Patent Application
20100099943
Various types of massage techniques have been known, these include variations of Swedish massage, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue massage and Amma. It is also known to use music as part of the environment in the massage room. The use of such music, however, is primarily intended to relax the recipient. No efforts are made to find any correlation between the music and the actual massage techniques.
An object of this invention is to provide a system that integrates the massage techniques with the selection of music.
In accordance with this invention a system is provided wherein various components are used in a series of steps to improve the quality of the massage. This provides better results for the recipient's mental and physical well being. Such steps involve integrating music and sound, ambient noise reduction, 360 degree site cancellation, aroma therapy, massage and the use of a grid of the human body and its extremities.
The system involves a process of massage that utilizes several components in a series of steps to improve the quality of the massage providing better results for the recipient's mental and physical well being. It involves integrating music and sound, ambient noise reduction, 360 degree sight cancellation, aromatherapy, massage, and a newly designed grid of the human body and its extremities. This grid matches the three basic tonal levels of a music scale, high, medium and low notes. The massage practitioner uses this grid to flow with music and sound during the massage by way of varying pressure, stroke value, stroke speed and movements. There are specific massage strokes with pressure variances and movements coinciding with rhythm and tempo patterns and changes in scale progression, breakdowns, sustained notes, chords and sporadic sounds to further enhance the massage experience. Along with the specific massage strokes, the template modalities used for this system are all the strokes and variations of Swedish massage, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue massage and Amma. The most rewarding aspect from a massage practitioner's point of view is that once the system is understood they can integrate it into their preferred style and just follow the grid with a selection of music and implementing the other components within this system.
The following are some considerations relating to the system of this invention.
360 degree sight cancellation relaxes the motor cortex and triggers the body into a state of homeostasis. The recipient doesn't have to consciously keep their eyes closed.
Ambient noise reduction eliminates sounds that aren't related to massage, enabling the recipient to keep a clear mind.
Aromatherapy helps to cope with mental and physical conflicts like allergies, stress and anxiety.
Applying music and sound through noise reduction headphones stimulates neuropathic activity. Heart rhythms match to brain synapse output. Applying music to massage, it stimulates or sedates the central nervous systems.
Using the grid, the practitioner moves with music along the body. Notes ascending the scale, strokes are proximal. Notes descending the scale, strokes are distal. More pressure and slower stroke speed is applied with stronger tone intensity. Less pressure and faster stroke speed is applied with higher tone intensity.
The system mentally, psychologically and physiologically removes the massage recipient from their immediate environment. It assists in overall relaxation enhancing all of those factors and the massage experience in a way that has never been approached before. By combining the components mentioned in the description, it accomplishes several positive results at once for the massage recipient.
Being that it is a process of massage, it can be implemented into numerous environments using different types of massage applications such as; full body table massage in clinical and physical therapy environments. Holistic healing in spas and retreats, and chair massage used in noisy environments such as airports, public malls, sporting events, or benefit fund raisers. It can also be used in corporations for corporate chair massage. In addition, it can be integrated into “4 hands” full body massage where two massage practitioners massage one body/recipient.
Implementing 360 degree sight cancellation relaxes the recipients' motor cortex and triggers their mind to reset the body back into a natural state of homeostasis. The massage recipient does not have to consciously keep their eyes closed enabling them to relax into a deeper state, heightening their subconscious mind. It also promotes cell and tissue repair along with cell reproduction. There are a host of other benefits as well.
This is achieved by fitting the recipient with hard wired, over the ear or in the ear, ambient noise reduction headphones that are connected to one female end of a “Y” splitter headphones jack, while the male end of the “Y” splitter is connected to a female adapter headphones jack of a music playing device. The loose, hanging wire from the recipient's headphones are either taped down to the floor or placed under a throw rug from the music device to the massage table/chair. This ensures a high level of safety for the massage practitioner when moving along the floor. The massage practitioner (CMT/LMT) uses wireless, remote headphones connected to the other open female adapter of the “Y” splitter headphones jack enabling them to move freely around the massage table or massage chair. Appropriate massage music/sounds is played through both sets of headphones at a comfortable level so communication is attainable if need be. Communication between the practitioner and the recipient pertaining to the massage such as inquiring about pressure, being comfortable, when to move, or an emergency of some sort.
