Birchwood Bodywork, LLC

Deep Pressure and the Nervous System!!!

Not every client needs deep pressure and sometimes, it’s the worst thing you can do.

We’ve all had clients say, “You can go as deep as you want, I like it hard.”
But here’s what they don’t know and what most therapists forget:

When pressure goes too deep, too fast, for too long... the body doesn’t relax it fights. That’s not therapy. That’s trauma with oil.

Instead of calming the nervous system and inviting the body into a healing state, you’re triggering the sympathetic response adrenaline, bracing, guarding, shallow breath. Muscles don’t release. They contract harder.

You might feel like you’re “breaking through,” but the client’s brain is actually screaming:
“Protect, protect, protect!”

This creates the illusion of progress but nothing actually changed.
No signal reached the brain to let go.
No shift into parasympathetic mode.
No healing.

Deep work should feel safe, not forceful. It should invite not invade.

The most skilled therapists don’t push harder. They listen deeper.
They adjust pressure based on the nervous system’s response not their own ego.

It’s not about how deep you go, it’s about how deep the body lets you in.

A great way to learn about the benefits of massage! 💞

Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know This fact sheet summarizes the research on massage therapy for pain and other health conditions.

Check this out! 😉

Upper back FOLLOW TO RELAX YOUR BODY #chairmassage #shiatsumassage #aromatherapymassage #energyhealing #shiatsumassage #crystalhealing #craniosacralmassage #soundhealing #tuinamassage #spamassage #petmassage #reflexology #sportsmassage #massagetherapy #ayurvedicmassage #hotstonemassage #prenatalmassage #relaxingmassage #deeptissuemassage #thaimassage

Check this out! ❤️📚📖

Did you know that two sessions of Visceral Manipulation for the liver may be beneficial in improving the right shoulder mobility, pain and disability. Read more in this article: http://ow.ly/StAu50CPs8w or go to Barralinstitute.com searchable article database

Great article to read! Self-care is so important!

The Tissue That Connects Our Muscles May Be a Key to Better Health Fascia is more important than previously thought. Here’s how, and why, you should care for yours.

Can massage relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress?

Stress is an inevitable part of life. It is nearly impossible to remove all stress from day-to-day life. Stress is physiological and psychological responses to situations the body and mind find to be overwhelming.

When people struggle to cope with stressful situations, depression and anxiety symptoms can become more noticeable.

Massage therapy is one of many ways to cope with stress, and treat anxiety and depression.

Some people mistakenly believe that massage therapy is only for pampering yourself. While this is true for some people, it also helps manage anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Learn more here:

Massage helps anxiety, depression It's impossible to avoid stress. Find out why massage therapy isn't just for pampering and can help your body and mind find relief.

We will be closed today due to weather! Happy Snow Day!❄️

I have an opening today at 2:15 for 60 minutes. Please message or call if interested. 🎄❤️🎅🏽

I hope someone spoils you today! 👨‍👧‍👦👨‍👧👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

Great Continuing Education on Craniosacral Therapy and longevity! 📚✏️❤️