Rhythmic Massage

Rhythmic Massage was developed in the 1920s by the physician Ita Wegman who was trained in physiotherapy and massage. In collaboration with Rudolf Steiner she founded the clinic in Switzerland, where the development of Anthroposophic Medicine began. In this clinic he applied the anthroposophical approach of therapeutic massage to the human being.

After Dr. Margarethe Hauschka joined the clinic, she and Dr. Ita Wegman worked together for 12 years to develop this new approach to therapeutic massage. In 1962 Dr. Hauschka opened the first Rhythmic Massage School in Boll, Germany.

Rhythmic Massage is part of the Anthroposophical medical approach. It is a warm, invigorating massage therapy that "enlivens" and balances the body while awakening the patient's own healing powers.

Rhythmic massage therapy aims to settle the body heat. During illness, often the distribution of heat in the physical body is affected, and this can be used as a diagnostic starting point for the massage therapist.

Rhythmic massage differs from other types of massage as the therapist often works on one part of the body to affect another. For example, a complaint of heat and tension in the head, neck and shoulders may be accompanied by cold and lack of heat presence in the thighs and legs. By restoring heat to the lower half of the body, tension in the upper half of the body can be relieved. Through specific massage movements, the therapist directs and regulates the relationship between the physical body, soul and spirit, working on the life supporting forces of heat, rhythm and breath as well as the interplay of lightness and gravity, center and periphery. The archetypal forms of the line, circle and lemniscence form the basis for the movements of rhythmic massage.

A variety of oils and ointments are used in most of the treatments. For example, rosemary can be used on the limbs in order to "wake them up" and "enliven" them. Lavender can be used on symptoms of anxiety and persistent symptoms of sleep deprivation. Hypericum (St John's Wort) can be used to direct heat to the body.

It is as if the heat of the sunlight that forms in the plant is transferred from the oil to the body through the process of massage. For example, a heating massage with Arnica can unlock a muscle spasm, neck pain, back tightness or stiffness. In addition to relaxing and relieving physical aches and pains, rhythmic massage therapy can have a significant impact on our emotional health, providing calm, rejuvenation and healing.

Rhythmic Massage is also being used by an increasing number of clinicians and physicians around the world to treat a wide range of problems. Massage can be used in isolation or alongside physiotherapy and other complementary therapies. However, it is usually prescribed by a doctor as part of an overall treatment program that may include physical therapies or conventional medicines.

Rhythmic massage is applied according to the individual needs of the patient and the picture of their illness, and is sometimes referred to other healthcare providers when necessary.

The treatment process progresses over a period of a few weeks. The treatment progresses in a warm room with the patient wrapped tightly in sheets or towels. Only the area to be examined is left uncovered. Each session lasts from 20 to 30 minutes, after which the patient remains in a state of relaxation. The relaxation period is considered an integral part of the treatment.

Rhythmic massage is suitable for children, adults and seniors. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. For example: orthopedic problems, circulatory problems and pain management problems. It is also effective in treating psychological problems such as stress, depression, insomnia, emotional trauma and immune deficiencies.

Pointing points for rhythmic massage therapy:

• Movements are used that work with suction and lightness, rejuvenating fluids and muscle tissue.
• Hand movements follow the movements of the water, with rhythm and sphericity.
• The hand movements have a musical breathing quality. The therapist puts the person first and considers the body, soul and spirit unique, thus individualizing the treatment.
• Therapists often collaborate with an Anthroposophic physician and other therapists, thus enabling the patient to be attended to by a team of professionals who all work within the same healthcare system.
• Rest after each treatment allows the treatment to "resonate" with the patient.

Applications of Rhythmic Massage Therapy:

Stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, muscle tension and injuries, back pain, allergies, cancer, immune and autoimmune disorders, ADD & ADHD, developmental disorders, disabilities, behavioral disorders, eating disorders, hormonal disorders associated with menopause, degenerative disorders of the nervous system, circulatory disorders (hypertension and venous insufficiency), respiratory disorders (pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma) and digestive disorders.