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B ioreg u lato ry PsychosomaticI

Bodlrwork: GeneratingHealth via the Body,s Own

Gommunication Systemby Tatyana Bosh, MD

The greatest mistake physicians makewithout attempting to cure the mind;should not be treated separately.

AbstractBeing the oldest forms of healing art, massage and

bodywork were practiced throughout the human history.Although Eastern and Western manual therapeuticapproaches are distinctively different, both are basedon the healing capacity of human touch. The Easternapproach includes variety of disciplines; for example,reflexology, shiatsu, Ayurvedic massage, tui na, andlomilomi. Equally, there are many different types ofWestern "hands-on" techniques, and some of themost commonly practiced include Swedish massage,Esalen massage, aromatherapeutic massage, rhythmicalbiodynamic massage, and various usually Anglo-Americanversions of so-called holistic massage. With the birth of theNew Age, we are witnessing a renaissance of therapeuticmassage and bodywork techniques, where old methodsare further refined, while new techniques are continuallydeveloping; for example, osteopathy, chiropractic, Rolfing,Bowen technique, Alexander technique, Feldenkraistechnique, polarity massage, and craniosacral bodywork.Bioregulatory Psychosomatic Bodywork (BPSB) is oneof those manual methodologies that truly deserve theirtherapeutic status.

All body-centered therapeutic disciplines have the sameobjective: to manually regulate homeostatic mechanisms.Each technique is distinctively different, and favors only aspecific aspect of bioregulation. Osteopathy, for example,primarily focuses on realignment of the muscular system,lymphatic drainage massage bioregulates the lymphaticsystem, while shiatsu puts an emphasis on bioenergeticpoints and meridians. On the other hand, BPSB is arelatively new therapy, formulated by Dr. TatyanaBosh in early 1990s, which aims to facilitate an overallpsychosomatic health of an individual.

is that they attempt to cure the body,yet the mind and body are all one and

- Plato

Psychosomatic ApproachBioregulatory Psychosomatic Bodywork (BPSB) integrates

a variety of massage and bodywork techniques into oneunified manual methodology. It is utilized on differenttherapeutic levels, from stress release and medical preventionto a profound curative level. BPSB brings together elementsof physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, Rolfing, shiatsu,bioenergetics, visceral manipulation, Iymphatic drainagemassage/ biofeedback, craniosacral therapy, and kinesiology,as well as psychosomatic medicine, EFT, psychotherapy,neurolinguistic programming, aromatherapy, color andmusic therapy. All those therapeutic methodologies areintegrated in accordance to parameters of the psychosomatictherapeutic process, to simultaneously treat different structuraland functional aspects of the body-mind. Since BpSBtherapeutically addresses fluids, soft and hard tissues, andpsychological and bioenergetic phenomena, it represents alli ntegrated man ual methodol ogies of bioregu latory med ici ne.

The Medical Art of Listening and FacilitatingThe body is a "communicational device." lt communicates

verbally and nonverbally. Verbal communication is in domainof conscious spheres, and it may therefore be either true orfalse. Nonverbal communication is run by the subconsciousmind, and it is noi capable of lying.

Nonverbal body language conveys its messaging indifferent ways, such as by means of posture, emotionalexpressions, spontaneous gestures, tics, and automatisms;constitutional expressions such as skin complexion or shape,size, and proportion of various bodily parts; and differentsymptoms and signs. lt is this nonverbal communication, thetrue language of the body, that BPSB takes into therapeuticconsideration. Dr. John Diamond, a well-known psychiatrist,

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carried out thousands of tests based

on psychomotor reflex, scientificallyvalidating the concept of nonverbalcommunication. He develoPed the

behavioral kinesiology technique,wh ich practically demonstrates the

wholeness of body, mind, and spirit as

living integration of energy and matter.

As with any form of theraPeutic

bodywork, BPSB is an art of listeningand facilitating. Listening impliesacknowledgement and understanding of

subtle bodily phenomena; for example,

movements, Patterns, rhYthms,pulsations, sensations, and tendencies

to congestion, spasms/ and resistances.

Facilitation means assisting the body to

release those resistances and blockagespresent within bioenergetic networks,

fluids, tissues, or visceral organs,

allowing suppressed emotions and

feelings to emerge, new insights to get

acknowledged, and positive perception

to arise.

