"THE ART OF TOUCH” page consists of new and older posts featuring anatomy, physiology, bodywork techniques, bodymind theory, poetry and music. Many of these are reprinted from my newest book, “The Memory Palace of Bones, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Rockwell. Others are featured in my on-line book and course, “The Art of Massage.” Some have appeared originally in magazine publications, on my Deep Massage Society facebook page or in my free monthly email-newsletter. I hope these all give you joy, useful information and inspiration.
Read the latest in Anatomy
In our society the sacrum has become something we just sit on. May these reflections help restore the sacrum to its rightful place -- as playing a central role in our lives!
Muscles and fascia are just communication media through which we can deeply affect the whole person.
If we pause there, inside the sensation of the arms and listen - we can discover their messages for us.
Fulcrum is distinct from “technique” because a fulcrum, applied to touch, is a balance point, much like the mid-point of the see-saw. The see-saw moves up and down, but the middle, the pivot point, the fulcrum, is still - the part that doesn’t move. In a therapeutic fulcrum, the clarity in touch is the pivot point for the client’s inner work releasing tensions no longer needed.
Read the latest in Bodymind Theory
In our society the sacrum has become something we just sit on. May these reflections help restore the sacrum to its rightful place -- as playing a central role in our lives!
Cultivating the inner and outer smiles through Deep Massage and Zero Balancing in the UK
Muscles and fascia are just communication media through which we can deeply affect the whole person.
Recently a friend responded to our extended correspondence about life’s complications with one word. She wrote, “Selah.” I never had heard the word before and was intrigued. The deeper I explored the more mysterious and wonderful it became.
If we pause there, inside the sensation of the arms and listen - we can discover their messages for us.
Read the latest in Poetry and Music
Natural and political disasters first evoke our tears, genuine grief, and mourning. Afterwards, we start to seek causes—someone or something to blame. With global weather change ignored by some leaders and their readiness to re-enter the dark ages, we don't have to look far.
“Dark was the Night / Cold was the Ground” is a song recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. Here is a poem I wrote inspired by him and the trajectory of the recording.
We often see “The Garden of Earthly Delights” - but rarely the placid outer panels of this triptych.
Recently a friend responded to our extended correspondence about life’s complications with one word. She wrote, “Selah.” I never had heard the word before and was intrigued. The deeper I explored the more mysterious and wonderful it became.
Read the latest in Technique
Recently a friend responded to our extended correspondence about life’s complications with one word. She wrote, “Selah.” I never had heard the word before and was intrigued. The deeper I explored the more mysterious and wonderful it became.
The “box” is a simple name for a container. In Zero Balancing and Deep Massage we consciously encourage the person to feel safe and contained through a very high, caring touch quality. Then the touch, when sustained, can, within the box (aka the inner arena, the field), evoke new experiences that may help the client let go of tensions that no longer serve them.
Fulcrum is distinct from “technique” because a fulcrum, applied to touch, is a balance point, much like the mid-point of the see-saw. The see-saw moves up and down, but the middle, the pivot point, the fulcrum, is still - the part that doesn’t move. In a therapeutic fulcrum, the clarity in touch is the pivot point for the client’s inner work releasing tensions no longer needed.
In Zero Balancing pausing and taking our hands off the body is as important as our touching.
A tribute to Fritz Smith from Mary Murphy, ZB faculty member, at his 90th birthday, May, 2019.
The periosteum, that extraordinary membranous tissue enveloping our bones, represents one of the body's most sophisticated sensory interfaces, yet its significance remains underappreciated in many therapeutic contexts.