Healing is Non-Linear
Healing is Non-Linear
You may have heard the phrase “healing is non-linear” from other specialists, or you may have personally experienced non–linear healing after receiving other modalities. The healing response from FMCM is also non-linear and can make someone question “why am I experiencing new symptoms?” or “why are my symptoms worse than ever?” OR for the million-dollar question…” how long will it take for my problem to go away?”!
This information is available to help you understand and hopefully bring comfort within the ebb and flow of changes that occur as the mind/body complex is healing.
FMCM is very deep corrective structural work and the body will shift during the therapeutic processes. Since each person’s body holds different traumas or life stresses, each healing response will be unique.
First, the structural shift itself can create temporary discomfort. This can present as a headache, body aches, fatigue, and more (Read our Blog, What Can I Expect? FMCM and Therapeutic Integration for further details).
Another response that one may experience is the release of chemicals such as uric acid, lactic acid, cortisol, and other stress hormones. This release may present as fatigue, body aches, elevated emotions, and more (Read our Blog, Emotions in the Matrix for more information). These chemical byproducts accumulate in the body’s tissues and can create temporary discomfort until the body eliminates them.
In general, structural and functional changes to the fascial matrix take time. The matrix healing response is non-linear, meaning symptoms sometimes get worse before they improve. Additionally, it is important to note that the healing responses may look different than the desired goal as the body is moving through the phases of healing.
Here is an example. A client presents with sinus issues – congestion/unable to properly breathe through the nose. It is possible to observe these changes through the course of therapy and before the sinus issues resolve: an increase in snoring, sinus drainage, sinus congestion, neck discomfort, and a few passing headaches. These responses are indicative of fascial or other structural changes.
Any responses or changes that occur are valuable to note. A change, whether it is “negative” or “positive,” shows that the body is responding to treatment and is in the process of healing, even if the symptom seems insignificant or unrelated to the goal. As an additional and particularly important note, the “negative” symptoms that occur in between sessions are TEMPORARY.
You may wonder “Why would I want to eliminate those toxins”? To put it simply, that which can flow through you, will be eliminated from the physical and emotional body. However, that which becomes stuck and crystalized in the body, builds up like a mountainous iceberg creating blockages, thus having the potential to create dis-ease.
We find it most helpful and effective when these changes are viewed as “Progress Indicators” rather than “negative side effects”. The body has the most beautiful innate wisdom to heal itself when given the tools and opportunity.
To effectively advance or modify the therapy for you or your family member, we ask for your subjective observations from session to session.
You will find a sample list of symptoms/observations below. This is not a complete list, but one to set a basic guideline.
Observations Related to the Presenting Condition:
- Improvement of symptom(s), even if slight
- Any improvement in daily tasks
- Regression of symptom(s), even if slight
- Addition of new symptoms
Structural Observations:
- More or less flexibility in movement
- Desire to be mobile is increased or decreased
- Body aches: muscle and/or joint
- More comfort or discomfort in body movements
- Change in posture (Ex. Standing straighter or more slumped)
- Change in gait
- Muscle twitching or spasms
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Improvement or regression of fine motor skills (pediatric cases)
- Improvement or regression of gross motor skills (pediatric cases)
Digestive Observations:
- Increase or decrease of appetite
- Temporary constipation, loose bowels, or diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Craving or aversion of certain foods
- Bloating or gas
Emotional Observations:
- Sudden mood change
- Bouts of crying
- Any changes in behavior
- Tolerance level shifts
Sleep Observations:
- Presence or absence of snoring (indications of airway changes)
- More rested feeling/More fatigue, even with proper rest
- Inability to fall asleep
- Inability to stay asleep
- More active dream state
It can be greatly beneficial to journal these changes through notes or pictures. Many times, we get caught up in the healing process and forget how far we have come, as the healing can be subtle or ever evolving.
We like to compare the healing journey to the ebb and flow of riding an ocean’s waves into the shore. Many waves are intense and rough, while others are gentle, moving effortlessly. Either way, we must submit to the “ride” to get to our destination.
We have created this information to help you ride the waves of healing with more ease.
Michael and Kristen Myers, LMT, Copyright 2018
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Fascial Matrix Connection Method® and The Matrix in Motion Somatic Movement Therapy is intended to serve as an adjunct to medically supervised healthcare. This article is not designed for and does not provide medical advice. All content in this article is for general information purposes only. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental advice or care. You should consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and collaborative treatment. Michael Myers, Kristen Myers, and the Myers Institute ® are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the method discussed within the information of this article.