Manual Approach to BioenergY

Behind hyper- or hypofunctioning ofany affected part of the body or mind,

there is always either bioenergeticexcess or deficiency. The therapeutictouch for approaching bioenergeticnetworks has either a sedating or

tonifying quality. The first type ofpressure is applied when the vital

force is excessively concentrated, withconsequent energy stagnation, whilethe second one strengthens the vital

force in the energy-deficient locations'Prolonged disturbance in any Partof the bioenergetic system may alter

function of a related endocrine gland,

which further affects the PNEI system,

capable of setting up a disease on both

the physical and psychological Ievels,

where timely recognition and treatmentof the bioenergetic imbalances offer

an important contribution to bothpreventative and curative medicine.

Manual Approach to the Bodily Fluids

The quality of the therapeutic touch

for treatment of the fluid system of

the body is "fluid sPecific." Manualbioregulatory methodologies maY

engage the flow of the circulating

extracellular fluids, including arterial

and venous blood, lYmPh, and

cerebrospinal fluid.

Direct stimulation of arterial

circulation is achieved by movements

that heat up the body, such as friction,hence stimu lati ng arterial vasod i latation

in the restricted areas. Apart fromincreasing heat, there are othermechanisms for manual assistance

and facilitation of the vascular system.

Stroking for example may additionallyliberate peripheral vasoconstrictionvia activating the parasympathetic

system, which generally assists the

flow of both arterial blood and the

lymphatic circulation. Althoughthose methods may also enhance

venous circulation, venous stasis is

treated similarly lymphatic stasis. ltls particularly important to drain thejugular vein along the front edge of the

sternocleidomastoid muscle, due to its

sign ificance and accessibi I itY.

Another fluid commonly in need oftherapeutic facilitation is the lymph.Since the physiological process oflymphatic drainage is based on a gentle

and unique siphoning movement, ittoo could be manually assisted and

facilitated. The lymphatic drainage

massage technique helPs imProve

functions of the lymPhatic system,

being particularly effective in treatmentof lymphoedema. The techniquefollows the direction of lymph flowfrom the head and extremities towardthe cervical, axillary, and inguinallymph nodes. The therapeutic touchis mainly based on applying effleurage

like rhythmical movements in the

centripetal direction toward the heart,

and along the anatomical projections

of lymphatic vessel, as well as pump-

like movements over the projections oflymph nodes. lt is frequently importantto drain the left subclavian vein, since

it is where the thoracic duct delivers the

Iymph into the venous circulation'The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

expresses a rhYthmic, tidelikefluctuation referred to as longitudinalfluctuation. Within this physiologically

rising and sinking movement of the

CSF, there are also other physiological

currents flowing around the structures

of the brain and spinal cord, similarto currents in the ocean within the

movement of the tide. Longitudinalfluctuation is a normal fluctuation of

healthy CSF. The cerebrospinal fluid

tide may be sensed bY PalPation as a

welling up and receding or drawingaway of a force. Conditions such as

chronic fatigue or ME are typicallyassociated with very sluggish,

congested, and stagnant CSF fluctuationthat calls for manual facilitation, whileconditions such as inflammation orhyperactivity correlate with increased

speed of the fluctuation, a disturbance

that could easily be downmodulated by

means of the craniosacral bodywork.Bioregulation of the cerebrospinal fluidflow has a profound lmPact on the

entire PNEI system.

Manual Approach to the ConnectiveSystem

Since connective tissue inter-

connects bodily parts on both the

micro and macro level, it creates the

entire physiological system - the

connective system. On micro level, the

connective system interlinks all cells

of the body, as well as all intracellularstructures and organelles. lntracellularconnective structures are minutethreads known as microtubules and

microfilaments. On macro level, the

connective system i nterconnects tissues,

organs, and organs systems; hence

those connective structures take various

anatomical forms, such as membranes,

fasciae, tendons, or ligaments. The

therapeutic intervention on the tissue

level involves bioregulation of the

connective tissue and fascial system.

On the organ level, BPSB aPProaches

organ-specific connective structures:

tendons, ligaments, muscular sheath,

and visceral protective layers such as

pericardium or pleura. Connective

structures that correspond to the level

of physiological systems, such as dural

membranes or peritoneum, are very

complex and need very delicate manual

therapeutic interventions.A system of interconnected

connective tissue fibers is frequentlyjust referred to as the body fascia' The

physiological movements of fascial

structures are experienced on gentle

palpation as a distinctive "gliding"sensation. Resistances to normal

fascial glide, as well as membranous

restrictions, are exPerienced as

micromovements with a "recoilingeffect." The basic manual principle for

fascial release is traction.

