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Session Information

A Pulsing session usually lasts 60 minutes. It is performed on a massage couch; normally a face-cradle is not used as this restricts the free movement of the head and neck, and the client is asked to rest their head to one side (changing occasionally to prevent discomfort); however, if this is too painful a face-cradle may be used.

What to wear

For a Pulsing session you need to wear loose, light, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements. Many clients bring a T-shirt and jogpants to change into. You will need to remove your shoes, any loose jewelry (such as bracelets, watches and necklaces), and anything restrictive such as thick, heavy belts. Some clients prefer to be only partially clothed and undress down to underwear, and in fact many therapists will prefer to be able to connect with skin; deep bodywork is fundamentally concerned with human connection, and clothes are undoubtedly one of the ways we humans place barriers between ourselves and others.

Contraindications

Contraindication is the medical term for a condition where treatment should not take place or should be restricted. Many contraindications for Pulsing are common to most forms of bodywork and are generally obvious: current illnesses or injuries, recent surgery, contagious diseases and so on. More specifically, Pulsing is contraindicated for: the first trimester & last few weeks of pregnancy; a slipped disk; serious varicose veins or any risk of thrombosis; epilepsy; advanced osteoporosis; cancer.

If you have any doubts, please ask your GP or Consultant. For your own well-being you must tell your therapist prior to the session about any current illnesses or injuries or significant medical conditions. You should not receive Pulsing when under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs or immediately after a large meal.

After a session

As with any form of bodywork, you may feel slightly light-headed immediately after the session. Drinking a glass of water and taking some slow deep breaths will help you become grounded. If you are intending to drive home from the session, please ensure that you are fully alert before setting off.

Post-reactions

All forms of bodywork have both a physiological and an emotional impact. The physiological effects tend to reverberate in the body for about 48 hours before all the systems rebalance. Even simple forms of bodywork such as holistic massage may result in an emotional release during the session, but this rarely continues afterwards. The emotional effects of deeper forms of bodywork, such as Pulsing, tend to reverberate in the bodymind for up to 5 days. Following a Pulsing session people often find they have vivid dreams for a few days after; they may feel slightly tearful; many are happy to report an increase in their libido.

In the unlikely event that you experience any distressing physical or emotional reactions, you are advised to contact your practitioner for advice.

How long between sessions?

Pulsing does not take a diagnostic approach, so there is no 'treatment plan'. It is a holistic experience of self. How frequently you have sessions is a matter of how you feel and how your bodymind has processed the last one. In practice, a rough guide might be to allow at least a week between sessions. Some people going through a period transformation might have sessions weekly or fortnightly. If the sessions are part of a general self-care practice, then it might be weekly, monthly or occasionally depending on the person's circumstances.

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