Cross-Cultural Study On Eastern VS Western Massage

Cross-Cultural Study of Massage Therapy

Eastern VS. Western Approaches

Abstract

This research explores the contrasting perspectives of holistic and analytical thinking regarding bodywork in Eastern and Western cultures. The concept of bodywork encompasses the multifaceted therapeutic practices aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. Eastern cultures, such as those influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine, tend to adopt a holistic approach to bodywork. Holistic approaches to medicine accompany the overall sound of a person’s well-being whereas Western medicine treats symptoms. Eastern therapies have been denied in Western Cultures limiting their accessibility and creating a social divide of inequality through insurance based treaments. Eastern Medicine can promote an unfortunate spread of misinformation due to the overgeneralization of illnesses while Western medicine can have a codependency on pharmacological solutions.

Cross-Cultural Study of Massage Therapy; Eastern VS Western Approaches

Eastern and Western medicine practices diverge in various ways when it comes to bodywork. Eastern medicine, ingrained in traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, adopts a holistic approach, considering the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected. It emphasizes restoring balance and harmony within the body through techniques like acupuncture, acupressure, and energy-based massage therapies. In contrast, Western medicine predominantly focuses on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or diseases, relying on techniques such as manual massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic adjustments. While both approaches aim to promote wellness, the conceptual frameworks, philosophical perspectives, and treatment modalities employed in these practices differ significantly.

Eastern bodywork practices emphasize the importance of prevention and maintenance of health, rather than just treating illnesses or symptoms. They often incorporate lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and self-care practices to promote overall well-being. These teachings and practices have strong ancestral ties in regions such as China, India, and Japan (Gopalkrishnan, 2018).

Eastern Approach to Pain Management Using Massage

Ayurveda, meaning “The Science of Life,” originated in India more than 5,000 years ago (Tabish, 2008), and operates based on holistic concepts, viewing the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected. Natural medicinal methods such as yoga, herbal tinctures, homeopathy, meditation, and energetic massage have been believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing response to bring it back to homeostasis. Individuals prefer these treatments due to their non-invasive and preventative nature (Tabish, 2008). Ayurveda is not limited to only Indian heritage but rather extends to Chinese, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Tibetan history.

Shiatsu is a Japanese-derived massage modality that relies on the energetic balance between “mother hand, son hand” while incorporating principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The modality begins with diagnosing a lack of qi (life force energy) through communication between the practitioner’s two palms; feeling energy within them to guide their hands to various areas of the body. Through this, they will balance hollow areas with full areas using pressure points along the meridians, synergistically breathing with the client, and stretching them (VSOHA, 2021). This approach is useful for serious health concerns such as musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, kidney and bladder infections, sleep disorders, digestive disorders, and over mental health well-being. A technique within Shiatsu called the “hara assessment,” has been used by health professionals in Japan as an organ function diagnostic tool, specifically in the abdominal region of the body. “It is important for the practitioner to get out of his or her head, away from the intellectualism so prevalent in the West, and bring the focus down instead to the energetic center of the Hara,” (Fehrs, 2012). This sensitive area is considered to be the center of a person's vitality and overall health. It is believed that imbalances or abnormalities in the hara can indicate underlying health issues or energetic blockages in the body. By assessing the hara, shiatsu practitioners aim to understand the root causes of a person's health concerns and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Tui Na, Acupressure and Thai massage are a few of the most popular techniques used both in Eastern cultures and America as primary body-healing techniques that individuals claim relieve tension, and stress, promote better sleep, and give them more energy (Leclair, 2021). The concepts of Eastern cultural principles of bodywork rely on the connection to the practitioner’s body and intuition rather than using the analytical thinking process as Western cultures do with such sciences. While also relying on empirical evidence, the Eastern approach often incorporates traditional knowledge, anecdotal evidence, and individual experiences.

Western Approach to Pain Management Using Massage

Western cultures in contrast to Eastern often adopt an analytical approach to bodywork, focusing on the scientific understanding of the body and its physiological processes. This perspective comes primarily from Greek and Roman descent, emphasizing evidence-based techniques, anatomical precision, and specialization in specific areas of the body (Florida Academy, 2019). Many Westerners will seek massage therapy following recovery from injuries or surgery, spinal cord injuries, inflammatory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, intellectual disabilities, and autoimmune disorders. Others will seek out massage therapies similar to what Eastern modalities provide, and that’s to balance out the harmony within the energetic body, except a Westerner may refer to this as “emotional release” or nervous system regulation.

