Health is the proper relationship the microcosm, which is man
and the macrocosm, which is the universe. Disease is a disruption of this relationship. Dr. Yeshe Donden, Physician to the Dalai Lama
Tao Healing (A form of Yin Tuina or Forceless Spontaneous Release) is a very gentle, hands-on therapy which facilitates the intrinsic self-healing abilities of the body. It cultivates an inner space and awareness that create the possibility of profound change, healing and transformation.
In Tao Healing we not only allow but actually encourage the client and practitioner to be fully present exactly where they are, without judging and without deliberate attempts to diagnosis, fix or change what is present in this moment. Tao Healing is very yin in nature, very still, very gentle. The essence is non-doing on the parts of both client and practitioner.
Practice non-doing and everything will fall into place
Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchel translation)
This light-touch bodywork involves gently holding and supporting the body as it unwinds and unravels. It is an ancient Asian healing art which honors the body's wisdom and innate healing ability. The purpose of treatment is not to fix, but rather to learn to listen and trust the body's own process, to increase body-mind awareness and to release energetic patterns that are blocking the normal healing process. This work helps to reintegrate the energies within us that may have splintered off due to physical, emotional pain or disease.
Tao Healing consists of gently holding and supporting the body. Usually we start with the feet. There is no manipulation of any kind. We do not diagnose nor do we fix you. Our intention is physical support of the body accompanied by gentle acceptance of what is present in this moment, allowing the client to be exactly as they are. The space created by this acceptance reduces the resistance which is blocking the natural healing process. This non-judgmental physical and emotional support allows the mind/body to access it's own inner wisdom to discern what is out of balance. We trust this inner wisdom to bring the mind/body back into balance.
When supported in this fashion the body will unravel itself, gently releasing areas of mental, physical and emotional tension that are blocking the flow of Life Force Energy or Qi. When healthy flow of Qi is restored, the body naturally heals itself. True growth and healing are frequently more about letting go of body-mind patterns that are no longer serving us. This work creates a safe space for this to occur. Health is automatically restored as physical, emotional and mental blockages are cleared away. In this sense, the Tao Practitioner does not heal you.
In the pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.
In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things,
until finally you arrive at non-action.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
Tao Te Ching..Stephen Mitchell translation
This modality is profoundly relaxing and painless. It is especially well suited for those who are sensitive, those who have old injuries that have never healed, stress, anxiety, headaches, grief and trauma, chronic pain and for those interested in expanding their level of consciousness and spirituality.
The effects of this work are cumulative and benefits increase dramatically over time with regular sessions. Those who have received this work over a period of time report an increased sense of well-being, more balanced emotions, reduced pain, more fluid movement, reduced stress and an increased capacity for joy and acceptance. This type of work greatly enhances physical and emotional awareness. This is my favorite modality.
Common questions about Tao Healing:
Q:Is this energy work?
A: Yes and no. In truth, everything is energy existing in varying degrees of density. It is energy work in that we are working with your body's energy centers and meridians and you will feel energy moving during the session. When you feel this energy moving, you are feeling yourself moving; you are becoming aware of your inner movements. There is supreme intelligence within this energy field/flow to know how to heal and transform you. In Tao Healing we observe and allow this natural process. This energy has the powerful ability to transform your life on all levels.
It is not energy work in the sense that I am not sending or removing energy, nor is there any intentional redirecting of energy. I simply provide a non-doing but supportive presence physically and emotionally for you to be where you are as you move through your process.
Non-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease.
First you realize you are sick. Then you can move toward health. The Master is her own physician.
She has healed herself of all knowing.Thus she is truly whole.
Tao Te Ching Stephen Mitchell translation
Together we allow your process to unfold naturally. Becoming still, yet aware of the energy within us is one of the most powerful things we can do to ignite the body's ability to heal itself. Healing is a natural process. Healing is not about adding something to you. It is about allowing you to release that which is blocking the natural healing process. Tao Healing is about letting go.
Q:How many sessions will I need?
A:Only you can answer this question. Tao Healing is not about fixing a particular condition. It is about allowing ourselves the space and time to heal and transform from the inside out. It is about finding a place of inner acceptance, peace with our processes in life. Simply put it is about allowing transformation in every aspect of our lives. Frequently this is accompanied by the physical healings we are seeking.
Some people choose to have only a few sessions to help them move through a particular challenge. Others choose to have regular sessions over a longer period of time to support themselves through major healings, life transitions, emotional growth, and spiritual awakening. As has been stated, the results of this work are cumulative. Those who engage in this modality for a longer period of time often experience profound transformations in multiple aspects of their lives, often in ways that are extraordinary.