Description of the principle behind the Emmett Technique
Emmett Technique is a special form of body therapy that involves application of light finger pressure at specific points. These are in sequences that enable gentle releases for common problems which include neck, shoulder and back pain. Techniques derived from NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) are also integrated within the treatment to encourage homeostasis.
Emmett Technique can be used as an effective adjunct to enhance the treatment value of other types of muscle release and neuro-musculoskeletal therapies, for example: Massage, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy or may be used as an effective therapy on its own. Accurate and fast assessment of imbalances present in the body are an integral feature of this technique.
The therapy addresses tissues that may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue (fascia), as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system.
The Chameleon approach to body therapies.
Emmett Technique is a safe and simple muscle release therapy developed by Remedial Therapist Ross Emmett. It is used to address pain and discomfort, improve body movement and can restore a positive emotional state.
It is with this understanding that the Emmett Technique influences the most complex system known – the human body. Working within this principle the Emmett Technique is able to affect two types of receptors, sensory and muscular, which may also activate an emotional state. These are overlapped together at specific junctions where each one can and will influence the other. The therapist is compared to a body electrician who has the power to locate these overlaps or re-set buttons. The muscle that has tripped out due to overuse or overload may only need a light pressure to re-set.
Emmett points are the intersection or overlap of sensory, motor points, which may have a memory or emotional attachment. These three factors are influenced when using the holding points. They may be activated as simply as applying light pressure to this activation pad. This is a three-dimensional switch and creates the brain’s awareness of these 3 factors. (Sensory/touch, muscular/motor and emotional/ flight – fright, pain to pleasure, anxiety to relaxation.). These could have an individual response, meaning personal or positional changes.
Pressure switch responds to a light touch which creates a sensory awareness – where releasing the pressure initiates the response. Timing is essential for the right reaction. To hold these points longer than the time required, may create a state of irritation that will disallow the desired reaction.
These points also need balance. To create the right balance with pressure we select a corresponding point to treat equally or we may place the selected muscle under load or stretch. .
To describe the response is to describe a pinch – to pinch is the sensory input. To pull away is the motor or fight/ flight muscle response. Verbal response or facial expression is the emotional reaction.