Craniosacral Therapy is a massage modality that works with the bones of the body, it’s actually the only massage therapy that’s also osteotherapy (Park, 2021). It’s primarily used by naturopaths, osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists working under a physician. Using gentle touch to find the Cerebral Spinal Fluid rhythm, which is the lubrication in the brain that nourishes the neurons that communicate with the rest of the body, the practitioner releases tension in the vertebrae and correlating structures to relieve pain. It’s common to have a Craniosacral recommended after a car crash, dental procedure, pregnancy, spinal surgery, and even mental disorder diagnoses.

Western massage therapy emphasizes the importance of myofacial release through trigger point therapy, deep tissue, sports massage, and structural integration. These modalities share the same goal of promoting flexibility, performance, postural corrections from poor ergonomic habits, rehabilitation, and inflammation (Park, 2021). Techniques used to achieve these outcomes include percussion, effluerage, skin-rolling, scraping tools, cross-fiber friction, stretching, and direct pressure. What a practitioner would look for to understand the therapy is beneficial for the client is direct feedback, relaxation, long breathing patterns, redness from increased blood circulation, twitching, softening of the tissue, and movement of fluids.

Boundaries For Massage; Eastern VS Western

It’s a corporation’s duty to inform their massage employees to respect the emotional boundaries of their clients by not initiating religious or spiritual conversations, connecting to spirits or deceased family members, influencing psychic awareness and even speaking at all. It is expected that the draping of massage clients always covers genitals and breasts, even if the client wants their breasts done, some corporations forbid it (Ord. 2020-0008 § 43, 2020). Western practices promote a zero tolerance towards intoxication whether it’s alcohol or plant medicine, It is not a publically accepted action going into a massage session, it can disqualify you from being seen that day.

Tui Na and Thai massage include full body stretches along with skin-to-skin direct pressure, which means that a client lying nude can receive deep tissue and then gradually move into a full cobra stretch that exposes the breast for several seconds. It’s not common practice to have the client take on and off their clothes to engage in more modest practices, the culture has normalized this practice and sees no sexual influence from the bodywork technique. Other Eastern spas, such as Korean-style spas, often utilize nudity where draping isn’t a concern at all. Typically all women and men are separated from one another, the women on one side of the building share the same spa room without privacy during their bodyscrubs and massage. Therapists in these spas get very personal into as many regions of the body as they can. This includes bathing the client and all of his/her private areas.

There are many Korean-style spas in the United States that practice their traditional ways of therapy legally, meaning culture spreads and maintains their heritage autonomy. Many Americans look forward to the liberation they experience at a Korean spa, saying the level of transparency gives them more self-compassion, a sense of maternal healing, and a lack of body-shaming in this environment (Personal Clients, 2017-2023). Massage and spa styles that have come from all over the world are providing individuals with a silver platter of customized experiences that cater to their personal preferences.

Cultural Assimilation and Global Mind on Massage

"Sickness" is what is happening to the patient. Listen to him. Disease is what is happening to science and to populations.” (Putsch, 1990). A journal published by Putsch and Joyce states that its expected to take into account the perceived sickness alongside what biology has stated. If the client feels that they are ill, medical professionals shouldn’t avoid their concerns because lab tests provide negatives. As diagnostic processes and therapies are evolving from ancient and borrowed traditions, each step of this problem-solving symptomatology is ethnocentric. Practicioners must bring in the cultural context an individual identifies with along with the expertise they come from, whether biomedical or spiritual (Putch, 1990).

Fibromyalgia as an example, is a widely misunderstood diagnosis, it fits in no category of illness due to a lack of empirical evidence. There are no laboratory tests to do to identify it, there are no specific treatments for it either. Fibromyalgia is accompanied by widespread musculoskeletal pain, neuropathy, lethargy, and mood swings. The only treatments Western societies provide for this condition are anti-depressants and physical therapy. While Western societies see the disorder as psychosomatic, Eastern societies believe the energy centers of the individual are out of balance and need assistance regaining qi. Eastern practices will prescribe herbal solutions, acupuncture, lifestyle, and dietary changes, along with massage therapy to manage symptoms (Boehm, 2018) .

Luckily in the United States, Naturopathic Doctors are becoming more accessible inviting a blend of both Eastern and Western modalities to curate individual treatment plans. For instance, Dr. Megan McBride in Encinitas, California will provide functional lab tests, Craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, along with pharmaceuticals to one client through their own expertise. This blended nature is the hope for the future of medicine.

