the better. By doing so, it allows you the optimal opportunity in which to relax into the discomfort, and to actively participate in your own releasing process.
A typical session is between 60min and 120min long; with the ideal time being 90min. Very little oil is used to allow for as much grip on the muscle as possible for the therapist’s fists, knuckles and elbows. This may sound very painful or intensive to you, but don’t lose heart, the massage is not purely about intensive pressure, there are gentle movements as well. These rest periods are just as important, allowing you to relax and process the intensive work.
What helps with relaxation is the breathing. Breath forms an essential part of a deep tissue session as the very tight muscle areas are released during an exhalation. This happens because in the breath cycle; during inhalation, the whole body tightens a little bit, and during exhalation relaxes and opens. You will be gently reminded to do this during an intensive area.

All in all, I do think that there is a place for the classical massage for the purpose of relaxation and pampering only. This is good for someone that does not suffer from any chronic discomfort but for those that have aches and pains there is a better option. To find freedom from physical pain and a clearer emotional awareness, deep tissue massage is the answer.
I highly recommend this to you. Put your misconceptions about deep tissue massage aside and invest in one or two sessions and observe the after effects for yourself.
Personally I am thankful for having come across deep tissue massage as a technique and would encourage, anyone to embark on the journey to becoming a deep tissue therapist.
As a Therapist, myself, I am time and time again humbled by the changes and improvement that this great technique can have on people from all walks of life.

Jean-Pierre Hartmann:

A young and inspired Massage Therapist and Breathworker based in Cape Town offering Deep Tissue Massage, OSHO Rebalancing, Lomi Lomi massage and Inspirational Breathwork. He is based at Jai Yoga in the foreshore in Cape Town.
As well as the website link
www.jeanpierrrehartmann.com

Cell: 074 195 1160
hartmann.jeanpierre@gmail.com

	OSHO SCHOOL FOR CREATIVE TOUCH

	RETURN TO ARTICLES	A Little Deeper, please… Written by Jean-Pierre Hartmann Edited by Lerato Mmutle Many people consider massage as an important contribution to their mental and physical health. Massage can dissipate emotional stress, and for some people allow contact with repressed emotions. One may think of classical massage as an infrequent pampering session. Classical massage brings about a temporary feeling of letting-go and well-being. Living a very stressful life can cause constant tension and pain. This added pressure may not be alleviated by classical massage as the relief is often very short lived, and are most often overlooked due to the process. A better and long term solution to chronic problems would be deep tissue massage. Unlike classic massage therapy, which is generally used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as, limited mobility, Muscle tension and other physical disparities. Due to the healing effects of deep tissue massage, it has become very popular. Thus a normal massage is often sold as deep tissue, the only difference being the use of greater speed and depth of movements, this often causes discomfort and abnormal pain. This particular practice is not correct and is not recognized as proper deep tissue massage. There are variations of deep tissue massage. Most of these can directly be traced back to Rolfing. Rolfing was the first of many deep tissue massages, others are known as: Rebalancing, Mayo-fascial Release, Heller-Works, MAT and Sports Massage. All these techniques with the correct pressure adjustments, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable session. There is a fine line between too much pressure and too little pressure. When receiving the massage, you should feel that there is a constant firm touch and a gentle pulling or stretching of the muscle. The level of pain experienced from the pressure should be of such a nature that no other parts of your body are tightened in order to cope with the discomfort. The point is, it is not a fixed and rigid technique. It’s merely using intense pressure with the elbows, knuckles and fists. Deep tissue massage can be understood as the ability to work with muscles and tissue at a deeper level. It helps with releasing long term holding patterns, for example high held shoulders: relaxation and lengthening the deep tissue layers. With this, the body can then be used in the most energy efficient way possible. People often find a noticeable improvement in their range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage. Consumer Reports magazine reported that deep tissue massage can have an incredibly positive impact on chronic physical conditions. About 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm) Not only does deep tissue massage allow for great physical improvement but it has a surprisingly amazing effect on your frequently-ignored emotions. The type of work that is effective in the letting go of emotional holding varies greatly from individual to individual. Any body work may act as a catalyst but deep tissue massage seems to be associated with more “emotional release” than many other forms of massage. Possibly, the faith required to trust someone to work deeply at a physical level may carry over an emotional trust. One need not subscribe to the theory that emotions are stored at a cellular level for it to facilitate emotional awareness. Furthermore, if you have spent your life contracting feelings of sadness in your chest muscles, then releasing these muscles may facilitate the release of these emotions. However, most people experience a subtle, non-cathartic emotional release several days after a deep tissue massage rather than during the session. To give more insight into this powerful session, let’s have closer look at a few important elements. What makes this technique different is its attention to detail. Instead of working on the whole body, the therapist will focus on a few very specific and strategic areas of the body. This is in order to completely relieve every inch and cause greater balance in the rest of the body. All the movements are performed at a very slow pace, in-fact, the slower the movements, the better. By doing so, it allows you the optimal opportunity in which to relax into the discomfort, and to actively participate in your own releasing process. A typical session is between 60min and 120min long; with the ideal time being 90min. Very little oil is used to allow for as much grip on the muscle as possible for the therapist’s fists, knuckles and elbows. This may sound very painful or intensive to you, but don’t lose heart, the massage is not purely about intensive pressure, there are gentle movements as well. These rest periods are just as important, allowing you to relax and process the intensive work. What helps with relaxation is the breathing. Breath forms an essential part of a deep tissue session as the very tight muscle areas are released during an exhalation. This happens because in the breath cycle; during inhalation, the whole body tightens a little bit, and during exhalation relaxes and opens. You will be gently reminded to do this during an intensive area. All in all, I do think that there is a place for the classical massage for the purpose of relaxation and pampering only. This is good for someone that does not suffer from any chronic discomfort but for those that have aches and pains there is a better option. To find freedom from physical pain and a clearer emotional awareness, deep tissue massage is the answer. I highly recommend this to you. Put your misconceptions about deep tissue massage aside and invest in one or two sessions and observe the after effects for yourself. Personally I am thankful for having come across deep tissue massage as a technique and would encourage, anyone to embark on the journey to becoming a deep tissue therapist. As a Therapist, myself, I am time and time again humbled by the changes and improvement that this great technique can have on people from all walks of life. Jean-Pierre Hartmann: A young and inspired Massage Therapist and Breathworker based in Cape Town offering Deep Tissue Massage, OSHO Rebalancing, Lomi Lomi massage and Inspirational Breathwork. He is based at Jai Yoga in the foreshore in Cape Town. As well as the website link www.jeanpierrrehartmann.com Cell: 074 195 1160 hartmann.jeanpierre@gmail.com