BODHISYNC Manual Therapy was created at the onset of the new millennium by combining various manual therapies from around the world in order to provide the present-day clinician with new ideas, philosophies and techniques that will help a variety of patient populations. Bodhisync will also aid in the preservation of the therapist’s mind, body and spirit through the use of knowledge, technique and challenge.
The first pillar states “Work within your patient’s architecture.” Many therapists try to overcorrect postures and movements seen in their patients forcing them to do the textbook perfect position. One must take into account that this may be their ingrained functional strategy or skeletal posture that cannot be corrected without external intervention. One example is truly correcting Pes Planus by manual therapy alone.
The second pillar states “Breath Synchronicity.” The Asian manual therapies believe in the importance of connecting with the patient in multiple ways in order to deepen the connection. This closer connection is paramount while performing manual or massage skills. By the body-worker being aware and in sync with the patient’s breath, the bond created and the platform for healing grows exponentially. Simply combine your inhalations and exhalations with your patients and you will see how quickly you develop a deeper connection. It is truly amazing. The rhythm you will find is natural and prevents the clinician from sub-consciously holding their breath. I believe we are all guilty of doing that at times. Consciousness is the first step to understanding one’s methods.
The third pillar is “Body Mechanics.” The therapist’s body mechanics are crucial for longevity in our field. If you do not assume the proper stance, work at the correct angles and know how to move around the table or floor you will not last long nor make the proper relationship with the patient. Basically, in this situation you are not having fun, sweating profusely, getting really tired and the athlete, patient or client can feel and see it. It was once said, “If you use your muscles you use your ego, if you use your body, you use your soul.”
The fourth pillar states “Create Space & Change Position.” So often the therapist performs all their hands-on treatments while the patient is in one position, prone (face down), supine (face up) or in side lying. In Bodhisync, it is imperative to treat in every position throughout a session. Having the patient move to assess the intended area of treatment from multiple angles simply reveals the bigger picture. For instance, when working on the piriformis muscle using Bodhisync, the patient starts standing as the patient performs a series of functional movements. These are all evaluated by the therapist for imbalances and asymmetric motion. They are then asked to lay prone as internal and external rotation is assessed and treated. Side lying work is then performed to address different muscles of the lumbar spine. From there, that region is addressed through many stretching positions, functional passive motions, with the treatment concluding in supine.
Another crucial part to the fourth pillar of Bodhisync is creating space in the body. The philosophy is trying to counter-act some of gravitational forces on the body. The human body is being compressed and shortened every day. The earth is pulling us down naturally. It’s a medical fact that as we age we lose height and get slightly shorter. Look at some of the elderly population you see walking around. We must strive to elongate our bodies and the therapy applied during this method employs maneuvers in a host of positions to create space in the body and joints. When the joints surfaces do not rub we can minimize arthritis and when movement is maintained especially movement combined with soft tissue therapies, the body stays healthy, unstuck and rejuvenated.
Finally, the fifth pillar is “Challenge Your Spirit.” Make sure you consistently learn with your mind, body and spirit in life. Changing your treatments every session and addressing what you feel during that session keeps your mind and hands more sensitive. This is enforced throughout Bodhisync. Furthermore, you are not just performing moves but listening to your patient’s body providing to them what they truly need not just what they want or what the protocol states. Try new techniques and do not fall into the technician / clinician fight. You must not be afraid to attempt new skills on the people in your hands and think out of the box sometimes. Provide new interventions to your patients as much as you can. This ultimately keeps the clinician’s skills sharp, thwarts stagnation and keeps things fresh for both parties involved! To learn more about Bodhisync and for a DVD contact Dr. Scott Weiss at Scott@bodhizone.com.
Click here to see a short explanation of Bodhisync Therapy from Dr Scott Weiss.
