Elaine Gullis on The Power Of Touch in Massage For Trauma Patients
Those who have experienced trauma, the simple act of touch can hold profound significance. In the context of massage therapy, touch becomes more than just a physical gesture—it’s a pathway to healing, reconnection, and recovery.
Trauma often leaves lasting effects on both the mind and body, creating feelings of disconnection, tension, and mistrust. Massage, when approached with care and sensitivity, can provide a safe space for clients to begin restoring a sense of safety within their own skin.
The power of touch lies in its ability to communicate without words, offering reassurance and comfort. For trauma survivors, this can be an essential step in releasing stored tension, processing emotions, and re-establishing trust in themselves and the world around them.
Thoughtful and informed massage therapy isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about creating a compassionate environment where clients can feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey to healing. Elaine Gullis promotes a very human, personalised service. She has developed a unique and holistic form of body therapy called 'The Light Method'. The premise of this is to detoxify the body of poisons, increases self of well-being, raises self-esteem and creates a ‘lighter’ you all round. The team at PBL spoke to Elaine about her experience with trauma and how the immense power of touch.
How does your method of using touch, pressure points, and breathing techniques help individuals process trauma?
My approach utilises lymphatic drainage as a crucial element for promoting relaxation and emotional release. By focusing on proper posture, breath techniques, and maintaining the right rhythm and direction in manual therapy, I create a supportive healing environment.
This method help enhance lymphatic flow and encourage deep, rhythmic breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—promoting a state of calm and safety. As a result, clients may experience a deeper connection to their bodies, facilitating the safe processing and release of stored physical and emotional trauma.
What are the key principles behind your approach, and how does it differ from other forms of therapeutic massage or bodywork?
My approach is built on several key principles that distinguish it from traditional therapeutic massage or bodywork:
1. Holistic Approach: I view each client as unique, recognising the intricate connection between the body and mind. This perspective allows me to tailor sessions to individual needs, ensuring a personalized and effective experience.
2. Combination of Techniques: I integrate various techniques, including relaxation methods, deep breathing, posture awareness, and stomach massage, with a focus on gut health and lymphatic drainage. This multifaceted approach promotes overall well-being and enhances the healing process.
3. Mobilisation and Facial Release: I incorporate mobilisation techniques and facial release to address tension and promote lymphatic flow. This is particularly important for releasing stored emotions and physical stress, contributing to a comprehensive healing experience.
Each session is tailored based on a thorough understanding of the client's needs, allowing for a more effective and individualized approach.
How does the connection between mind and body play a role in the release of trauma through touch?
Studies show that when individuals experience trauma, their bodies may hold onto these emotions, leading to physical blockages, particularly in the lymphatic system. Research indicates that touch therapy can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. This state of relaxation enables clients to feel safe, facilitating the processing and release of stored emotions.
Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that gentle touch can enhance proprioception—the awareness of body position—which helps individuals reconnect with their physical sensations and emotional responses. This heightened awareness is crucial for recognizing how trauma impacts both body and mind.
Can you describe the specific pressure points that are most effective in alleviating stress and trauma, and how they work?
First, we have the occipital ridge , which is located at the base of the skull. Applying gentle pressure to this area can significantly alleviate neck tension, promote relaxation, and even help reduce headaches. It’s a great starting point for easing physical stress.
Next, we focus on the diaphragm. This muscle is essential for breathing and plays a vital role in lymphatic drainage. When you engage in deep, diaphragmatic breathing, you stimulate lymphatic flow, which can help clear toxins from the body. This practice not only facilitates emotional release but also lowers stress levels, making it a powerful tool for overall well-being.
Finally, let’s talk about the cervical spine, which consists of the first seven vertebrae in the neck. This area often holds a lot of tension. Applying gentle pressure or performing soft tissue work along the cervical spine can relieve muscle tightness, improve circulation, and foster a sense of calm.
By targeting these key areas—the occipital ridge, diaphragm, and cervical spine—you can effectively help yourself or others release physical tension and stored emotions, leading to holistic stress relief and emotional healing.
In your experience, how does touch therapy impact mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD?
Overall, touch therapy serves as a valuable complementary approach to traditional mental health treatments, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
How does the breathing component of your method enhance the effectiveness of the massage and pressure point work?
The diaphragm and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) work together to help us relax and feel balanced. By practicing deep diaphragmatic breathing, I can activate the PNS, which reduces stress and improves my mental and physical health. The PNS helps lower heart rate, aids digestion, and promotes relaxation. When I breathe deeply, it activates the vagus nerve, which encourages a calm state and helps me manage my emotions better.
What should someone expect from a session with you, and how do you tailor your approach to each individual’s needs?
In a session, I begin with an initial assessment to understand the client's concerns and preferences, which helps me tailor the experience. I prioritize comfort and safety by discussing pressure preferences and any areas of discomfort. Based on this assessment, I use customized techniques, such as different massage styles or breathing exercises, to best meet the individual's needs.
How do you ensure that the use of touch in trauma healing remains a safe and non-triggering experience for clients?
I adjust the use of touch based on each individual's history and comfort levels. Some clients may prefer a light touch., and I adapt my techniques to fit their needs. By focusing on open communication, personalisation, and creating a safe environment.