Implementing ambient noise reduction eliminates sounds that are not related to the massage that could otherwise jeopardize the quality of the massage itself and the outcome originally intended, which is to help heal and relax the recipient through massage. By doing so, it enables the recipient to completely relax, keeping the mind clear of distractions.
Implementing music and sound through the ambient noise reduction headphones stimulates the neuropathic energy pulses in the recipient's brain immediately affecting cognitive thought and reasoning, as well as their emotional and physiological state. In addition, the rhythm and tempo patterns of music create a bridge for their heart rhythm to match with their brain synapse output. In addition, implementing music and sound directly into the massage sequence and vice versa, it creates a direct link to the massage recipients' sympathetic, parasympathetic and autonomic nervous systems through stimulation and/or sedation caused by the notes, tones, rhythm and tempo patterns, scale progression and breakdowns, sustained notes and chords as well as sporadic sounds.
Implementing aromatherapy promotes a wealth of positive results helping the massage recipient to cope with daily mental and physical conflicts such as stress, anxiety and other physiological issues that might otherwise hinder their normal state of mind.
Implementing touch and massage to the grid, it enables the massage practitioner to move with music and sound along the body and its extremities. The grid, as shown in the drawings is plotted out in such a way that the basic notes of music and sound are directly applied to the body and its extremities through touch and massage. Notes that ascend the music scale, the strokes and movement of massage travel towards the heart (proximal). Note and tones that descend the music scale the strokes and movement of massage travel away from the heart (distal). Pressure variance solely depends which notes and tone intensity the massage practitioner (CMT/LMT) choose to flow with. Normally, the higher the notes and tones are on the music scale, the softer and more superficial the massaged touch is to the recipient. The lower the notes and tones are on the music scale, medium to deep pressure massage is applied to the recipient.
This does not mean that it has to be followed in this exact way. A higher note may project an intense tone, thus paving the way to provide more pressure and varied stroke speed. On the same token, a low note such as a D may have a very weak tone by being placed in the mid to background range of the recording. If the practitioner chooses to flow with that note, the pressure and stroke speed may be lighter by comparison. It is up to the massage practitioner (CMT/LMT) to choose which notes, tones, rhythms and tempos to flow with to better predict the desired outcome of the massage session.
Implementing massage to the grid, the massage practitioner (CMT/LMT) moves with music along the body and its extremities. Notes ascending the music scale, strokes of massage are proximal. Notes descending the music scale, strokes and movement of massage are distal. Pressure depends on which notes and tones they choose to flow with. The stronger the tone, the more pressure is applied with slower stroke speed. The lighter the note intensity, less pressure is applied with a faster stroke speed.
The system slightly enhances four of the five known human senses to heighten the massage experience. When these enhancements are implemented into massage separately, they can be somewhat effective. When combined, they change the way to approach and administer massage.
This system can be applied to both corporate chair and full body massage. One of the best traits about this system is the assimilation of music with touch. Because the music is intertwined with the massage sequence, one can do more than wake the recipient up with a rejuvenating and revitalizing massage due to a faster tempo and rhythm. Do more than putting the recipient into a sedated and relaxed state by choosing a slower rhythm and tempo. One can help them connect with themselves in ways they might never have experienced before because of the combined techniques used in this system.
The system provides a new and innovative approach to the massage industry. This system is an easy and welcoming fit for the holistic and therapeutic environment. What's more is it has yet to be introduced to the clinical environment, providing for pre and post operative patients as well as individuals living with existing conditions, pre and post chemo patients, etc.
This is by far one of the most important sections to understand, fully understand. This section helps you appreciate how music and sound affect the body. More importantly, how music and sound influence the minds autonomic response that triggers feeling and emotion. Music is the key element that makes this system what it is. Once all of the components in this system are established, music is the driving force that makes the experience come together.
Since the dawn of human existence, rhythm and tempo pathways that make up the blueprint for music have been instilled into us. As infants, lullabies are softly spoken into our minds by our elders, making us feel safe, relaxed and providing a sense of warmth. As we grow, lullabies are replaced with nursery rhymes and simple, easy to follow songs. Some have different lyrics but the same rhythm and tempo. Songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and the “Alphabet Song”. The way we hear or listen to music has the power to drastically and immediately affect our mood, altering cognitive thought and reasoning. Music shifts our emotions and spirits simply by changing chords, rhythms and tempos. In short, music has the ability to transform our state of mind almost instantaneously. Music can regulate and control levels of anxiety as well as assist with stress related disorders. (See Listening, The Ear & Development: The Work of Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis; by Don Cambell.)
