Unwinding -- Therapy Without A Net
by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE

In previous articles (Finding Your Way to Therapy & Round 'N Round We Go), I spoke of my personal experiences with Unwinding Therapy. Although they were quite unique, it was reassuring to discover that I was not alone in letting go of my trauma using Unwinding Therapy. Through the years in my career as a Natural Therapist, I have participated in several of my client's Unwinding processes. I refer to it as "Therapy Without A Net" because the physical body may remain on the table, hang from the table or they may glide to the floor for more space to unwind. No matter the physical positioning, trusting the therapist to keep them safe is similar to a trapeze artist swinging into the safety of their partner's hands. Observing Unwinding Therapy is quite different than personally participating in the experience where you may become disoriented or spacey. As a therapist, you observe your client's pain as you stand witness to their struggle. Throughout the process, they require a great deal of understanding, support, and reassurance. The Unwinding process may be so foreign to people that they actually think they are a bit crazy. Assurances and verbal communication ease this discomfort as well as their minds.

The main role of a therapist is to help guide the client through the healing process and to continue to support them throughout the session. Once the client begins to open up, the therapist steps back to allow the client's body to assume charge. The therapist then monitors what is taking place. The body knows what it needs and it will correct itself if it is given the space as well as the opportunity.

I had been working with one woman whom I' ll call Sylvia.* Sylvia came to me because she was having difficulty sleeping due to stress at work. She didn't want to become dependent upon sleeping pills and she felt a good massage might help her to relax. For the first few sessions, I administered a combination of Swedish Massage and Polarity Therapy, hoping to calm her system. As we progressed, I began to notice her body jerking and repositioning itself under my touch. This was most apparent while I was working on her backside as her scapula or wing jumped in the air as if she was preparing for flight. I was uncertain of what was happening until I was sitting in my Unwinding class in Albuquerque. There I realized Sylvia's body was initiating Unwinding. When she came for her next session we were both in for a big surprise. Prior to starting the session, I told her I was going to implement some new techniques. She was open to the idea and to my amazement her body responded instantly.

Unwinding is a unique therapy. The therapist initiates the process by holding the body in specific positions which stimulate the Unwinding process. The position is as unique as the individual and it varies with each session. The body will release its trauma when it is correctly positioned for the trauma to be set free. Once the body begins to Unwind, it continues down a path which seems predetermined. The therapist's support and comfort becomes imperative here. The client needs the assurance that "they" are in control of this process even though they feel the therapist is in the lead. As they Unwind, a common feeling is that of being lighter and more relaxed.

In Sylvia's case, her body seemed to unwind the most as her upper body went off the table with her head toward the floor. Her hips remained on the table as her upper body adjusted and twisted; hanging free from physical barriers. Of course, I was holding her so she didn't plunge head first to the ground. Her body was making all sorts of noise (grunts and moans) as she was Unwinding. I finished the treatment with some light cranial work. Afterwards, Sylvia was extremely spacey and somewhat shocked by how her body responded to such a light touch. With another client waiting, I quickly assured her of her sanity. In fact, I told her she was finally opening up to herself in a positive way. Letting go is never easy, but when we are supported it becomes less scary. Sylvia left still questioning what had transpired, however, she returned the following week for another session. Once she realized how good her mind and body felt after the session she was hooked and she wanted to continue Unwinding.

My experience with Kathy* was quite different. A friend had asked me to work with one of her clients. She felt Kathy needed another approach to boost her process. Kathy had a semi-frozen shoulder and she was holding a great deal of emotion internally. As we discussed her difficulties, Kathy began to understand what was happening inside her body and she was ready to explore it.

Sue*, my friend, and I decided we would work with Kathy together because Sue was a great support for Kathy. When two therapists work together, generally one leads the session so there is less confusion. Sue and I approached Kathy's body using some Satvic (light) touch although as the treatment continued we used Rajasic and Tamasic approaches (a deeper, more rhythmic touch).** I began wandering around Kathy's body finding where she was storing her trauma. I found a large scar on her knee which she recalled came from a fall years prior. As Sue was holding the cranium (head), I held the knee. I asked Sue to move to the pelvis as I was completing work on the knee. Then I went to Kathy's head and I placed one hand under her frozen shoulder while I held her head off the table with my other hand. By holding her head off the table it was free to move in any direction, even below the surface of the table. It felt as though her arm needed to elongate. With my hands already occupied, I took her arm between my shoulder and chin while gently easing the arm toward the head. Suddenly Kathy's body took charge as her arm continued to free itself from the shoulder girdle. At that point, I was simply guiding it so she was able to release. As this proceeded, Kathy let out a scream and told me to let go!!! Tears came pouring down her face as she sobbed for quite some time. Sue and I wiped away her tears and eased her fears, instructing her to take some deep breathes.*** When Kathy finally opened her eyes, she looked directly into mine and said, "Why didn't you let go?" I assured her that I had released her arm a few seconds prior to her discomfort, but her body continued moving her arm over her head. Without hesitation Kathy nodded, acknowledging my assessment. Then she asked when she could schedule another session. In Unwinding, once the client is certain they are okay and they were in charge all along, they accept what their bodies revealed to them in the process. This allows them to recognize they have the power to heal under the guidance of a therapist.

Watching others UNWIND and perform astonishing acts is quite a remarkable sight. You are a witness to their pain and eventually their release, which is an unusual gift. A great deal of trust needs to be established for this process to progress. Many times the sessions are followed by exhaustion due to the amount of energy expended. Unwinding takes us deep inside and lets us see what is blocking our way. We soon find it's US- in general, our fears! The opportunity to either "let go" or "hold on" and continue to deal with the discomfort and pain is simply made available. Knowing we are capable of confronting what surfaces can set us free. WE have the power, now all we need is the strength to approach our fears with love and kindness, just as we should approach one another on a daily basis.

Therapy without a net can be thrilling and somewhat scary for beginners. Just be sure you have a trusted therapist to assist you and lend a helping hand.

* Names have been changed.

** Refer to the article Polarity Therapy and Ayervedic Connections for more insight concerning touch.

*** Note: Without Sue holding the pelvis and my hand positioning, this release would not have happened. All of the stars need to be aligned so to speak. Each position and session is unique.

For more details about holistic therapy and Nancy's experience with healing refer to her book Finding My Way Through Paralysis To Holistic Health.

Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgements and credentials included.

For further information or questions, please contact Nancy @ Natural Massage Therapy at 928-717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com.

All articles are for informational/educational purposes only. This information does not take the place of current treatment plans nor medications prescribed. Always consult your physician to determine the most beneficial course of treatment for your individual needs.