Energy self-protection when practicing massage/bodywork

Submitted by MillyOz on Wed, 04/28/2010 - 5:37pm

Hi :) I am a massge therapy student and have been studying for few months and have done apx. 50 massages. We have been tought by our lecturer to protect ourselves when giving massage by drawing the white light circle around our bodies.

I am used to doing so as I use it in other situations too, though it doesnt seem to work lately. After I give massage I am left drained, emotionally and mentally, sometimes to the point my abdomen hurts, my gut feeling tells me it's psychosomatic rather than physical. I was wondering..what do you do to protect yourself? Or what do other people do? One of my colleagues told me..maybe I give too much energy out...

Thank you for your input.

Milly

Milly, Melbourne

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Comments

Submitted by Chad Dupuis on Thu, 04/29/2010 - 12:39pm.

Hello Milly. There are a few

Hello Milly. There are a few related posts on this forum where I've offered my opinion on this matter. The most recent one I could find is here. I can never quite find the right words to discuss this matter without seeming somewhat confrontational - but basically I don't believe in this kind of transference and thinking about it in the terms that get tossed around by many practitioners leads to far more detriment (for them and their patients) than any kind of good. Giving out "too much" energy, taking in "evil qi" - all of these are quite negative in many ways and show a poor understanding of what is (and isn't) happening when working on other people. A recent study, for example, found that just by looking at someone who is sick your immune system is activated - imagine what happens when you throw in working directly with them and on top of that some altruism.... Nothing bad assuredly.

All that said, this type of work is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding - much more so than many think initially. Because of this I always recommend the daily practice of tai chi and/or qi gong (certainly more so than meditation, yoga, running, whatever). Nothing against any other self-help/exercise tool but tai chi and qi gong not only build your personal reservoir of qi but they increase your sensitivity to energy (both in "issuing" and in what you may be receiving). Essentially if your personal energy is strong and your sensitivity is well cultivated the whole good energy/bad energy argument becomes a mute point.

On the physical side, obviously correct form and technique is crucial, starting slow and working up slowly so your body can develop correctly. In China many of the tuina massage practitioners spent years cultivating their own energy, understanding theory, and working their muscles through various exercises, massaging rice bags, etc. until they were even allowed to touch a patient. As our schools are setup to get you working as quickly as possible we are obviously missing out on much of this. As someone who plans to practice for a long period of time, then, taking some of this development work upon yourself is important.

For Tai Chi and Qi Gong training I would suggest you look locally for a practitioner as that is best. Qi gong routines are generally easier to learn than Tai Chi (although there are short forms), our tai chi/qi gong section has a number of books and dvds. On the qi gong side I am partial to the Da Peng Gong and on the Tai Chi side the 12 movement yang style form would be a good place to start (in DVD) if you cannot find a teacher locally.

Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.
Yin Yang House Acupuncture and Wellness Center

Submitted by MillyOz on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 12:39am.

Hi Chad, thank you for the

Hi Chad, thank you for the prompt and extensive :) reply, I have had a look at the other posts you recommended and have now better understanding of it all, I do agree with you on the fact that more we give attention to something, the more it becomes apparent (that's how our mind works sometimes), so will try and not focus on it anymore as much. Thanks for the advices on tai chi and/or qi gong, will look it up in my area.

All the best, Milly

Submitted by Dennis Valentine on Wed, 05/05/2010 - 10:54am.

Hi Milly, I agree with Chad

Hi Milly,

I agree with Chad whole heartedly. Always remember to disconnect from energy after a massage, like shaking your hands vigourosly. They say that if you rub or put angelica essential oils on shoulders, you can block energy from getting to you. I have been seriously getting into Myofascia release, it is gentler and takes must less physical energy, plus it really works.

John F Barnes myofascial release, it is definitely the way to go, hope that helps

Submitted by DaveG on Thu, 05/06/2010 - 12:36pm.

I also agree with Chad

Many beginner Tong Ren healers also fall into the same energy well.

In my very limited experience, I see energy work as an individual journey, where each practitioner needs to find their own strength, abilities and energy source connections. I don't feel that there is only one way to describe personal energy work to all people, as different people are attuned to it in many different disciplines.

I have found help in chi gong, Tai Chi and the "washing up" taught in Tong Ren (rubbing the hands and face to stop energy flow). I have also found help in basic Reiki practice of being connected to the universal energy source. Dowsing practices can also be helpful in clearing personal issues that waste energy.

I am just a part time Tong Ren healer, practicing at first for my own benefit, but now handling about 15 patient visits per week over the internet.

I can only suggest that you try a number of different ideas to find what suits you best. You will know the right methods by feeling your energy grow.

Dave

Submitted by Twilight Siren on Sun, 07/04/2010 - 1:44am.

I (mostly) agree

While I disagree in the non-belief of transference of energies (If you can transfer emotions, why not energies? But that's not what her problem sounds like. I don't believe in "evil qi" as you put it, though. Qi is qi!, in general, though there are different kinds, theyre not "good" or "bad" that I know of . . . . but I am sort of new at this!!) , I do agree in the methods of resolution to this issue that Chad and the others have mentioned. However, I definitely highly recommend yoga, in addition to a Tai Chi or Qi Gong practice. They are very complimentary to each other. Pranayamic Yoga practices have been extremely helpful to me . . . because their are few things more important than breath.

One question though, what is "Tong Ren"? . . . just curious. Is there an article or post on that somewhere on this website?

Submitted by yyh_staff on Sun, 07/04/2010 - 3:08am.

Click on the "tong ren"

Click on the "tong ren" button on the main menu bar....