The combined musical tones and notes that make up songs have the ability to heal, release, relax, and rejuvenate. It can bring people together, separate us, and assist in maintaining our individual status all through doing one primary thing, syncing our heart rhythms and brain waves into unison. (See Clayton, Sager, and Will: In Time with Music/Section 4.3/Stanford University.) Listening integrates sensations and perceptions. (See Listening, supra.) Music has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
When we listen to music our bodies become energized. Adrenal glands release in stages that flow with the music. One may get a sudden urge to dance or get up and move when one hears a song one likes. One may begin tapping one's foot or drumming with one's hands. One may break out into an “air guitar” session. One may have a sudden feeling of happiness, enough to make one smile, laugh, or both while listening to music. This is a direct result of what we are listening to and how music affects the mind which in turn, affects the body. Slow music makes one sleepy and lethargic, fast music makes one alert, aggressive and at the ready. Elevator music may make one claustrophobic and angry. The list below is the result from studies regarding music and how it affects emotion. (See Juslin, P. N. (2000); Cue utilization in communication of emotion in music performance: Relating performance to perception. J. Experimental Psychology, 26, 1797-1813.)
Genres of Music that have Staccato Influences:
Songs were being sung during slavery days that reflected suffering and survival. There were songs sung on the chain gang. Songs are sung during protest, sports, good times and bad. We instinctively sing when were waiting, nervous, scared, happy, at work, during transport, sitting in traffic, getting dressed, tying our shoes, and some of us in the shower. Music is all around us, all the time.
Music is often in our heads when were not even listening. Our brains and memory have numerous open templates for holding sounds and music. Have you ever had a song get into your head and it wouldn't leave? Maybe it's a song you briefly heard on the radio or someone next to you was humming and it transferred to you. Most of the time for us, it's a song we don't like or care for and it stays with us for the day, or longer.
One may think about an old friend, or those that have left our lives, or an old love, or existing one? We have a piece's of music and songs for memories, people and experiences. When we think about those things, it isn't long before music enters our head. It works both ways as well, when we hear a particular piece of music or sound, we immediately think of them, a memory, or an experience.
There are dozens of examples of music through life that affect our memory. Here are some examples of music that you might have heard at a wedding or function which trigger memories, emotions, feelings, also resulting in autonomic responses;
Music that might generate an autonomic response resulting in “goose bumps” would be;
Music affects almost everything we do and what we do affects music. In a sense, music is life and life is music. Contemporary experiments reveal that emotional reactions to music are real, because music produces specific patterns of change in heart rate, blood pressure and other autonomic bodily reactions that are linked to different emotions. (See MuSICA Research Notes Vol. VIII, lss. 1, Winter 2001.url) This system utilizes the inherent qualities of music and sound and intertwines them with massage strokes and movement. As a result, the recipient's mind and body sync with the music, then sync with the massage they are receiving coinciding with the music, resulting in a massage that is in a class by itself. The Lotus system is that class.
This section of the system enables one to appreciate why ambient noise cancellation is so important for the recipient and the CMT/LMT during a massage. By fitting the recipient and the CMT/LMT with sanitized, noise cancellation headphones, ambient sounds are removed creating a relaxing environment in their body and mind. The recipient is not distracted by the immediate, outside world which would otherwise affect the quality of the massage and the overall experience. As for the CMT/LMT, being able to concentrate on the music and the massage without distractions helps them embrace the music, thus producing a quality massage like no other.
Most, if not all spas, salons, and retreats pipe music through the ceiling or worse, through a boom box tucked away in a corner with some candles on it. This also includes, if any music being played at all, chair CMT/LMT's in a corporate setting or a mall, airport, etc. It is ridiculous to play music in an environment that's overwhelmed with ambient sound. The true potential of the music or sounds are not realized or justified by doing this. Any chance to be enveloped by the music and fully relax is not achieved. Even if the recipient is receptive enough at the time of receiving, it is difficult to continuously concentrate on the music and massage at the same time. A gap is created and most lose any sense of being part of what they are listening to during the session. When receiving massage, one should not have to concentrate in order to relax. The recipient only hears bits and pieces of the music from time to time. The music's worth becomes worthless.