Regulation, Integration, and Evidence

In a case investigation with Afgan refugees, seeking alternative care, they saw no difference between physical and mental health, meaning they’re combined within a holistic measure (Feldemen, 2007). Many doctors in the United States will approach health issues with the worst-case scenario first, to rule out detriments like organ failure. Panic attacks can be attributed to the heart or lungs, abdominal cramps can be attributed to a malignant cyst, and chronic headaches can be cerebral spinal fluid blockages; which are all life-or-death situations. Once that is ruled out, you are given pain relievers until the symptoms worsen. If a client comes in with a laundry list of random symptoms and no “one-size-fits-all all” symptomology, then nurses and doctors will likely focus on one, not all, and definitely not holistically.

A naturopathic doctor is unfortunately not a doctor you can have covered through insurance in the States. They will fortunately listen to the client, assess them both physically and emotionally, and then appropriately order specific tests associated with their complaints. Although expensive, results are shown and progress in the overall sense of well-being has been shown, in quicker timelines, without the suggestion of psychotherapeutics or surgery (Zamanzadeh, 2015).

Patient Practitioner Relationship

The patient-practitioner relationship can differ between Eastern and Western medicine. Eastern medicine often emphasizes a holistic and personalized approach, with the practitioner taking into account the individual's overall well-being and lifestyle. A typical consultation for

Thai massage takes upwards to fifteen minutes and then leads with anywhere from sixty to 120 minutes hands-on treatment. Western medicine often focuses on symptom management and may have shorter patient interactions. In contrast, a chiropractic adjustment including a consultation takes anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes, which is half the time down to a third of the time of an Eastern-style session with a client. These styles range with intention but can illuminate the essence of trust that’s developed within this professional relationship. It also highlights why a client might prefer one over the other depending on their lifestyle.

Conclusion

This cross-cultural study has highlighted the importance of considering diverse perspectives and approaches in the field of massage therapy. By recognizing and appreciating the global mind and interconnectedness, therapists can incorporate elements from both Western and Eastern practices to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healing and well-being.

References
Clay, R.A. (2017) Chinese medicine meets psychotherapy, Monitor on Psychology.

Feldmann CT, Bensing JM, Ruijte AD, Boeije HR. Afghan refugees and their general practitioners in The Netherlands: to trust or not to trust? Soc Health Illn. (2007)

Gopalkrishnan, N. (2018) Cultural diversity and mental health: Considerations for policy and practice, Frontiers in public health.

Park, Y., Kabariti, J., & Tafler, L. (2021, May 7). Craniosacral therapy use in normal pressure hydrocephalus. Cureus.

Putsch. R. (1990). Dealing with patients from other cultures. National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Tabish, S.A. (2008) Complementary and alternative healthcare: Is it evidence-based?, International journal of health sciences.

Taza, P. (2021) What separates Eastern and Western modalities? A guide for those interested in a holistic massage career, Vancouver School of Healing Arts.

Zamanzadeh, V., Jasemi, M., Valizadeh, L., Keogh, B., & Taleghani, F. (2015). Effective factors in providing holistic care: A qualitative study. Indian journal of palliative care.

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Teeth Falling Out In Dreams?

Phil:

Hi Summer!

I am so intrigued by dreams and whether there is a subconscious meaning behind them. On many occasions I have had a dream in which all of my teeth are falling out. I have always wondered why I always have this dream and if there is something that happened in my life that triggers it. It is also strange how we perceive things while we are dreaming. Some things in dreams seem very normal while we are in the dream, it isn't until we wake up that we realize none of what was happening made any sense. It is very interesting to think that dreams could possibly help improve cognitive function. How would you go about testing and researching that?

Summer:

Teeth falling out in a dream is a very primal and basic nature of our survival. In order for us to digest anything we must be able to break it down into manageable sizes. As simple as it sounds, it just means you're being called to manage your life in smaller pieces and take your time digesting (processing) them instead of problem solving one big piece at a time.

Gestalt had a way of diving into these dreams. Instead of telling you what they meant, he let you find it yourself by having you "create" a drama or improv of how the dream was. By acting this dream out, your perception of details would revolutionize the meanings of symbols you have for your mind, in a way, decoding yourself.

