Re: Sitting 1

Although I haven't been using seated positions much in my regular sessions, I have found them to be really useful for older clients who find it uncomfortable to lie on the floor and also for some of my autistic clients who only like to be worked on seated.  It has also been very versatile in terms of being able to administer quick, easy sessions in the office environment as all I need is a cushion.  Although some of the techniques can be done in a chair, these clients have reported feeling 'grounded' when supported with my knees and hands on the floor and also have the extra benefit of stretching their  hips in a cross legged seated position.

Leaning in, slightly from above seems to give more depth to the massage and also enables me to work more rhythmically.  One client actually really enjoyed the pressure of leaning into my knee so I incorporated this more into the session by placing my knee in different positions up and down the back while working on the neck and trapezius.  Using my feet on the back is one of my favorite techniques and always gets a great response.  I have been experimenting with walking up and down either side of the spine; a little like elephant walking with the feet-hope this is ok!  I sometimes also just walk on one spot for some time when the client expresses relief in a particular area. 

I found my coordination a bit rubbish for a while when trying to twist my client in the seated position but I seem to have got the hang of it with some practice.  The added leverage/assistance while firstly mobilising the spine from side to side enables me to take the client more safely and deeper into the twist as it helps to warm up the back.  It is quite a hypnotic technique when applyed rhythmically for sometime.  In terms of the yogic aspect-it is a fabulous way of wringing out emotions from their seat in the spinal column-a whole therapy in itself.