Often times the term "healing hands" is used to describe a practitioner whose massage or reflexology touch is able to bring about healing and relief. Although energy work is a common element in Eastern massage styles, it is rare in Western ones and often misunderstood or ridiculed. Many westerners are unfamiliar with the concept of health based on the energy system of the body and unaware of how a massage therapist can enhance a patient's health through the use of energy massage and reflexology.
Fundamentals
Eastern massage has evolved over thousands of years to a system that deals with the physical body, the spirit, and the body's energy, according to Barry Kapke, Eastern bodywork instructor from Petaluma, California. The major difference between energy work and regular massage is that the massage therapist trained to do energy work focuses much more on the energy of the body than the actual physical form and body condition. The energy therapist may hold his hand a few inches above the body instead of actually touching the skin while doing his assessment and treatment.
Healing
In Eastern massage, many of the physical difficulties of the body are perceived to be manifestations of disturbances in the flow of the body's energy. The healing hands of the massage therapist are used to detect and to solve these problems and to restore energy to its optimal flow. Some, like the practitioners of Japanese Shiatsu, utilize a system of energy pressure points to improve the distribution of energy. Others, like the Nuad Bo'Rarn practitioners of Thailand, focus on energy meridian lines on the body. Both believe in the use of their hands to restore health to the patient's body.
Reflexology Healing
Reflexology involves a different philosophy for healing than the energetic massage systems; however, it is often practiced in combination with them. Inge Dougans, director of the International School of Reflexology in South Africa, clarifies that this technique is based on the concept of reflex areas of the feet and hands that correspond via nerve pathways to other areas of the body, particularly organ systems. As the healing hands of the reflexology therapist apply pressure to the reflex points, distant tissues will be positively impacted.
Significance
Regardless of the mechanism employed, the hands of the therapist are critical in providing healing relief to the patient. The therapists' hands may be trained to become attuned to the presence of body energy or to the physical locations and condition of the reflex points. Their heightened sensitivity is essential to enable the therapist to help bring healing to the patient. Kapke and Dougans both list several health benefits associated with their respective forms of healing, including better organ function and improved vitality and well being.
Considerations
Patients should be cautious about receiving massage or reflexology if they have any medical problems that would be worsened by increased circulation and lymph flow, pressure or friction on the skin. However, in such instances energy work may provide benefits that are unattainable through conventional touch-based methods. In many instances, massage therapists and reflexologists work in conjunction with the patient's physician. The healing hands of the massage and reflexology therapist make them a valuable part of the health care team.
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