Dear Colleagues,

Oven the last year I have been experimenting with different methods of body work. I’d like to share these with you. The basic principles underlying these methods are:

1. Centering the practitioner’s weight over the client.

2. Using gravity (body weight) as the therapist.

3. Using prestretched positions.

I believe that using gravity as well as centering your weight above the area you are working on allows one to work in a highly effective manner with less strain. By using prestretched positions I feel more of each layer and/or deeper lays of muscles and fascia become available for change. The following photographs illustrate these concepts:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ladies & Gentlemen, I invite you to the next page.

PHOTO #1 (to the left) By placing the client on a small wooden plataform, the lower back. is stretched and is more available for work.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-1.jpg’>

PHOTO #2 (lower left) By having the client cross her arms in front of her body deeper layers of the erectors are exposed for work. You can experience this for yourself if you have a Ma Roller. Lie on it with your arms at your sides, then cross your arms in front. Feel the difference.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-2.jpg’>

PHOTO #3 (right)A similar effect occurs when working under the back.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-3.jpg’>

PHOTO #4 (left) Working on the ribcage, try having the client spread her arms out, thus prestretching the myofascia. By centering my weight directly over the client, I find i t easier to relax while working -B.K.S. Iyengar’s book Light on Panayama illustrates various methods of opening and supporting the body by lying on wooden platforms, placing weights on the body, and opening the arms and legs to facitate relaxation and deep breathing.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-4.jpg’>

This work evolved from y study with Shizuko yamamoto, the author of the book Barefoot Shiatsu, and with my own experimentation.

PHOTO #5 & #6: Working with two feet, pressure is lessened by leaning over a bar. Of course, pressure is always contrlled and distributed according to the client?s condition.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-5.jpg’>

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-6.jpg’>

PHOTO #7 (left) Working under the spine of the scapula. By using platform to stand on, I don’t need to step up to work. Thus I can work with my weight rather than shortening my hamstrings.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-7.jpg’>

PHOTO #8 (right)Trapezius and levator scapula work.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-8.jpg’>

PHOTO #9 (right): Work on the forearm.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-9.jpg’>

PHOTO #10 (left):Working the inner thigh.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-10.jpg’>

PHOTO #11 (above): By the use of a horse’s girth and some rope, I can work with various angles with my feet.

<img src=’https://novo.pedroprado.com.br/imgs/1983/227-11.jpg’>

I welcome your comments.

Gary Gibbs
Certified Rolfer
BodypractorGary Gibbs Discusses Technique