In the field of massage, music is supposed to be used as a tool to help the recipient relax and feel comfortable. Ambient noise between the music and the recipient has never been recognized or considered to be a hindrance, but it is in so many ways. When the recipients' body and mind react to music, they become more willing to receive on a conscious and subconscious level. If there is a “break” in that relaxation, even a momentary “break” because of ambient noise, the body and mind has to reset itself. This causes subconscious stress on both the recipients' body and mind. The recipient starts thinking about things and then has to make a conscious effort to clear their mind, again. It takes time for the mind to clear, the body to relax and for the recipients' heart rhythms to sync with the brains' energy pulses. A perfect example of this would be just starting to relax as a recipient ten minutes into the massage session and you hear a phone ring through the wall.
When using the system, music becomes more than a comforting tool. It becomes the driving force that turns what's thought to be “just a massage”, into a journey and experience. When the recipient is fitted with an ambient noise cancellation device, only being able to listen to the music and the CMT/LMTs' voice when needed, their state of mind enters a place they rarely have gone before, if ever. It provides a place of total relaxation and unison within themselves, powered by the music and the massage linked as one.
Decipher the range and depth of sounds emanating from a rainforest. You'll find it contains a foreground, mid-ground, and background presence of sounds shifting through each other. It is a constant. If you concentrate on one particular sound, the rest is now ambient noise. If the ambient sound becomes louder or more dominant, it becomes more difficult to zero in on what you're listening to. The same happens if there is a sudden burst of noise not affiliated with the one you're concentrating on. Having to concentrate and focus more disconnects you from the initial sound you're listening to. It's even more evident when you're sound is in the fore or mid-ground and you pick up the now dominant sound emanating out of the background. Our mind instinctively picks up the “new” sound and throws us off our focal point.
Place yourself in a corporate setting providing chair massage. If you've ever done this then it's quite possible you're concentration was thrown off at one time or another due to a file drawer being slammed shut, or a burst of laughter passing through just a few feet away. You momentarily feel jolted, then confused why someone would have no consideration for what you're attempting to achieve, then and a little agitated at them doing this. While you're contemplating what just happened, your focus on the massage was lost. Then it happens again.
Now put yourself in the chair as the recipient. Imagine how they feel. Are you able to relax? Office and cell phones are ringing. People are walking by talking . . . loud while the bells and whistles of fax and copy machines murmur and sputter.
When music is played through a stereo six to eight feet away in a corner, or six feet above you from the ceiling, you lose all the inherent qualities of experiencing the music as a whole. So again, when one is literally separated from the music, they are subjected to a wide variety of ambient sounds which inhibit them from receiving comfortably. Other examples of this are again, phones ringing through the wall, floors creaking, and movement from in and outside of the room. More examples of these ambient sounds are conversations being held outside your room or perhaps the slamming of a door or better still, a toilet flushing.
To ask the question, “Does the cancellation of ambient noise really make a difference?” Yes, it does. It can completely change the entire experience. This system changes the way massage is perceived, employed and remembered.
I have been using this system for over two years with these factors in place and it works wonderfully.
To sum up this section is easy. Here's how it works. Ambient sound is cancelled out by fitting the recipient and you the CMT/LMT with sanitized, noise cancellation headphones. This removes both of you from the immediate, outside world. Once the recipients' and the LMT/CMTs' heart rate and mind sync to the rhythm and tempo, the recipients body becomes more willing to relax on a conscious and sub-conscious level and the LMT/CMTs' able to properly blend the music into the massage with little or no distractions from the “ambient world”. Appropriate music is played through both headsets at a comfortable level so communication is still achievable if need be. One key factor is the CMT/LMTS' headset is wireless enabling them to move freely around the massage table/chair.
This section explains how effective 360 degree sight cancellation is to help one relax during a massage. Tying this in with the previous section, ambient noise cancellation, it's easy to see why they go hand in hand. The thought of being able to relax without having to consciously keep your eyes closed during a massage is relaxing enough. To have it combined with the elimination of ambient noise is even more enticing. Cap it off with a massage intertwined with the music you're listening to?
