Massage therapy - rebuilding the bond between self and body

Terapia del masaje: reconstruyendo el vinculo entre "si mismo" (self) y el cuerpo

The basic relationship destroyed in contemporary torture is that between body and self. The trauma of torture creates a sense of alienation from self, community and nature. Through non-invasive massage therapy techniques combined with verbal dialogue, a connection to the body is restored, as sensations are validated and take on relevance and value. Through this contact, other aspects of reconnection and rebuilding trust are made possible. This makes therapeutic touch an important adjunct therapy to psychotherapy and medicine.

In this presentation we will explore massage and therapeutic touch as a means of experiencing the natural environment of the body as an intelligent and benevolent system - one whose sensations and injuries are meaningful, useful and transformative. We will demonstrate different techniques that bring the body/self into a place where engaging with natural forces and resources is possible.