Hard to say. Certainly not manipulation. I suppose that technically, you’d have to say it is massage, because of the very gentle short rubbing motion of the fingertip which is used. On the other hand, it doesn’t feel like any other massage I’ve ever had – and I’ve had quite a few.
Not in my experience, - and it was my experience of it and its benefits which led me to want to practice Spinal Touch, because I had been on the receiving end, and found it so good. There have been times when it hurt to get on the couch, but the Spinal Touch itself has not hurt. I have occasionally come across clients where one particular muscle group has been so tense and tender that it has been necessary to proceed with quite exceptional delicacy. My advice would be that if you try it, and it does hurt, don’t proceed with Spinal Touch at that point. For myself, I would then use Skenar until the pain was resolved, or substantially eased and return to Spinal Touch treatment when that was accomplished – an approach which might suit you too.
Sometimes clients are very ticklish for the first few sessions, but I have found this to stem from subtle muscle tension, and it goes when this eases.
In general, the experience of Spinal Touch is the opposite of painful. It is exceptionally relaxing and after the first session, when it all seems a bit strange and unfamiliar, you can often get a degree of relaxation after 20 minutes which might take two or three times as long with massage. Sometimes it is so relaxing that clients find it too much effort to talk during a treatment, and it is common for clients to fall asleep during the treatment; something which is in no way detrimental to the effectiveness of Spinal Touch.
A wide range – back pain principally but also shoulder and neck stiffness, tenderness in the hip and thighs, stress, relaxation, etc.
One of the most notable features of Spinal Touch in practice, is the affection for it, not only among its rather few practitioners; but also among its clients, who seem to look forward to it more than with most therapies, and will often continue to have occasional maintenance treatments for years, because they find them helpful, but also so enjoyable.
Down to your underwear. The first part of the process involves an assessment of the line of the body against a plumbline, and this is usually repeated after treatment. It is essential to be able to judge the line of the spine and of the pelvis, and this cannot be done clothed. During treatment, the parts of the body not being actively treated will usually be covered with towels.
Usually an hour, which includes time for discussion. If other therapies such as Skenar are used as well, it may be longer.
1. Drink plenty of water to help the body flush out toxins which have been held in once tight muscles which have now relaxed.
2. Rest, to allow the body to optimise its energy channels without further stress or depletion.
3. Observe any changes and reaction in your body (or lack of them) over the next few days and note them down so you can give feedback at your next session.