Bodyrwork

Manual Approach to theMusculoskeletal System

Muscles can be classified as smoothor striated, voluntary or involuntary,longitudinal or circular, big or small,skeletal or visceral. Yet regardlessof their anatomical or physiologicalspecifications, each muscle has itsunique tonus, wherein musculardysfunction is always manifestedeither as hyper- or hypotonicity. Thereare different manual techniques forrestoration of muscular tonicity; afew of the most commonly practicedare stroking or effleurage, kneading,friction, tapping, vibration, andstretching. Ef{leurage is the leastinvasive, wherein the therapist makesuse of long and sweeping strokes tocover more than just one area of thebody usually to initiate the treatment,warm up the body, and provide a senseof interconnectedness from one partof the body to the others. Kneadingconsists of intermittent grasping,squeezing, and releasing movement thatattempts to lift the soft tissue away fromthe underlying and adjacent structures.Friction is mainly used to warm up thetreated area, and to apply shear forcesto underlying tissues, particularly at theinterface between two tissue types; forexample, derm is-fascia, fascia-muscle,or muscle-bone. Tapotement, tapping,or percussion are strokes aimed towardenergizing the area being treated, yet atthe same time loosening and relaxing it.The vibration technique is used to shakeup various areas of the body, whiletraction involves pulling the peripheralbodily parts such as head, arms, legs,fingers, or toes.

Bony structures have a verydefinite physiological motion, whichis shaped by their relationships withthe surrounding tissues. Althoughcertain skeletal maladjustments maystill call for osteopathic or chiropracticinterventions, a revolution has takenplace in manipulative therapy involvinga movement away from high-velocity/low-amplitude thrusts, characteristic ofmost chiropractic and some osteopathicmanipulations. The new tendency is

toward gentler methods of skeletalrealignment; hence BPSB is usingmethods of craniosacral therapy, whichtakes far more account of the soft tissuecomponent.

Sensitive therapists can even detect,explore, and manually bioregulate themost intricate relationship betweenanatomically distant parts, such as therelationship between the tentoriumcerebelli and the respiratory diaphragm,or between the temporal bones andsacroiliac joints. It is a sad truth thatthe palpatory skills taught at medicalschools worldwide barely scratch thesurface of the therapeutic possibilities ofhuman touch.

Somatoemotional ReleaseManual bioregulation of the

biological terrain often triggersresurgence of previously trappedpsychological pollution. Whensuppressed experiences start to surface,the bioregulatory psychosomaticapproach shifts from purely somaticwork to techniques for emotionalrelease and cognitive reintegration. Thispart of BPSB is referred to as the SomatoEmotional Release (SER).

SER is the body-mind response to thepsychosomatic therapeutic intervention.It is essentially a shift from body tomind; from structured rigidity back

to psychological experiences; frompotential energy trapped in physicalspasm to the kinetic energy of heat,motion, or emotion. SER is the coreprocess that restores Health, the processof conversion of matter into energy,the cathartic homeostatic rebalancein action. Regardless of whetherthis response of the body and mindmanifests as a gentle and gradual ora sudden and intense process, SER is

always based on undoing, unfolding,releasing, and surrendering.

Tissue MemoriesPersistent stress and traumas

throughout one's life tend to get"downgraded" and converted intomusculoconnective strain and spasms.The consequent body armoringtherefore becomes a form of tissuememory that keeps a record of allunprocessed stressful and traumaticevents since prenatal time. Thosememories are accessible by means ofmanual therapeutic approach. The moredefensive armoring is therapeuticallyreleased, the more a person is able tosurrender suppressed emotions andexperiences.

Mechanisms of SomatoemotionalRelease

SER usually starts with release ofstructured resistances of the body.Those may be experienced as sore,ticklish, sensitive, "needy," itchy, orpainful places. Release of structuralre5istances involves a combinationof bodywork techniques needed toliberate an individual-specific chronicpattern of tension and restriction; forexample, a combination of acupressure,lymphatic drainage, and tendomusculartechniques. BPSB than facilitates a

somatopsychic leap, by means ofapplying a variety of SER techniques.BPSB initiates and maintains this healingprocess under controlled medicalconditions, ensuring that optimalstructural release and psychologicalresolution take place. Although theprocess is always as specific to eachperson as one's fingerprints, it ispossible to describe this somatopsychicprocess in general terms.

SER is usually experienced as acombination of energetic, mechanical,and emotional phenomena. Energeticmechanisms mainly manifest as Iocal

Tatyana Bosh, MD, is a president of InternationalSociety for Bioregulatory Medicine and a medicaldirector of the British Academy for BioregulatoryMedicine. She practices at the Biomedic Centre, 23Manchester Street, London Wl U 4DJ, where sheis also running regular courses on BioregulatoryPsychosomatic Bodywork. For more information,contact www.biomedic.co.uk or +44(0)20 79356866.

