Integrative Somatic Balancing (ISB) is a combination of many modalities that evolved out of years of successfully treating clients with chronic pain. Modality selection is based on the individual needs of each client. Primarily ISB focuses on utilizing a combination of myofascial release, positional release and reiki/energy work to restore balance to the body. Other modalities may include but are not limited to: Swedish massage; active, assisted, isolated stretching; structural relief therapy; neuromuscular therapy; manual lymphatic drainage; sports massage; reflexology; acupressure; and CranioSacral therapy.

The premise of ISB is to identify postural deficits, compensation patterns and causes of chronic pain. Massage therapy techniques are used in conjunction with energy work and other modalities to achieve a neutral and balanced position of all bony structures, muscles and connective tissues in the body.

Equilibrium is crucial because when the body is in neutral alignment it can function properly on all levels. This balance point resets the neurosensory motor system and allows unobstructed communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems, resulting in optimal neural impulse and muscle recruitment. The byproduct of this holistic realignment is a decrease in pain caused by compensatory patterns and the restoration of somatic functionality.

Our bodies are innately designed to heal on their own. ISB facilitates this intrinsic healing by removing fascial and energetic barriers and allowing the body to heal itself. As these restrictions are eliminated, the body is enabled to attain homeostasis.

ISB differs from traditional massage because it doesn’t rely on by-the-minute protocols or traditional applications of anatomy and kinesiology. Instead the client’s body directs the course of treatment. In traditional therapeutic applications, the client is passive during treatment. In ISB, the client actively participates in their own healing. Treatment becomes a cooperative experience between the client and the therapist. Duration of ISB sessions are generally longer than traditional massage sessions to allow the client’s body to unwind at its own pace. The benefit of this is that the body relaxes on its own terms, and it provides long lasting change.

Perhaps the most innovative difference between traditional modalities and ISB is that it is optimally effective when performed in tandem with three practitioners working simultaneously on one client. To take the healing process to the next level, tandem sessions are coordinated with therapists that have divergent skill sets. This enables the team to simultaneously approach complex issues from multiple disciplines providing the best possible outcome for the client.

Suzanne Sipe, LMT, CLT, BCTMB, AHS, is the creator of the modality of Integrative Somatic Balancing. She is a board-certified massage therapist and continuing education provider with a degree in health science. For ISB tandem sessions, she is joined by Rhonda Giddings and Angie Yingst. Rhonda Giddings, AP, L Ac., M Ac., LMT, a local acupuncturist with a master’s degree in oriental medicine, has more than 38 years of combined experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki, herbs and supplements. Angie Yingst, is an Usui reiki master and certified crystal healer with an advanced crystal master certification through the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy.

Sessions are by appointment only and can be scheduled with an individual therapist or multiple therapists. Tandem sessions with two or three therapists are available. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Suzanne Sipe at 717-557-3871.