What is The Trager® Approach?

The Trager Approach

The Trager Approach is a gentle form of bodywork that aims to give positive, pleasurable feeling experiences to your body and mind, rather than reinforcing painful ones. Many people believe in the "no pain, no gain" philosophy, but Trager believes in "what can be softer, easier and freer". The Trager Approach can help to release mental and physical holding patterns, promotes deep relaxation and aids in increasing mobility and balance.

The Trager Approach comes in two parts:

1. Table Work
   The client lies on a massage table and is gently touched, moved and supported by the practitioner within your normal and comfortable range of motion. The feeling is of gentle, rhythmic, wave-like motions. The movement feels as if it is effortless and neither coming from you or from the practitioner. In these movements, tension disappears and old patterns slip away as new, freer movement possibilities arise.
   
   
2. Mentastics
   Mentastics are The Trager Approach's self-care movements. For those of you who have had physical therapy, you know that often the PT will give you a series of exercises to do on your own. Mentastics are similar to that idea, but are not strengthening exercises. The movements are designed to help you explore what could be freer in your own body. Taught individually or in groups, Mentastics allow each person to explore free and easy movement as well as stillness in their own body, in their own way, in their own time.
   

Benefits of Trager Sessions
The gentle, rhythmic movements of the Trager Approach can be beneficial to many people. Anyone who seeks massage or bodywork could benefit from Trager, especially people who suffer from:

Stress		Muscular Dystrophy
Limited movement		Everyday aches and pains
Back and neck pain		Muscle spasms
Depression		Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis		Physical/emotional trauma
Post-Polio Syndrome		Cerebral Palsy
Sports and other injuries		Parkinson's Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome		Fibromyalgia

"Trager", "Mentastics", and the Dancing Cloud Logo are registered service marks of Trager International, which licenses their use in the USA to the United States Trager Association. In the USA, they can be used only by members in good standing of the United States Trager Association.

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Mentastics® Minute

Welcome to the Mentastics Minute! In each newsletter, I will be suggesting a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send an email.

"Fuggetaboutit!"
This Mentastic movement helps free the hand, arm. shoulder and upper back. Make the movement with one arm first, then take a pause, then with the second arm.

Standing comfortably, make the movement with your hand and arm as if you are telling someone to "forget about it" - no worries mate... whatever - who cares. Make the movement with your whole arm, letting gravity gently guide the arm in it's downward motion. How easily can you make the upward motion - can your arm float up? Make the movement with the same "who cares" attitude that the message "forget about it" is meant to convey.

How would it feel if you used half as much effort now... and half of that... and half of that... Make this movement for about a minute.

Now rest for a moment. What do you notice about your body - your hands - your arms - your shoulders - your back - your mind?

Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Holiday Stress

HO, HO, HO... OH, NO!
Holiday Time Can Bring Stress Whether
You've Been Bad or Good

For many people, the Holiday season, while exciting and fun, tends to also be the most stressful time of year. Over time, stress, whether physical or emotional, can negatively affect your body's inner workings. Stress has been shown to exacerbate and even cause conditions like:

• Heart Disease
• Disorders of the Digestive System
• Impaired Memory
• Decreased Immunity

In addition to the physical ailments, stress can leave you feeling fatigued, less able and less willing to do the things that bring you joy, like spending time with your loved ones.

Massage is one of the best stress-relievers I know. Each of us knows this in the very core of our being. Do you remember as a child when your aunt or mother or best friend used to rub your back to soothe you to sleep or patted you on the back to relieve a fear? We know that touch, even by untrained laypeople is healing. Imagine the stress-reducing healing benefits that massage has when applied by a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Perhaps the mere thought of coming to the massage studio where soothing music is playing, the lights are dim, aromatherapy is in the air and the time is set aside especially for you begins to evoke the feelings of rest, relaxation and stress reduction that a therapeutic massage promises.

During and after a massage, many people find their stress levels significantly reduced. The less stress you have, the more joyful you are able and willing to be, the better your immune function, and your sense of well-being? ... sky-high!

So, even though (and especially since) this is a busy time of year, consider making some time for yourself to de-stress and take care of yourself by receiving a massage. And after the holiday season is over, have another to really seal the deal.

Amanda and I look forward to helping you relieve your stress this Holiday season and throughout the year at Bodymind Massage!

Peace,
Helen Gutfreund, LMT, NCTMB