MER Therapy
Introduction: what is MER?
Pain is a red warning light. If it is not adequately addressed and pain persists, the damage will only increase. Myofascial Energetic Release (MER) is an effective therapy for chronic pain, tension-related issues, and restricted movement. The symptoms decrease significantly; it makes you flexible and relaxed.Examples of complaints
Pain in: head, neck, shoulder, back, lower back, pelvis, belly,
joints, legs, knees, feet, arms, wrists, hands. Nerve pain.
Pain in scar tissue, near an (old) fracture or after sugery.
Restricted mobility and stiffness: neck, shoulder, frozen shoulder, arm, wrist, lower back, hips.
Tension: stress, sleepproblems, fatigue, hypersensitivity, worrying, concentration problems, overwork, inability to enjoy, burnout, trauma, anxieties.
Pain in scar tissue, near an (old) fracture or after sugery.
Restricted mobility and stiffness: neck, shoulder, frozen shoulder, arm, wrist, lower back, hips.
Tension: stress, sleepproblems, fatigue, hypersensitivity, worrying, concentration problems, overwork, inability to enjoy, burnout, trauma, anxieties.
Your posture may improve, you develop greater body awareness and self-understanding,
and emotional healing can take place.
How does MER therapy work?
Pain and tension are maintained by contractions (local cramps, spasms) in muscle and connective tissue. Nerves and blood vessels become constricted. The flow of blood, lymfe, transport of oxigen, nutrients and waste is inhibited. Locally, the self-healing ability is hampered. We also speak of a blockade. The approach is to gently loosen contractions thus restoring normal flow, tissue becomes flexible, pain subsides and self-healing restarts. All kinds of techniques are applied, often simultaneously. For example, strokes, all kind of movements, stretching, and last but not least, breathwork. Applying simultaneously is particularly effective, as the contraction quickly releases its tension. Crucial here are the right choices and details of the application, working with sensitivity and attunement with the client so that the application does not feel unpleasant. An unpleasant sensation might activate self-protection, typically to tighten the tissue even more.The next step is to identify the cause of the contraction and address it. The cause can be a posture issue, unprocessed emotions, reaction patterns, or a trauma. See More... / Links to find more backgrounds.
What makes MER so effective?
- The continous attunement with the client, body and issues, for staying in the hot spot areas without crossing borders.
- Applying multiple techniques simultaneously that enhance each others effect.
- Attention to the importance of broad connections and causes, both physically (see Anatomy Trains) and psychosomatically
Origin of MER
MER was developed by Satyarthi Peloquin. He is an innovator who translated the recent discoveries
on new functions of connective tissue into this improved
version of body-oriented therapy.
MER is broadly applicable, goal oriented. In addition to relaxation it relieves pain effectively.
New functions of connective tissue include the transport function (flow of water, nutrients, waste products,
oxygen, lymph, healthy nerve signals and blood) and a crucial role in movement and posture.
See More... / Links for more background.
Method
After an introductory conversation an inventory follows of the tense spots in your body. This is called body reading. These spots are related to your complaints and their possible causes. An action plan is determined from this. In MER therapy, therapist and client work closely together. Details such as the firmness of the approach are coordinated with the client so that more pain is prevented. It is important to (learn to) feel and indicate your limits. For some clients this is a new skill. Breathwork plays an important role among the techniques indicated above, see Breathe.A session takes one and a half hours, one session each week or two weeks. The number of sessions depends on the goals thus varies greatly per client.
Is it suitable for you?
MER therapy only works if you are willing to feel your body's signals and emotions, or if you want to learn this. In addition, it is necessary that your reaction patterns or traumas are negotiable.Examples of van reaction patterns
- ignore your limits,
- carry the worries of others,
- not expressing oneselves,
- a life of obligations, musts,
- get out of your body (fleeing),
- dramatize, exaggerate, manipulate facts,
- ignore and deny ("I am fine!").
Chronic pain can also be caused by an illness. To rule this out consult your general practitioner.
For prices, see More... / Prices.