Today, I would like to talk to you about Body Stress Release (BSR). This is a non-therapeutic, complementary health profession concerned with assisting the body to release stored tension which becomes “locked” into the physical structure when the body fails to adapt to stress. These stresses may be mechanical, chemical or mental/emotional. By releasing this stored stress, the body’s ability to maintain and heal itself is enhanced. BSR has been researched and practiced since 1981. Currently, it is practiced in South Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, and the USA.

How does Body Stress Release work? When the body is subjected to stress overload, instead of the stress being dissipated out of the system, it becomes “locked” into the body.

This “body stress” manifests as lines of tension at specific points, which may bring about postural distortions, pain, stiffness, or numbness. The impact on the nervous system disturbs the body’s lines of communication, thereby undermining efficiency of function.

At the first consultation the practitioner takes a client case history. While the client is lying down fully clothed, the sites of body stress are located by observing the body’s response to a series of pressure tests. With the information obtained the body stress is released by applying light but definite pressure at precise points in specific directions.

It takes about 30 minutes. Generally three consultations are carried out, which may be sufficient in those cases where the body stress is mild. In the case of severe or long-standing body stress, a further consultation is necessary. Thereafter, clients are advised to be assessed for body stress three to four times a year for health maintenance.

As Body Stress Release is a gentle approach, it is safe and suitable for people of all ages, from new-born babies to the aged, in all states of health.

BSR is a distinct health care profession and does not resemble other modalities. It does not involve massage, manipulation, machines, or medication.

 BSR is a complementary technique that assists the body in its own healing process and brings effective relief against all forms of tension, pain and discomfort.

What are the Health Benefits of BSR? Health can be defined as 100% of the body's cells functioning at 100% efficiency, 100% of the time, and not merely just the absence of pain, disease or symptoms. BSR assists the body to unlock stored tension, restoring communication via the nervous system for the body to self-heal. Once the body stress has been released, there is improved muscle tone, reduction in compression to nerves and circulation, and thus relief from pain and stiffness. The effects may be swift and dramatic or may take place gradually over a series of consultations, as tightened muscles relax at deeper levels.

The majority of people initially consult a BSR practitioner for relief from pain and to improve flexibility. Examples include lower back ache and stiffness, leg or abdominal pain, upper back and shoulder ache, neck pain and headaches.

However BSR's purpose is not concerned merely with pain relief, but with enhancing the body's communication (promoting self-healing) and co-ordination (assimilation, respiration, and elimination) thereby promoting health. Thus after BSR there is usually a general upgrading of function and clients experience improvement or relief from a wide range of ailments.

I personally have had BSR and know the benefits of it. We all have stress in our lives, and this affects us in more ways then we realize, and so we all can benefit by getting this stored stress released. There are only a handful of BSR practitioners in the United States, and we are fortunate to have a practitioner come to Sioux Falls. Trent Snyder from Boulder, CO will be with us next week.  If you want to do BSR, please contact me to set up your appointment. There are still openings available.