A central component in Japanese Bodywork, the Hara, is an area of the body that most people are not familiar with. Known as the "sea of marrow", the Hara is located in the abdomen. The "sea of marrow" has been understood by Asian Ampuku Practitioners, who specialized in the Hara, for 1000's of years. Today, science is just beginning to understand what Ampuku Therapists always knew. The brain and stomach are connected through the Vagal Nerve and cellular structure. The same cell structure that makes up the brain is actually located in the abdomen as well and both are interconnected to each other. Thus the term "Sea of Marrow". So that "gut" feeling is really communication and what modern day scientists are only now discovering.
The Hara is comprised of sections which correspond to each organ. They do not necessarily correspond to each organ’s actual physical location, but rather serve as the energetic connection point. In this way, Hara assessment is very much like hand, foot, and scalp reflexology. Stimulating each point can positively affect the corresponding organ and the organ functions such as emotion or physical well being that are related to the organs themselves.
During a Hara assessment, the practitioner will softly palpate the abdomen with their fingertips, taking care to note which sections seem too firm which is an indicator of an excess of energy (Jitsu), or too soft or empty which is an indicator of a lack of energy (Kyo). The goal is to balance each assessment point with specific techniques and affect its corresponding meridian and organ. As the energy flow in the body is balanced, systems work correctly, and dis-ease is reduced.
The Hara assessment is a crucial tool for bodyworkers practicing Integrative Meridian Therapy and other forms of bodywork that are taught at ATIT. It is the turning point from palpation to addressing root cause. Students instructed in the art of Hara assessment share a goal of providing the best care possible by targeting out-of-balance systems in a very precise manner.
In addition to being used as an assessment tool, the Hara points can be used as treatments all on their own. This a powerful tool available to skilled energetic bodyworkers. Unfortunately, the art of Hara Assessment is no longer widely known and many practitioners are not aware that it even exists.
Learning the art of Hara assessment will absolutely enhance any bodyworker’s practice and allow for a much more effective treatment, synergistically combining with other aspects of bodywork, such as Chinese acupressure, fascial release techniques, massage and systematic releases to create a powerful combination of balance and healing. Hara Assessment is sometimes the missing piece in therapeutic settings because it can reveal the answer of root cause.
Kim M. Green, Founder
www.advancedtherapyinstitute.net
Kim is the Founder and Senior Instructor at Advanced Therapy Institute of Touch. She teaches laypeople and professionals alike advanced bodywork techniques which utilize Integrative Meridian Therapy, Hara Assessment, Somatic Trauma Release therapies, Japanese/Chinese Practices and rehabilitative forms of bodywork such as Integrative Meridian Therapy. She loves teaching practitioners to assist their clients in releasing long-held chronic injury, traumas or somato-emotional patterns that reduce a persons ability to enjoy their lives fully. At ATIT, we believe "All Things Are Possible!"
The Hara is comprised of sections which correspond to each organ. They do not necessarily correspond to each organ’s actual physical location, but rather serve as the energetic connection point. In this way, Hara assessment is very much like hand, foot, and scalp reflexology. Stimulating each point can positively affect the corresponding organ and the organ functions such as emotion or physical well being that are related to the organs themselves.
During a Hara assessment, the practitioner will softly palpate the abdomen with their fingertips, taking care to note which sections seem too firm which is an indicator of an excess of energy (Jitsu), or too soft or empty which is an indicator of a lack of energy (Kyo). The goal is to balance each assessment point with specific techniques and affect its corresponding meridian and organ. As the energy flow in the body is balanced, systems work correctly, and dis-ease is reduced.
The Hara assessment is a crucial tool for bodyworkers practicing Integrative Meridian Therapy and other forms of bodywork that are taught at ATIT. It is the turning point from palpation to addressing root cause. Students instructed in the art of Hara assessment share a goal of providing the best care possible by targeting out-of-balance systems in a very precise manner.
In addition to being used as an assessment tool, the Hara points can be used as treatments all on their own. This a powerful tool available to skilled energetic bodyworkers. Unfortunately, the art of Hara Assessment is no longer widely known and many practitioners are not aware that it even exists.
Learning the art of Hara assessment will absolutely enhance any bodyworker’s practice and allow for a much more effective treatment, synergistically combining with other aspects of bodywork, such as Chinese acupressure, fascial release techniques, massage and systematic releases to create a powerful combination of balance and healing. Hara Assessment is sometimes the missing piece in therapeutic settings because it can reveal the answer of root cause.
Kim M. Green, Founder
www.advancedtherapyinstitute.net
Kim is the Founder and Senior Instructor at Advanced Therapy Institute of Touch. She teaches laypeople and professionals alike advanced bodywork techniques which utilize Integrative Meridian Therapy, Hara Assessment, Somatic Trauma Release therapies, Japanese/Chinese Practices and rehabilitative forms of bodywork such as Integrative Meridian Therapy. She loves teaching practitioners to assist their clients in releasing long-held chronic injury, traumas or somato-emotional patterns that reduce a persons ability to enjoy their lives fully. At ATIT, we believe "All Things Are Possible!"
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