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Feeling the Heat:The Energy "Phenomenon"

I was reading recently about MT's struggling with energy over loads occurring during massage treatments. If you've experienced something like this good on ya! You're connecting with your clients on a deeper and more valuable level than simply manual technique based massage.
We all learned manual technique as the core of our required training for certification/licensure. Depending on our school's focus, energy techniques landed some where between a core competency and dangling on the fringes.
I had the benefit of being a lifetime light-worker and successful business manager before I came to massage. My formal massage training was at Hesser College in Manchester NH, were I was in a graduating class of 3.(starting from 18) Obviously quantity was not the aim. Conscious energy skills were taught along side manual technique. Students often recited protection and guidance prayers of their own making before beginning bodywork. I came to FL in 2007. My practice in Jacksonville is focused on on-site seated and therapeutic massage primarily for the event/business travel community.
For many MT's it was only after we started our practice that we learned conscious energy techniques These energy skills come directly from our hearts desire to help and heal our clients. This blog will help us understand what happens in the "energy world" how we are a part of that world, and how we can benefit from it for ourselves, each other, our clients, and our communities. I invite every one regardless of your views on energy work, your skill level, or years of practice to join as we walk the path connecting body work and energy work.

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Comment by Gerry Bunnell on September 10, 2009 at 7:19pm: Christopher, I know this is a bit late, I've been catching up on the energy blogs. Thanks for starting this Ruthellen, good to "bump" into you again.

Energy is the fundamental building block of all matter. Matter, the physical world, manifests from energetic form. The one constant in the universe is energy, it is always there.It doesn't dissipate or reproduce, it simply transforms or evolves to different vibrations depending on stimuli that affects it. Following this line of thought, we ourselves are energetic beings able to transmit energy to others and share. We are also able to take energy because our bodies are like batteries.

Energy is everywhere. When one knows how to access it you begin to realize there is a limitless supply. Unfortunately many do not remember their origins and live in a constant struggle to gain energy. Most healers are very bright with energy and are open to sharing their energy. That is why we are healers. Occasionally we may run into someone who is energetically insecure and will do what they can to suck whatever energy they can from others. This is why some feel "drained" after a session. Sometimes you may encounter a client who is strong in energy and willing to share it. This will cause you to feel energized.

The concept that worked best for me to understand energy is "The Force" from "Star Wars". It can guide us if we know how to listen and we can also guide it. It is a part of every living thing.

Some resources for research:

"The Celestine Prophecies"
"The Secret"
"Hands of Light"

Comment by Breanne Cullen on July 24, 2009 at 11:28pm: Christopher,
There is an ongoing flow of energy between you and your client during a massage. It comes from your dan tien, your power house of energy, which is located below your diaphragm. It can be transferred between people through various venues, touch being one of them. I wouldn't say I experience it as a gain or loss of energy. When massaging I feel a connection and a flow with my client. A number of my clients say I have an innate sense for massage, but I would say that I have a connection with their energy that allows me to better listen to what is going on within their body.

Comment by Gloria Coppola on July 17, 2009 at 10:12am

Comment by Gloria Coppola on July 16, 2009 at 4:44pm: Check out this video from Fun Massage Network News! Enjoy. It explains a bit about this energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ6bdfAMwHA

Comment by Pamela Josey - Parsons on July 14, 2009 at 7:57pm: Please do let us know, I'm anxious to read the article.

Comment by Christopher A. Moyer on July 14, 2009 at 6:25pm: I'm curious to know - where does this energy come from? When you experience this, do you experience it as gaining energy, or losing energy?

If you are losing it, where is it going? Or, if you are gaining it, where is it coming from?

-CM

Comment by Kelly LeFevre on July 14, 2009 at 12:11pm: Ruthellen,
I really enjoyed reading your insight on this topic. I have been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years now. Althought I no longer actively practice, if I knew then what I know no, my experiences would have been quite different. I always wondered why some clients left me feeling drained after a treatment and others energized me! I wish our school had incorporated teachings on "energy hygiene". Breaking the cord, clearing and protecting oneself from the powerful energy that naturally transfers from client to therapist and vice versa is something that should not be ignored. I have just asked a colleague to write and article for me so I can post it to my blog (massageandprosperblog.com) and share the info with everyone. I'll let you know when it's posted.

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
~ Kelly