Three ways to get a smarter body

By in.askmen.com

As enlightening as talking therapies are, many people find that they tend to do little in the way of relieving ongoing problems. However, rather than navigate issues on a cerebral level, many practitioners advocate tapping into body intelligence in order to find solutions.

Check out the three most common schools of thought when it comes to unlocking "body intelligence".

Movement-based therapies and somatic education

Somatic education and movement-based therapies are not concerned with "adjusting" the body, but in increasing a person's understanding about the ways they habitually use their bodies. By increasing awareness around unhelpful patterns, clients can overwrite old patterns altogether. Educational therapies such as the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method and Somatic Movement use simple exercises designed to reset the motor system.

Structural Integration

This category includes hands-on methods such as Rolfing or Hellerwork. Both are concerned with repairing fascia — the connective tissue made of tightly packed collagen that surrounds muscles. When fascia is traumatised, it inhibits movement on a skeletal level. By working with fascia, these methods can correct posture and realign the body in relationship to the gravitational field. People that seek out Structural Integration therapies usually have spinal issues, neck pain or have found their body incapacitated after poorly performed surgery.

Energy Work

Of the countless healing therapies out there, Reiki is perhaps the best known and widely available. Reiki was discovered and developed by Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 20th century. Since then, it has spread the world over. The therapy does not involve manipulation or massage, because it is concerned with the body's energetic system rather than the musculature.