Warnings and Resolutions to Problems That Might Arise After Particular Sessions in the Rolfing Series
by: Manny Aragon
This is an excerpt from my recently completed Client Manual for the Basic 10 Session Series of Structural Integration in which I explain what to expect and, in this case, common problems that may arise and time tested resolutions to these problems.
General advice:
1)Sometimes clients report lingering muscular soreness for a few days after a session- usually mostly after the first few sessions but some people will experience soreness after every session. Many report no soreness.
2)About 5% of clients experience flu-like symptoms after one of the first few sessions. Generally, it is not illness but the body’s reaction to the work (whether neurological or perhaps due to movement of the lymph into the blood. See tip number 4.)
Here are a few tips:
1) Take an Epsom Salts Bath. Go to your local drug store and buy a canister of good old Epsom salts- they’re inexpensive and really work to reduce muscular soreness. Draw a hot bath and put the recommended amount of Epsom salts in the bath. Dissolve. Soak. Repeat as necessary.
2) If you have muscle soreness that goes beyond general soreness and you are significantly sore after each session, please follow the de-flammation protocol (see sections C, D, and E from #5). Your body may be experiencing either a low level systemic inflammation or higher level of systemic inflammation or auto-immune like symptoms.
3) If your injury is not healing as quickly as you and I think it should- you are likely inflamed. See #2
4) For flu-like symptoms: What I have found that works over the years is the following: 2 packets (1000mg each) Emergen-C powder in 12-16 oz water. This will usually take the headache and body ache away. Not sure why it works but it does.
5) If you have a specific muscle strain, sprain, or tear, please follow my tissue and tendon healing protocols. General protocol is in five parts- start with A and use all A, B, C, and D for stubborn or the most severe cases or to speed the healing process to maximum. Protocol E is generally only used in the most severe cases but can be used to speed the process of healing in any case.
A) Liniment protocol: rub Po Sum On Chinese Medicated Oil directly on the affected area including a fairly generous area around the affected area. For example, if the middle of the quadriceps group is strained, rub the liniment on most of the affected quad, some of the inner and outer thigh and on the muscle group directly opposing the affected area (ie. On the hamstring in this case).
Liniment should be rubbed slowly and with pressure and intention to rub deeply. Rub the liniment in for a minimum of 10 minutes 3x day for serious cases. Be cautious with this liniment as you will not need much- it spreads easily. If it feels like it has rubbed in and you are getting surface friction that will cause a friction burn, add more oil.
Apply this liniment with care- DO NOT under any circumstances apply liniment to mucous membranes like the eyes, mouth, and nose or to the genital areas as it will produce a very uncomfortable stinging burning sensation. For groin injuries, wear underwear that protect the genitalia from coming in contact with areas where liniment has been applied.
Wash hands immediately after use 2x using soap both times.
DO NOT under any circumstances wrap any area where liniment has been applied ( with an ace bandage for example) as the skin will burn.
This liniment produces heat, the rubbing produces heat and moves blood into and out of the injured area. The combination of rubbing the injury with the medicinal qualities of the liniment will heal most injuries quickly.
B) If the injury is more serious or chronic or if protocol A is not producing progress toward desired results after three days, please add the healing supplement protocol (protocol B) to protocol A. Protocol B consists of three supplements: Gotu Kola, Ligaplex I, and Protefood. Have Manny test you for your personal dosage. Depending on your biological preference, different supplements may be suggested.
C) For best results, add protocol C to the mix. Protocol C is the deflammation protocol and consists of two parts: The Anti Inflammatory Diet, and a highly effective combination of Tumero and Resvero (emulsified Tumeric extract and Resveratol extract that when used together is 35 times more effective than typical over the counter tumeric extracts available at health food or vitamin stores).
D) Protocol D is to be added in more challenging cases. Protocol D consists of a 21 day de-flammatory diet and liver cleanse. This will get results where the previous efforts have failed.
E) Protocol E is for even more protracted cases. Protocol D consists of a 6 week de-flammatory diet, gut rebuilding protocol, and liver cleanse. It’s a pretty stringent protocol but heals the most challenging cases.
Session Specific Advice:
Sessions 1-3: Generally the main issues that may arise in sessions 1-3 are soreness and flu-like symptoms
Session 4: Session 4 can sometimes bring up some emotions- whether stored or simply stirred up by the work. If they manifest themselves, usually it is between the 4th and 5th session. For example, if you are feeling particularly snappy or aggressive toward others- please recognize that it is not necessarily them- it is likely that you are simply walking around with a chip on your shoulder. Once you recognize this, it becomes much easier to simply brush off the things that you would have over reacted to. No need to complicate any relationships…
Session 7: This is a head and neck session with work in the mouth and nose. Although this work has great benefit and most people enjoy the results, there are some who harbor fear about the nose and mouth work. What works best here is to talk it out with your practitioner prior to the 7th session.
Generally, I have found that when the clients fears are addressed and they feel safe, we can proceed with the session, however, some folks just never show up. I can only help people who show up and I hate to see someone make a financial commitment to their wellness only to not show up out of fear. The series isn’t written in stone and I have many ways to accommodate my clients. Call me, text or email. I want to help.
Session 8: This is a session where people are often wondering what comes after the 10 series. Depending on your particular circumstances, I have found that the vast majority of my clients get progressive change after the 10 series by coming in on a regular interval of between 3 weeks and 1 month. Ask me about special package options for this.
Session 10: Often this is the hardest session for both the client as well as the practitioner- especially if the client has chosen to not return on an interval. In the case a client will not return on a regular interval, I will do my best to emphasize which self care components will serve them best however, there is no substitute for ongoing care.