Mind Body Medicine.

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What is Mind Body Medicine?

Mind Body Medicine focuses on the mind and body as one. Our physical body, thoughts and emotions all interact and play a role in our health and wellbeing. Mind Body Medicine is a broad description that encompasses multiple modalities, including:

  • acupressure

  • kinesiology

  • holistic counselling

  • body psychology

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and,

  • structural, postural and somatic bodywork. 

Having a diverse ‘toolbox’ of techniques and approaches allows sessions to be dynamic and responsive for each client. Mind Body Medicine uses current science and research in psychology, polyvagal theory and chronic health conditions alongside traditional systems of healing such as Traditional Chinese Medicine five-element theory and the meridian system to offer an integrated approach.

How does Mind Body Medicine work?

Mind Body Medicine treats the mind and the body as one. It works by holistically mapping all symptoms, medical history, past life events and trauma with both current scientific knowledge and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) systems such as the meridian system and the five element system. 

Mind Body Medicine considers the whole person, understanding that our physical, emotional and psychological health and all interconnected. Mind Body Medicine is a broad term that describes a holistic approach, which allows the practitioner to draw upon a 'toolbox' of multiple modalities depending on the individual client needs. 

What are the benefits of Mind Body Medicine?

Mind Body Medicine can benefit almost all areas of life, including physical, psychological and emotional issues. Mind Body Medicine helps to reduce stress by calming and regulating the nervous system, reducing cortisol and allowing healing to occur. 

Mind Body Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that allows sessions to be flexible depending on what clients need and as they evolve. By incorporating somatic techniques into sessions along with traditional talk therapy clients can reach deeper levels of self-awareness. 

Specific conditions such as the following can be addressed:

  • Sleep disorders

  • Back pain

  • Chronic pain and injuries

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Digestive disorders

  • Fatigue

  • Chronic illness

  • Stress

  • Relationship issues

  • Grief and loss

  • Support through change

  • Trauma

  • Addiction

  • Confidence and self-worth

  • Feeling stuck

  • Self expression and creativity

  • General mental, physical and emotional wellbeing

What can you expect from a Mind Body Medicine session?

Mind Body Medicine sessions are between 1.5-2 hours for new clients or 1-1.5 hours for repeat clients. Clients will complete a thorough intake form prior to their first session that outlines their symptoms, history and goals for the session. The practitioner will map them against Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holistic health systems. 

The practitioner may use multiple modalities to assess the clients overall wellbeing, including assessing posture, conducting a tongue or pulse analysis, or analysing the client's Ba Gua Constitution.

Sessions begin with Holistic Counselling, sitting together and discussing what to focus on in the session, what symptoms are being experienced and for repeat clients what has shifted and changed between sessions. The session then moves to the massage table, where the client lies down fully clothed. The practitioner may move the clients arms or legs to monitor different muscles using Kinesiology, so it is recommended that the client wears loose and comfortable clothing. 

In a Mind Body Medicine session the practitioner uses Kinesiology muscle monitoring, which identifies the causes of symptoms and helps to uncover stress patterns. It allows access to the knowledge, wisdom and information held in the body, which is directly linked to the subconscious mind. This is why Mind Body Medicine is a powerful tool to accompany traditional counselling and talk therapy. 

The practitioner is essentially asking the body questions, and the weak or strong response of specific muscle groups will indicate if there is stress, pain or trauma held in the body and where physical, emotional or psychological energy imbalances may exist. 

Each session will include a 'balance', which usually involves the client lying on the massage table fully clothed, often with an extra blanket on them for 20 - 30 minutes in a completely relaxed state while the practitioner is holding specific acupressure points. This part of the session is very relaxing, allowing complete rest and healing to occur. 

Creating a space for people where they feel safe, free to express themselves, respected and accepted without judgement is important at Ray Holistic Health. Clients can expect sessions to be inclusive, culturally safe, LGBTIQA+ friendly, and tailored uniquely to them as they continue to change and evolve during our work together.

Is Mind Body Medicine safe?

Yes, Mind Body Medicine is a safe, non-invasive therapy. People of any age, from children through to older adults, can use Mind Body Medicine safely. 

Can I receive Mind Body Medicine if I am pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to receive Mind Body Medicine if you are pregnant. Please disclose your pregnancy to you practitioner, who will modify the session to ensure you are comfortable and supported at all times. 

If you are receiving acupressure, the practitioner will avoid any acupressure points that are contraindicated during pregnancy. 

Read what our clients are saying here.