48

experiences of heat, cold, or pulsations.Sometimes, the experience may evenmanifest as a short-term fever, in whichcase antipyretic drugs are usuallycontraindicated, as they would halt thisessential ly heal i ng process.

Mechanical mechanisms aretypically expressed as automaticand effortless movements of variousparts of the body. They representconversion of potential energy stored inmusculoconnective tissue, into kineticenergy. These movements too areshort lived, and they are followed by anoticeable sense of liberation. They maymanifest as shivering, tics, restless legs,

and similar tonic and clonic muscularresponses. Sighing, coughing, yawning,burping, hiccupping, cramping, orrumbling of the bowels are the mosttypical forms of somatic release. Oncethose spontaneous movements startappearing, it is important to encouragethem, as they represent a mechanicalrelease of stored bodily tension.

Emotional release manifests as

reexperience of emotions previouslysuppressed and embodied. The personmay suddenly develop an impulse tocry, laugh, scream/ or shout, or becomeoverwhelmed by fears. Those emotions,particularly laughing or sobbing, alsohelp release diaphragmatic spasm, as

do hiccupping, coughing, yawning,burping, or sighing.

Apart from a manual therapeuticapproach such as BPSB, othertherapies, even those consideredexclusively psychological or energeticmethodologies, such as hypnosis oracupuncture, may be equally effectivein inducing a full somatoemotionalrelease. Both somatic and psychologicalparts of this therapeutic somatopsychicprocess may be additionally facilitatedby use of homeopathic bioregulatorymedicines (e.9., New VistasNutraceutical combination remediesor Heel's antihomotoxic remedies),essential oils, crystals, music, andcolors.

Psychosomatic ReintegrationThe process of SER usually starts

on a physical level and ends up as

an increased personal integrity. Aftersuccessful SER, the original traumaticexperience remains in the cognitivememory, but it loses its excessive

I emotional charge, .since SER prompts

psychological resolution to takeplace. The old trauma becomes a

new opportunity, as an old conflictgets realized in a more meaningfuland more bioeconom ically viableway. Hence, the process of SER

typically ends up increasing personalawareness and improving one'spsychological processing. Heightenedpersonal awareness increases dnindividual's ability to suspend defensivemechanisms of the ego, which furtheramplifies inner health resources andshows the way how to grow out of a dis-eased state of the body-mind.

ConclusionThe human organism is a

hierarchically structured multi-dimensional system of Iiving energyand matter. Since it functions as an

integrated whole, a disruption orresistance that arises within its physical,psychological, or energetic reality has

immediate repercussions on all aspectsof the human living system. Each ofthose biological realities is equallyimportant for therapeutic intervention,and equally capable of facilitating one'soverall psychophysical integrity. In

other words, restoring optimal healthimplies understanding of intricate

correlations and biofeedback loopsbetween body, mind, and bioenergy.This calls for an interdisciplinarytherapeutic approach that transcendsmedical politics and divisions intodifferent therapies, methodologies,and modalities. BPSB brings togetherstructural, psychological, and energeticmedical interventions to help inreleasing and balancing an individual'sspecific pattern o[ tension, restriction,and d isharmony. By facilitatingprocessing of denied and incorporatedexperiences, BPSB primes patientstoward a higher level of psychosomaticintegrity and discovering a new sense ofpersonal freedom.

ReferencesBeresford-Cooke C. Shiatsu Theory and Pnctice.

Churchill Livingstone; 1 996.Bosh T. Extended etiology; module 3. Manual for

B ior egu I atory M edicine. Biomedic Foundation.Diamond J. BK: Behavioral Kinesro/ogy. Harper & Row;

1979.Dychtwald K. Bodymind. Tarcher Putnam; 1986.Lowen A. Bioenergetics. Penguin/Arkana; 1 994.Rolf lP. Ro/rting. Healing Arts Press; I989.Upledger JE. Somato Emotional Reiease and Beyond.

Upledger lnst.; 1 990.Wittlinger C, Wittlinger H. Textbook ol Dr. Vodder's

Manual Lymph Drainage. Vol. 1. 7th ed. Thieme;2003.

a

BioregulatoryPsychosomatic Bodywork

Five days intensive certificate course run byTatyana Bosh, MD

for more details please contactBritish society for Bioregulatory Medicine:

www.biomedic.co.ukinquiry @ biomedic.co.uktatyana @ biomedic.co.ukphone: +178O4236633

for more details please contactCanadian Society for Bioregulatory Medicine:

www.csbrm.orgadmin@csbrm.org

phone: +178O4236633

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