For those who are among the corporate world, the recipient walks the same floor day in and day out. While they talk on the phone, they sub consciously count the color separations in the tight burbur carpet. Chances are they know how many floor and ceiling tiles make up the break room, and there's a good possibility they know how many steps it is from their desk to the bathroom. Why should they be subjected to seeing that floor in a fixed position for an extended period of time when they're trying to relax?
Similar situations are present in a clinical setting. There usually is a bit of nervousness (start humming or singing) going to a physician, chiropractor, dentist, OBGYN, etc. . . . The fact is most individuals want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Sure they want to receive the proper treatment as to what ails them but who reading this can't say they haven't counted the ceiling tiles or wondered who picked out the atrocious carpet pattern while waiting? When implementing massage into the clinical environment, sight cancellation is a valuable tool to help the recipient relax.
As far as a spa or salon setting is concerned, yes it's nice to have the “foof” once in a while. Soft lighting, candles, walls adorned with admirable artwork or photography to help create a relaxed environment. Yet you are still seeing everything around you during the session. It's the movement of shadows, hearing all ambient sounds, coupled with consciously keeping your eyes closed. All three of these elements can profoundly affect a quality massage.
Whether in a massage chair or prone on a table, ambient light is a culprit jeopardizing a relaxing massage. Without using the System as a recipient, feels like looking into a microscope when the head is in a face rest. The peripheral vision is eliminated and the recipient is staring at the floor watching the tango style footwork of the CMT/LMT working on the recipient, hearing everything that's going on while trying to concentrate on the music. It's worse when supine because the peripheral vision is expanded and the same audible distractions just mentioned are more evident.
Some therapists mention that once the session starts the recipient's eyes will be closed anyway, so the recipient will be relaxed. That's not necessarily true. First, one has to try and relax. The recipient just drove to the destination. Red lights, dealing with other drivers on cell phones or texting not watching what there really supposed to be doing. Traffic in general. The recipient is still thinking about work, kids, bills, life. For some recipients, they still have the image of a computer screen etched in their vision from work. One can't just come in, lie down and instantly have it all go away. They require some assistance.
Most clients suffer from eye strain to some degree and welcome the thought of not having to consciously keep their eyes closed. During the moments they're disrobing, they have gone as far as placing the sight inhibitor over their eyes before the CMT/LMT re-enters the room. They want to be swept away from the outside world almost immediately entering my facility and they know this is an effective tool. Some CMT/LMTs' don't even ask the recipient if the lighting is at a comfortable level.
Other than the decor, there are three key components that aren't quite right in the environment, but the recipient has been trained that this is the norm. Everyone has candles and/or aromatherapy of some sorts, and attempt to have proper lighting with pleasing artwork or decorations to enhance the room. What is lacking is; one, the recipient is detached from the music. Two, the recipient can hear everything between themselves and that music, and three; the recipient is subjected to seeing everything during the session. When these components are separated, they don't seem like much but when they are combined, it creates a false sense of relaxation.
This section utilizes the ability to cancel out ambient light for the recipient so they do not have to consciously keep their eyes closed during a massage session. Simply by placing a soft, sanitized, terry cloth towel at the bridge of the headrest (prone) or over the recipient's eyes (supine) close to, if not, total 360 degree sight cancellation is achieved. In doing so, the recipient enters a deeper state of relaxation taking the massage experience further into their subconscious. When coupled with the system's ambient noise cancellation technique and the presence of aromatherapy, these three components are the “disks” within the spine so to speak. The vertebrae of course are music and touch.
With so many ailments in modern society and so many oils and blends to choose, a CMT/LMT might find it easy to just take the aroma that they like because it smells nice to them. This is a big mistake. A CMT/LMT could actually be doing the recipient great harm without knowing it causing allergic reactions, dermis reactions, and respiratory reactions. The list is quite extensive as is the list for choosing the proper oils or blends for each specific ailment. It is imperative to know the oils and blends prior to application. This means research and finding what's right or what one wants to specialize in. Some CMT/LMTs' specialize in using oils and blends for one or two very specific ailments. Others offer a variety of ten or more to “cure” what ails you, whatever it may be. This is done for a couple of reasons. One, some like to not get too involved because of the vastness the oil and blends world has to offer and like be unique carrying the “hard to find” stuff. Two, it takes some time to build up an inventory due to the fact that oils and blends of great quantities get quite pricy.
