During the Session
Invite yourself to be aware, present, and kind with yourself and your body’s sensations.
Express your needs very directly with your practitioner. Your sessions are a place to practice advocating for your body whether it be changing position, running to the restroom, getting a blanket, or having a sip of water.
Communicate openly about sensations that capture your attention or seem novel. If there is any discomfort, please let your practitioner know; this can support guiding the session optimally.
Understand that your body is an active participant guiding the session. The practitioner is there to listen and deeply support your central nervous system and all the structures that protect and nourish it, so the work truly is guided and processed by you.
When appropriate, your practitioner will integrate movement, dialogue, and mindfulness techniques. These are particularly vital for integrating your body’s changes into your brain for longer lasting benefit. A little playfulness and being open to these creative approaches will help your brain and body open to deeper and more meaningful changes!
Build trust your body.
After the Session
Be aware that your nervous system will continue processing and integrating your session for about 2 days. You will likely feel peaceful and desire a restful night. You may need some alone time. Stimulation, such as loud environments or harsh lights, may seem more bothersome. Just be aware that this is normal and part of the process. If you can make yourself more comfortable or remove some of this stimulation it may help you better integrate the work.
Drink more water following your session. Fascia (the connective tissue throughout your body) and your central nervous system heal better when they are well hydrated and nourished.
Prioritize self care (whatever that means to you!) before and after each session in order to support your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. Often, people will take a half day at work or come on a day off in order to support this process.
Be mindful of your self talk and beliefs about your body after a session. These thoughts can support your wellbeing if you are intentionally compassionate and positive. If you are hard on yourself and negative, you may reduce the benefit and integration of the releases from your session.
Occasionally, you may experience a headache or a new discomfort in another part of your body. This is very normal when you first receive treatments, it can be part of the process of healing and reducing tension. Don’t be alarmed or worry. Discuss this with your provider.