A Socially Influenced Psychospiritual Crises

Spiritual Bypassing & The Dangers Of Altering Your State of Consciousness —

Half of the sufferers of psychosis believe what’s happening to them is a spiritual phenomenon. Many spiritualists who are presumably undiagnosed with mental disorders will agree with those suffering from a crisis that altering your state of consciousness can be a rewarding healing process; almost like a golden ticket out of your illness. I will argue that it simply covers the issue with rose colored glasses as a form of spiritual bypassing, creating a more dense problem for the future of their recovery. Many people enter the awakening journey or psychotic crisis from a traumatic event or experimenting with psychedelics and hypnotherapy, however there should be caution moving into dimensions of enlightenment based on someone’s mental state. LSD-induced schizophrenia, ketamine-induced depression, hypnotherapy-induced psychosis are all very real consequences of taking too much of the wrong substance or therapy without careful evaluation of one’s past, yet the intent was to spiral up into enlightenment without doing the inner-work first. Let’s deep dive into the signs of psychosis and early warning signs of mental instability to heed warning to these intense therapeutic modalities when self or mindlessly administered.

Email info@thehighpriestessspa for an in depth article on the difference between spiritual enlightenment and signs of spiritual emergencies.

If you believe you’re in a crisis please contact SEN, Spiritual Emergence Network & link up with a spiritual Professional Mental Health Counselor.

Tarot for the Neurodivergent

Many of my clients have brought their children who have dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and autism who have grown an interest in my tarot cards. The fascination about tarot is that it’s an image medium filled with abstract ways of communicating and thinking. It offers a unique perception in how to see the world and challenge our inner voice. As an entertainment piece that can also serve as a valuable journaling technique, it’s a very rewarding hobby to learn and keeps them intact with their sense of humor. Tarot can be a healthy obstacle for neurodivergent individuals, while honoring their rare aptitudes of thinking and expanding their use of language.

Body Syndromes

A body syndrome is a physical manifestation of an emotional trauma. When an emotion is held in or repressed instead of being processed and released, the emotion will express itself as physical discomfort. Prolonged discomfort may, over time, become disease, hence the focus of modern medicine to prevent “stress-related” diseases such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Epstein- Barr, etc.

The mechanism whereby emotions become manifest in the body is the nervous system. Emotions travel along the nervous system as electrical impulses that end up in areas of soft tissue. Cells of the soft tissue area are equipped with “emotion receptors” that receive both positive and negative emotions. The intensity, frequency, and duration of these emotions then affect the cells in either positive or negative ways, contributing to health or illness in the person.

Our body speaks to us through bodily symptoms. The symptoms are usually connected to the past events, unresolved issues, accumulated traumas, conditions, attitudes, and beliefs. This can have some pretty substantial health consequences. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, the founder of the American Holistic Medical Association, at least 85% of illnesses are the result of lifestyle. The remaining 15% is due to environmental and genetic factors.

According to Dr. John Kappas, there are five basic body syndromes:

A. Crying Syndrome
B. Responsibility Syndrome
C. Sexual Frustration, or Guilt Syndrome

D. Fight Syndrome
E. Flight Syndrome

For more information about these syndromes please email info@thehighpriestessspa.com for an indepth workbook on how these syndromes affect the body.

Is There A Link Between Childhood Abuse & Autoimmune Disorders? Treatment Options for CPTSD

Abstract

This research seeks to analyze data linking repeated sexual trauma or neglect during childhood to the onset of autoimmune disorders in adulthood. Hypothesizing the onset of these disorders can give us a better predicator on how to nurture systematic symptoms of mental and physical distress. Over 81% of autoimmune disorder diagnoses are for women, and a majority of them have no cure or clear pathway of treatment. Holistic methods involving both western and eastern medicine are looked at for their fast acting effects while avoiding long term side effects. The goal of this paper is to provide the most appropriate treatment for these disorders, giving these individuals an opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

                Early Childhood Neglect & Sexual Trauma Linked To Autoimmune Disorders

Identifying Holistic & Rewarding Treatment Options For The Incurable

        Autoimmune disorders are a class of diseases that are rising in the United States, largely due to the western diet and lifestyle. Crohn's disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to name a few, are some the most prevalently seen and almost all of these disorders are diagnosed to women (about 16 times more than men). Studies show that genetic factors, environmental stressors, family history of mental illness and previous traumatic experiences are strongly linked to the onset of autoimmune in adulthood. The body lives in a constant state of survival, fighting off chronic inflammation, viral infections and progressive musculoskeletal pain. Unfortunately our medical system hasn’t formulated an effective cure for these conditions, however there’s a multitude of treatment options to maintain a pain free-life, but it comes with an astronomically high cost (World Economic Forum, 2022)..