Either way, CMT/LMT should make sure to have questions pertaining to allergic reactions to oils in general on the Client Intake Form and go over the form with them prior to the massage session. For various reasons, some recipients are reluctant to provide information on the intake form but “warm up” to conversation when asked.
Essential oils and blends are making their way into the mainstream of massage and it's always nice to have at least one or two varieties on hand. A CMT/LMT does not have to practice using oils if the CMT/LMT is not comfortable with them.
The following list is a guide of what oils and blends pair up with certain ailments. Let it be known that this list is only a reference guide to be used for educational purposes only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate nor complete.
This list indicates the possible oils and blends that could help with the specific ailments underlined, in bold face, capitalized and underlined only.
Promote Inner Peace and Happiness
Promote Self-Confidence
Help Against Insecurity Issues
Help to Battle Fatigue, General Burnout and Exhaustion
Help Against Anger Issues
Help to Battle Stress
As one can see, a lot of the same oils assist with totally different ailments. By choosing one that assists with four or five separate ailments, it can possibly do nothing but good things in those key areas. Also, keep in mind that this is only a small list of what's available out there. There are several other ailments that oils have been known to assist with such as; Panic Attacks, Irritability, Anxiety, Depression, Fear. It is up to you to the CMT/LMT to choose what works best for the recipients.
However the CMT/LMT chooses to use the oils, it is advisable to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to taking any action. If one is pregnant, has cancer, liver damage, or any other existing medical condition, only use oils under close supervision and guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Exercise extreme caution when using oils with children. Only use extremely low dosages and the gentle oils when dealing with children. Be sure to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to using oils with children. Do not internally take oils without consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. It is best to perform a skin patch test prior to using any oils that were never used before.
This section of the system requires the most practice because it is the link that ties the music to the recipient. Once the recipient realizes that the music and the massage they're receiving are one, the real journey begins.
The core of the System emulates the flow of music and sounds through constant movement and acupressure. This system utilizes all the major strokes of Swedish massage with influences of Amma. The key is learning to use the strokes in unison with the timing of the music. As shown in TABLES 1 and 2, each stroke is specified to coincide with tonal levels on the music scale. There are constant variances of pressure matching the tonal levels. The images shown in the back of this manual provide a visual aid. The strokes are employed together and separately which correlate music and sound as a whole.
It is of vital importance to know and always be aware of Endangerment Sites when massaging. The system follows the same strict guidelines as any other modality, Maintain a proper distance from these fragile regions of the body.
The charts provided above are templates to offer guidance. The music creates the massage. It is important to understand that these strokes and movements are not just intended for those specific areas, If they were, every massage one provides would be most vigorous and place a tremendous strain on the body. One would be all over the place trying to do something that can't be done. Remember to keep it simple.
Also, while one is moving with the music, each section of the body one is working on can be broken down into low, mid, and high note “mini-sections”. Don't over exert oneself by trying to massage every note and every beat. Choose specific parts of the music one wishes to accent stroke value, pressure variances, and duration in the area massaging. Allowing the music to move through you while massaging will promote a more fluid and better quality massage.
By separating into low, mid and high notes that coincide with lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions the body is now an open canvas to create a sequence. As shown in TABLE 1 and TABLE 2, the same applies for each extremity; proximal to distal, and vice versa depending on how the music is moving along the scale. Listening and separating the notes into a random or set sequence becomes easier with practice. Always adjust pressure with the intensity of the note massaging.
The variances in pressure are pre-determined as the stroke progresses. As the tonal levels change, so will your pressure. This direct application is evident when the tonal changes occur. For instance, when beginning a stroke the tonal level drops from an “A” to a “D” minor in 4 counts, the stroke starts at the proximal end of an extremity or in the cervical region of the back. As the stroke progresses with the tonal change, the pressure goes from superficial, to medium, to deep by the end of the stroke. The deep pressure will be sustained as long as the low note holds. It is crucial to know the music and sounds inside and out so one can predetermine the stroke or movement best suited, The same applies for low to high notes. If the tone begins to rise, the CMT/LMT changes the stroke direction and pressure, constantly flowing with the music or sounds. As mentioned in paragraph 5.3, The CMT/LMT does not create the sequence, the music does.
