Liza Waller writes:

Contact details

I have a part time practice in biodynamic massage and body psychotherapy and work from the Chiron Centre for Body Psychotherapy in West London (see www.chiron.org). I used to work with the British Stammering Association, in which time I gathered a wide knowledge of the feelings, experiences and issues related to stammering.

What is biodynamic massage?

Biodynamic massage is a holistic and integrative form of bodywork and comprises a range of diverse and complementary techniques. It works both at the physiological level of skin, tissue and muscle and bone and at the more subtle energetic level. Its range is broad, from revitalising and invigorating, to working more deeply to release tension, to providing support and the comfort of a gently flowing massage. One if its characteristics is that biodynamic massage is designed to respond to the energy and particular needs of each individual: there is no fixed formula. Each treatment given therefore depends on the individual receiving and how they present on any one particular day.

How does it work?

Biodynamic massage was brought to England in 1968 by Gerda Boysen who developed it in Norway. Boysen's unique contribution to this field was the discovery of how the gut is involved in actually digesting feelings, and the after-effects of stress, through our digestive organs. She introduced the use of a stethoscope for listening to what she called the psychoperistalsis (tummy rumblings). This provides a particular feedback, which the therapist is trained to listen for and which helps the therapist monitor your internal state while she works. By focussing on the nervous system the massage therapist can address stress at its roots in the body.

How is it different from other kinds of massage?

Biodynamic massage is given in response to the client - there is no 'fixed formula' in treatment. Some people find they are more comfortable leaving clothes on and this is fine as no oils are used. The therapist is open to however the client is feeling on that day e.g. stressed, tired, tense, angry, sad, tearful or whatever, and aims to work from there in a way that meets the client's emotional state and energy. Biodynamic massage is based on a psychological understanding of the body. Biodynamic massage therapists are trained to respond to both the emotional and physical dynamics in the body, and with this can help make sense of both the physical and psychological aspects of, for example, having 'cold feet'. The therapist's presence, combined with the touch and talking, assists the process of making connections between mental, emotional and physical states. The therapist will use a stethoscope while working (see previous section for explanation of this).

What are the benefits of biodynamic massage?

In a variety of ways biodynamic massage helps dissolve 'blocks' of accumulated tension, offering space to breathe and restore a sense of balance. This enables us to live more fully, complete cycles of experience, and prepare for the next phase. The encouragement of body awareness supports you to be more in touch and reconciled with yourself. For people who stammer this may be very useful as many describe feeling separate from, and in conflict with, their bodies. "My body continually lets me down" "It betrays me" "I have no sense of relationship with my body - I am at its mercy, when my throat tightens, that's it, I can't breathe and then I can't get a word out".

Because of its combined physical and emotional scope, biodynamic massage is especially suited for working with psycho-somatic symptoms, or symptoms which we may say originate in a conflict between body-heart-mind, and this is where I believe it may be helpful for some to explore in the context of stammering. Biodynamic massage has the capacity to reach a person deeply. It can help relieve chronic symptoms such as headaches, hypertension, digestive problems, depression , anxiety and insomnia.

Biodynamic massage is increasingly being respected and appreciated as an adjunct to psychotherapy or psychoanalysis because it supports and enhances this development of self awareness. Insight is anchored through a deeper connection to the sensations and feelings in the body. If you are receiving psychotherapy your therapist's permission and support for his work will be essential.

To arrange a consultation:
Email: lizawaller@hotmail.com
Tel 07813 680659 and leave a message.

Liza is a member of the Association of Holistic Biodynamic Massage Therapists, as well as a UKCP-registered body psychotherapist.

Updated September 2004

Body Psychotherapy