During the early stages of development, children that are subject to extreme neglect, physical abuse or childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have immunological and neuroendocrine inflammatory responses that have been indicated as a widespread phenomenon within their body. Literature also indicates that familial psychiatric and physical illnesses are often brought up in poverty (Hooley, 2021), so these children not only have abuse affecting their livelihood, but an environment of mediocre care and lack of nutrition. In 2022, Fox News released media that exposed California jail systems for releasing several thousands of pedophiles within one year of their conviction. These perpetrators were proven guilty on all levels of sexual deviance. These children lacked support within their families, medicare system and judicial system. Their bodies are keeping the score (Bessel van der Kolk, 2014). 

Some of the main points Dr. Kolk mentions in his book about childhood trauma, whether it was mental, emotional or physical are four aspects: #1: Trauma affects both our minds and our bodies, #2: You might be stuck inside a cage without knowing it, #3: Chronic pain leads to an addiction to pain (substance abuse and suicidal tendencies included), #4: and quiet, relaxed people are often the ones that don't seek help. Oftentimes this contributes to the major factor of comorbid disorders associated with AD. Clinical depression, PTSD, agoraphobia, psychosis and bipolar disorder (Weiss MD, Denver Health Medical Center, 2005) seem to be common psychiatric manifestations of MS, Lupus and type 1 diabetes. 

         Complex PTSD is traumatic experiences ranging in styles of neglect or abuse, extended over several months, years or even decades. A journal published by Bob Shapell School of Social Work takes a look into prolonged abuse between mothers and daughters and found that early onsets of these tragic happenings result in a severe malfunction of one's bodily perception and ways of interpreting sensations. The parent-child dynamic is now “shattered” in terms of trust and secure-attachment. The child now or will often develop a “person outside the self” and experience their life in dissociation or constant fear, which then results in chronic inflammation, inability to experience joy or an inevitable preconception that all experiences are painful. This journal goes onto say that out of 194 mothers, 87% of this trauma was a repeated experience passed down from mother to daughter, hence creating a lower empathic resonance, contaminating future generations of the family (Noga Tsur, My Own Flesh And Blood, 2020). 

       Denver Medical Health Center illustrates psychiatric symptoms most prevalent in AD such as MS, Lupus and Hashimotos are listed as anxiety 40%, irritability 35%, apathy 20%, euphoria 13%, disinhibition 13%, hallucinations 10%, aberrant motor behavior 9%, and delusions 7%. Brain matter deterioration, cognitive decline and delirium are typically unpredictable and rapid onset - resembling much of schizophrenia. Hooley also speaks about children, even if adopted, have 15-25% chance of developing psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia of family members that already suffer from the illness. Emotional exposure such as overinvolvement and criticism about someone's behavior and mental health can considerably progress psychiatric and somatic symptoms of these illnesses (Hooely, 2021). 

	The later onset of AD can be due to genetic factors that become activated after being dormant for a persons lifetime. The Epstein Bar Virus can be contracted from a viral infection (like during pregnancy or COVID), and set off an underdeveloped immune response. Vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid could be diminished during this infection, and then there's a loss in the family (as an example), catastrophizing the illness even worse. EBV is heavily influenced by drastic hormonal shifts (menopause, pre menstruation and pregnancy). Fortunately, if there's minimal signs of PTSD or other comorbid mental disorders, a healthy maintained diet has been shown to heal people from EBV. Lupus, MS and fibromyalgia have been shown to be triggered by mono. Michelle, newly pregnant, had her first onset of MS at 37 after she became very ill, however she did get mono when she was 17 (Medical Medium, 2011). Michelle found information published by Dr. Anothony William; he states this healing lifestyle can take 18 months of strict instructions to fully recover from EBV. Certain fruits and vegetables he highlights for healing EBV are; celery (juice form), due to its ability to strengthen hydrochloric acid in the gut and provide mineral salts to the central nervous system; grapefruit: rich source of bioflavonoids and calcium to support the immune system and flush toxins out of the body; cucumbers: strengthen the adrenals and kidneys and flush neurotoxins out of the bloodstream, and the list goes on. Cats claw, licorice root, red marine algae, nettle leaf and many more supplements are added to this diet to kill certain bacterias that activate EBV.