Sustained notes, especially those used in the New Age genre can not only travel from cervical to lumbar, proximal to distal of an extremity, but also be brought across the back or the extremity, perpendicular to the rhythm and tempo pathways and muscle fibers (cervical to lumbar, proximal to distal and vice versa).
One very important item to follow is if the tone rises, attempt to stroke towards the heart. If it lowers, attempt to stroke away from the heart while keeping the variance of pressure with the intensity of the note massaging to. Keep in mind that this pertains to the extremities, the back, and the “mini sections” of those areas.
Recorded music is sometimes split into the right and left speakers giving the listener a heightened sense of transference. It can cause the mind and body to separate into right and left sides, or blend back and forth through the speakers providing a feeling of movement within the body. If a sound or instrument emanates in one specific side (speaker), the CMT/LMT flows to that side. Whether a sustained note/s, or quick transitions from one side to the other, the CMT/LMT moves with the sound/s and or instrument/s to further enhance the overall feeling of movement within the body.
For instance, if prominent sounds emanate in the right speaker, the right side of the back or lateral side of the extremity is massaged. It is crucial for the CMT/LMT to know when transference occurs from one speaker to the other before it happens. It is vital to maintain optimum pressure and constant flow during that transition. If employed correctly, the recipient and the CMT/LMT literally enter a trance like state. The CMT/LMT and the recipient become one with the music. NOTE: the CMT/LMT must always adjust massage pressure with the intensity of the sustained note/s and or sounds transferring.
Also, the rhythm and tempo determine the speed of the massage, keeping the variances of pressure in sync. If the recipient wishes to “wake up”, a faster more upbeat choice of music is best suited. If a more relaxing and de-stressing massage is requested, something with a much slower tempo and rhythm is recommended. Again, adjust pressure with the intensity of the note massaging to.
To sum up this section would be to state that the massage strokes and movements are literally woven into the patterns along the music scale being played, constantly adjusting pressure variance with note intensity. The list below contains the components that must be understood and met in order to employ this section of the system properly:
This section covers an aspect of the System, safety and hygiene. The parameters learned by a CMT/LMT in school regarding these two items are taken very seriously in this system and should be implemented into everyday practice.
There are key sections in the System that require extra attention when it comes to safety. Especially those pertaining to both recipient and CMT/LMT traffic in the receiving area. They are as follows:
The information given throughout this manual covered many areas. Each of the sections provided the essential tools to understand how the system works and what the overall intent is as a new modality. Each element has been broken down to a simplified and easy to understand format using examples, association, and imagery. It's easy to see how each section works independently and how combined, create a new and undiscovered technique in providing a high quality and memorable massage. One can apply this system to full body or corporate chair massage. With this information, every massage given using the system has the means to be unique in its own right. One is able to connect with the recipient in a way that has never been executed before. Enhancing four of the five known senses gives the CMT/LMT that right. The CMT/LMT has the tools to better predict the outcome of every massage using the system.
These three sections are intended for broad strokes and movements that span from lumbar to cervical (low to high note), and cervical to lumbar (high to low note) in one stroke or movement.
It can be used in one quick stroke that coincides with a quick ascend or descend upon the music scale (less than 4 counts). Or, a slower, more drawn out progression ascending or descending the music scale (more than 4 counts).
It is vital to maintain the proper pressure during this transition. See TABLE 1.
It is of great importance to know the selection of music well enough to predetermine when either side will be dominant. Thus, providing bodywork to that side.
This usually occurs during a quick transition between right and left (speakers) sides that will determine the overall stroke or movement. Remember to flow with the transition.
Always adjust massage pressure with the intensity of the note transitioning.
As shown, the portions are equally separated in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions that also coincide with the mid-sagittal plane (right and left sides).
These smaller sections are portioned out to provide bodywork in specific areas while still being able to utilize this system massaging with the music.
When executing this stroke, the variance of pressure increases as the stroke progresses upward. If executed correctly, it gives the recipient a feeling of completion during an ascent along the music scale. A great finishing move to this stroke is just as your fingers pass the superior angle, roll your fingers on end and follow along the superiod angle bringing all five fingers towards the acromion, partially closing the “wings” and begin a nerve stroke down the arms.
