Gurney's Spa
The Amazing Trager Approach
By David Lion Rattiner
Gurney’s Inn is well known for its spa, especially the
treatments that it offers. I recently tried one of the new
treatments that they offer. They just came out with the Trager
Approach and they have therapists trained in the new treatment
that increases relaxation and mobility through touch, movement
and an open meditative state.
I got the opportunity to try the Trager treatment last week
and was really surprised at how quickly the treatment put
me into a meditative state. Notice that I am not calling this
treatment a massage, because although there is rubbing motions
involved in the treatment, there are no deep rubs throughout
the treatment. In fact, this is a very anti-Trager approach.
The idea behind the treatment is that by touching the body
lightly and using rocking motions, the subject can get
pushed into a relaxed and meditative state. “Think of it like
dancing on a cloud,” my therapist Joan told me.
At first I was skeptical, being a guy that really appreciates
a hard, deep tissue massage. I’m the type of guy that
likes to walk away from a massage feeling sore. But Joan assured
me that I would enjoy it.
Using Dr. Trager’s technique, with who Joan actually
had the opportunity to study with, she rhythmically moved my
body in such a way that my whole body started to feel effortless.
It is difficult to describe, but within twenty minutes of the
massage I found myself in a trance like state.
Joan maneuvered my body into all kinds of positions,
beginning her focus on my neck and moving down to
my legs. She would
work one leg at a time and it was very interesting
because when she was finished with one of my legs,
the one she
just finished working on felt longer, lighter and
more relaxed.
Almost as if I had just stretched it for five minutes.
Joan was an expert at teaching me to let go of everything
so that my body moved only when she pushed or pulled
it one way
or the other.
Using gentle swinging, stretching and pressing
motions, I was amazed at how fast my body started
to move
so freely as she
guided the movements. My neck and shoulders,
which is always a problem for me, started to feel immediately
better.
What is really amazing about the Trager approach
is what happens to you psychologically. You
simply feel
happier
and better
about things after the massage and it lasted
all day and into the next morning. This is
what the
Trager approach is all about
because physically the muscles are not deeply
massaged.
After the Trager treatment I noticed that it
was easier to appreciate life more. It was
almost like
therapy
having the
treatment because Joan gives positive messages
throughout the treatment. She allows you
to realize that life
is good and
you should be happy about that.
If you don’t like super deep massages and you are looking
to try something new and interesting. Give the Trager treatment
a try at Gurney’s Inn. You’ll have a positive outlook
on the day after the treatment. Call Gurney’s at 631-668-2345
for more info.
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