Submitted by Twilight Siren on Sun, 07/04/2010 - 10:14am.

smacks forhead . . . .

*smacks forhead* . . . . .Doh! Now I feel silly! Did I mention I'm new to this site?!

Submitted by yyh_staff on Sun, 07/04/2010 - 6:32pm.

It's ok. There is a lot of

It's ok. There is a lot of information here and as much as we try to make it accessible it can be a bit overwhelming at times....

Submitted by Helene Labrecque on Wed, 07/21/2010 - 5:01am.

energy self protection

Hello Milly

You should never feel exhausted after a massage it should be the opposite.

I am always energy regenerated after a massage

I always wash my hands after a massage.

When i am doing a massage i am bearfoot sucking energy from earth and transmitting it through my hands.

I focus my energy along with the natural slow motion flow of superior energy fields.

I smile inside and am completey detached from the person on the bed.

I connect my intuition, eliminate my ego and concentrate on the wellness of human body.

god luck

Helene

Submitted by Twilight Siren on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 12:39pm.

Excellent, Helene! I agree,

Excellent, Helene!

I agree, and always feel better and more energetic after a massage where I fell I performed well.

As for barefoot, I wish I could be barefoot every time. Sounds great!

Submitted by Feng Mei on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 10:18pm.

open kd 1 and Du20 to receive

open kd 1 and Du20 to receive sky and earth energy is good way to do energy treatment, and after treatment use Qi Gong practice to sedate out the sick energy also is very important.

Submitted by shaktimanah on Wed, 12/28/2011 - 8:26pm.

mastering the healing craft

Hi Milly
Blessed I am to share these Great tidings
Because the answer is all of the above
Including the residual feeling of personal energetic-
empowerment. Till we all can become so enthusiastic
however, I recommend
The/a revitalizing regimen/practice that can be actively /-
-in real time, be incorporated into treatments-before, during
& after.
The Simplistic practices of properly breathing
rhythmically & moving in a harmony w/nature & @ a pace
that nature’s sky & Earth energy can be incorporated into
the powers of your body awareness and intentions.
Exercises like Qi gong’s Shen Zheng (unconditional Love)
practice. See: master Li June? He is a dedicated practitioner
of His craft, & philosophy of universal amalgamation.
Also study under Master (Mani Tak’chia) a Taoist philosopher
and wellness practitioner. Also on youTube & last but not least
See” Master David Harris’s youTube series, beginning with
“How to heal others with Qi gong.”
He will show you some great-
manual-energy manipulation systems movements and mudras.

I suppose that the last word is, you have chosen a corer that requires A mindful lifestyle and presents some distinct challenges.
It stands to reason’ that being a part of the medical profession we are subject to the contraction some of the symptoms and residual external energy influences?
Remember energy is High & low week or strong,ht orcold fast or slow, moving or stagnent but never not good or bad. Also, that approx. 8 of 10 touch practitioners don’t master the craft?
But don’t be afraid, be informed and be pro-active.

Good luck in your research, God has Blessed us w/Youtube
the greatest learning Opportunity eveah use it.
go to qi gong learn it develop a personal program & seek to understand the innate value of being in personal internal energetic balance & how to reconcile w/the ever-loving creation, anxiety overwhelm grief depression anger we touch-healers are ever-being exposed to these silent drains/distractions from our
cause. To have something/extra to give & wisdom to share.
Good job Milly you asked for help that means you love what you do enough! YGG

"I believe that although our stations in life may differ, the integrity of all souls is of value! Suspending a judgmental mentality we support and honor the physical as divine* *through the ointment of awairness.

Submitted by shaktimanah on Wed, 12/28/2011 - 10:40pm.

it seems its all about' Energy mastry

Hi Milly
Yin & Yang as you know
Are the basic energetic functional antagonist w/in nature!
Sun & Moon are among them
The Sun Yang
The Moon Yin
Palms circling right= Sun-strokes
Palms circling left’ Moon strokes
“circle 1-Lunar stroke per-every 3 Solar."
Use earth Chi 1st. (Rises strong/mighty) then inner-Self Chi & Hara
( by grounding & orbiting personaql eergies internally) from sacrum to (Tantien)
see (The Iron shirt exorcises) on youTube )
see: Master Mantak Chi and others/
then gather’ Sky Chi –(pervasive powerful) Solar Luner etc,
Honor the 6 directions and let your heart travel in/towards
the Tao (East)” TCM
So you see Milly this shows in brief
our vast supports &
Also YouTube really the place to go to learn
Study and observe hr.s of skill building
Practitioners to help you develop your own
celestial victory dance. & to have enough
personal energetic integrity and balance
to be healthy and reserves enough to
enable a pried of rest & balance for someone
else as well.
That (balance & that rest) is the
opportunity for their recovery.
The energy movement & or palpation’s and or
Divine` gestures we can incorporate
is just all the better!
Earth is more Yang
Yin is more Divine/heavenly

Milly these new`on-sess
According to my understanding that are
The tools of our trade, the ingredients
of the sacred space that is one’s personal space
and that of our client s.
Like master David Harris says’
We’er just there to level the playing field”
“But our strokes tend to be/have a flattining afect "more like
the marines sweeping through a town
So of course we need the skills to rebuild
The energetic infrastructure/free flowing Chi afterwards. “
*See: YouTube you have picked a winner Milly (saring carring touch) hang in there.

Ps. Milly gving/sharing lots of energy is fine, just make mine a cocktail. So No need to stand so alone.Pss. it for certn that you will aways hvea need and a place for fresh eergies in TCM they say" Chi is like water geep it cleen and moving' and there will be less problums"

Embrace the need to understand all about energys