Example when to use the Butterfly: rumbling symbols over a 4 plus count period found in the classical genre.
This stroke shown in
The move shown in
As shown here in
In
In
The technique of this invention not only removes the massage recipient from their immediate environment assisting in overall relaxation, but it enhances the massage experience in a way that has never been approached before. By combining the components mentioned in the description, it accomplishes several positive results at once for the massage recipient.
Implementing 360 degree sight cancellation relaxes the recipients' motor cortex and triggers their mind to reset the body back into a natural state of homeostasis. The massage recipient does not have to consciously keep their eyes closed enabling them to relax into a deeper state, heightening their subconscious mind. It also promotes cell and tissue repair along with cell reproduction. There are a host of other benefits as well.
Using aromatherapy promotes a wealth of positive results helping the massage recipient to cope with daily mental and physical conflicts such as stress, anxiety and other physiological issues that might otherwise hinder their normal state of mind.
Integrating ambient noise reduction eliminates sounds that are not related to the massage that could otherwise jeopardize the quality of the massage and the outcome originally intended, which is to help heal and relax the recipient. By doing so, it enables the recipient to completely relax and concentrate on nothing, keeping the mind clear of distractions.
The practitioner is fitted with remote/wireless noise reduction headphones enabling them to not only move freely around the table/chair, but more importantly, providing them with the freedom to feel and flow with the music and/or sounds. The volume setting for both is at a comfortable level, blocking out ambient noise but low enough so they can communicate for various reasons if need be.
Massage and music hold many of the same holistic properties, too many to mention in fact. That is why it is so critical for the recipient to be fitted with sanitized headphones, It enables them to capture the inherent qualities of music and sound that under normal circumstances would not be heard from some distance away. It is only natural for these two to pair up. Music has always been used as a background element with massage to assist in relaxation. This system harnesses music's true potential.
Implementing music and sound through ambient noise reduction headphones stimulates the neuropathic energy pulses in the recipient's mind immediately affecting cognitive thought and reasoning, as well as their emotional and physiological state. It also creates a bridge for their heart rhythm to match with their brain synapse output. In addition, implementing music and sound directly into the massage sequence and vice versa, it creates a direct link to the massage recipients' sympathetic, parasympathetic and autonomic nervous systems through stimulation and/or sedation caused by the notes, tones, rhythm and tempo patterns, scale progression and breakdowns, sustained notes and chords as well as sporadic sounds.
Combining touch and massage using the grid, it enables the massage practitioner to move with music and sound along the body and its extremities. The grid is plotted out in such a way that the basic notes of music and sound are directly applied to the body and its extremities through touch and massage. Notes that ascend the music scale, the strokes and movement of massage travel towards the heart (proximal). Note and tones that descend the music scale the strokes and movement of massage travel away from the heart (distal). Pressure variance solely depends which notes and tone intensity they choose to flow with. Normally, the higher the notes and tones are on the music scale, the softer and more superficial the massaged touch is to the recipient. The lower the notes and tones are on the music scale, medium to deep pressure massage is applied to the recipient.
This does not mean that it has to be followed in this exact way. A higher note may project an intense tone, thus paving the way to provide more pressure and varied stroke speed. On the same token, a low note such as a D may have a very weak tone by being placed in the mid to background range of the recording. If the practitioner chooses to flow with that note, the pressure and stroke speed may be lighter by comparison. Also, most massage music is recorded in two or more channels constantly transferring between right and left speakers. Using the grid, it enables the practitioner to move from right to left and vice versa traveling across the mid-sagittal plane, It is up to the practitioner to choose which notes, tones, rhythms and tempos to flow with to better predict the desired outcome of the massage session.
Simply by choosing a tempo, the practitioner has the ability to either sedate or stimulate the recipient. Faster tempos stimulate the sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems waking up the recipient. This can be applied for corporate chair massage and/or sports massage prior to an event.
Or, by choosing a slower, more relaxing tempo, it stimulates the parasympathetic and autonomic nervous systems producing a flushed state of mind and body. This can be integrated into the spa and clinical fields. In both cases, there are numerous benefits.
This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 61/107,461, filed Oct. 22, 2008, all of the details of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61107461 | Oct 2008 | US |
