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in Prescott, AZ
928-717-1251
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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 my experiences 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 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 lightheaded. As a
therapist, you observe your client's pain as you stand witness to their struggle. Throughout the
process, a great deal of understanding, support, and reassurance is required. The Unwinding
process may be so foreign to people that they actually think they are a bit crazy. Assurances
and verbal communication ease their 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, 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 noticed 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 a month later. There I realized Sylvia's body was initiating
Unwinding Therapy. 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 by twisting and turning: holding
and releasing. It seemed that Sylvia’s body had been waiting for the opportunity to release.
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 clients Unwind, a common feeling is that of being lighter
and more relaxed.
In Sylvia's case, she unwound fully as her upper body went off the table with her head toward
the floor. Her hips remained on the table while 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. She 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 lightheaded 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 Sattvic (light) touch although
as the treatment continued we employed Rajasic and Tamasic approaches (a deeper, more rhythmic
touch).** I scanned Kathy's body to locate her stored trauma. I found a large scar on her knee
which she recalled came from a fall years prior. As Sue was holding the cranium, 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 we
proceeded Kathy screamed and said, “Let go!!!” Tears poured down her cheeks. She sobbed for
quite some time. Sue and I wiped away her tears and calmed 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 elevating her arm over her head. Without hesitation Kathy
nodded, acknowledging my assessment. Then she asked when she could schedule another session. In
Unwinding Therapy, once the client is certain they are okay and they were in charge all along,
they accept what their bodies revealed. Under the guidance of a therapist, they recognize that
they have the power to heal.
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. Exhaustion often follows a session due to the amount of energy
expended. Unwinding takes us deep inside and lets us uncover 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, 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 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 From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life."
Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and
holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgments and credentials included.
www.naturalmassagetherapy.com
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. |