	Those with CPTSD and autoimmune disorders suffer from chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and joint inflammation, oftentimes creating such a somatic dysfunction that job responsibilities, skin irritation and even exercise can be impacted. Hooley explains that the temporal-parietal junction (a suture in the cranium that is responsible for identifying self, beliefs, reality vs. fantasy and even sensory regulation) is critically impacted with both mental and physical aspects of these traumas (ch. 11 & 13). Craniosacral, an osteo therapeutic modality used by acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists and naturopathic doctors, use a “parietal hold” technique that separates constricted tissue on the external walls of the cranium to allow for optimal cerebral spinal fluid flow. Cerebral spinal fluid flowing within it’s natural rhythm can regulate the central nervous system and immediately activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for the brain to rest and restore damaged tissue, remove brain fog, have more musculoskeletal mobility and temperance with pain/pleasure sensations emotionally and physically, as well as improving sleep. This improved sleep can potentially allow for repressed memories or emotions from CPTSD to come up in a peaceful manner for processing and release from the body its long-standing pain (Body Syndromes, John Kappas, HMI). NIH has found that pelvic floor dysfunction and irritable bowel disorders are highly common with AD. 

Craniosacral combined with lymphatic drainage massage, cupping, acupuncture, and hypnosis are widely accepted  modalities that specify intentionality towards chronic inflammation, joint pain and nerve sensitivity and can drastically improve someone's affect of AD. Although there isn’t enough empirical evidence to support an “end all, be all” cure for these disorders, it can alleviate chronic symptoms and allow the individual to live a pain-free life without hyperfocusing on their diagnoses. There are other studies that show being removed from as much stress and living a minimalist lifestyle can be conducive to preventing a dormant illness from sprouting again. Although many with suffering seek medication during devastating periods, not even half stick with it, let alone the population that cannot afford healthcare. Alternative treatments such as the ones we’ve covered are often not covered by insurance unless you have a clinical diagnosis (which takes over a decade to establish for most with AD). 

	Hooley explains that those at risk for PTSD or progressing mental illness often come from unpredictability and lack of preparedness, or a support structure. So when seeking treatment, those should be seen as a priority. Getting craniosacral, taking medication and eating a clean diet during the cycle of present active abuse is like running on a broken ankle. A fulfilling life is attainable if resources can be known, as the Medical Medium says, knowledge is power.

References

Hooley, J. M., Nock, M., & Butcher, J. N. (2021). Abnormal psychology. Pearson Education Limited. 

Tsur, N., Thompson, T., Talmon, A., Peterson, R. A., Pears, K. C., Olatunji, B. O., Norton, P. J., McNally, R. J., Lyons-Ruth, K., Lamela, D., Lakhdir, M. P. A., Keefe, F. J., Jennissen, S., Hellawell, S. J., He, J., Gilbar, O., Foa, E. B., … Ginzburg, K. (2020, April 1). “My own flesh and blood”: The implications of child maltreatment for the orientation towards the body among dyads of mothers and daughters. Child Abuse & Neglect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213420301241 

Bessel Van Der Kolk. The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma (2019). 

George Kappas. Body Syndromes Workbook, 1997. Hypnosis Motivation Institute

DB;, T. J. (n.d.). Chronic pelvic pain associated with autoimmunity and systemic and peritoneal inflammation and treatment with immune modification. The Journal of reproductive medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16320555/ 

Zaychik, Y., Fainstein, N., Touloumi, O., Goldberg, Y., Hamdi, L., Segal, S., Nabat, H., Zoidou, S., Grigoriadis, N., Katz, A., Ben-Hur, T., & Einstein, O. (2021, February 23). High-intensity exercise training protects the brain against autoimmune neuroinflammation:

Regulation of microglial redox and pro-inflammatory functions. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7940666/ 

Acupuncture and autoimmune disorders. The Emperor’s Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.foxvalleyacupuncture.com/acupuncture-and-autoimmune-disorders 

Therapy, A. P. (2017, November 5). The mystery of sphenoid bone: Can bodyworkers influence the cranial keystone?. anchordpt. https://www.anchordpt.com/single-post/2017/11/05/the-mystery-of-sphenoid-bone-can-bodyworkers-influence-the-cranial-keystone 

William, A., & Junger, A. (2022). Medical Medium Brain Saver protocols, Cleanses & Recipes for neurological, Autoimmune & Mental Health. Hay House.