MER

CERTIFIED TRAINING OF MYOFASCIAL ENERGETIC RELEASE

Learn unique and incredibly valuable methods of working with deep tissue, fascia and pain syndrome.

What is Myofascial Energetic Release (MER)?

MER is a deep and sensitive touch and a holistic method of healing pain. Satyarthi Peloquin teaches the understanding between body emotions and mind. Thanks to MER one can understand where the majority of pain syndromes come from and learn how to effectively heal them.

The goal of the Myofascial Energetic Release is bringing relief to the body in the case of acute pain, such as chronic pain of various type and restores full functionality to the body, so that a given person could lead a fully active life.

Improvement in the quality of life we pursue can come in the form of immediate relief from discomfort, pain and emotional disorders or in the form of long-term changes in the structural and functional integration, emotional liberation, psychological and behavioural changes as well as quieting the mind in meditation. MER, Myofascial Energetic Release, is is much more than manual techniques. This is an organic, holistic system that continues to evolve and you can add a number of techniques to it to preserve the basic character.

MER includes techniques:

deep tissue massage
supported stretches
craniosacral therapy
energy bodywork
releasing joints
healing trauma

The MER method restores flexibility and vitality of the soft tissues, structural integration of the body and physical fitness, deepens awareness of feelings and bodily sensations, terminates pain and helps people restore structural, functional and emotional health. MER has to be suited to individual needs, specific ailments, general physical and the mental and emotional state of a given person. In this holistic approach we take care of the human being holistically, taking many factors into consideration. It is the client who leads the process from beginning till end. The therapist merely accompanies him or her.

Participation in the MER training is a deeply transformative experience. On the training course you learn how to help people with different types of chronic pain and other ailments, among other things back pain, heel bursitis (plantar fascia inflammation), tempomandibular joint disorder, migraines, neck pain, arm pain, hip and pelvis pain, headache (in this migraines), fibromyalgia, depression etc.

The MER's Three Underlying Principles::

01 The body is imbalanced because of an excess of fascia tension, wrong habits related to body posture and psychological bracing patterns.
02 The body is not “a solid body”. It is flexible, malleable, fluid, stretchy, eager to learn many new ways of relaxing, agility and aliveness. It undergoes constant changes, and because it consists of 70-80% of water, all the time we experience its movement and flow.
03 The Body is a place of transformation.

Themes

Thanks to MER training you deepen your knowledge, develop your skills and gain self-confidence and practice to be able to effectively work with your clients and achieve great results.

You will learn:

structural, functional and emotional body reading
supported stretches (technique from Ayurvedic Yogic Massage, increasing the flexibility and scope of movement)
removing the causes of pain – effective relaxation of contracted body tissue with the help of deep body massage and educating the client about their condition
work with five body types/personality types according to Wilhelm Reich
healing trauma through conscious awareness of inner bodily sensations (felt sense) and activating the body's natural capacity to self-regulate and release trauma
releasing joints
structural intervention aimed at harmonising the body structure
releasing blockages (blocked energy in the form of the hardened, contracted tissue in the layers of the body) with the help of skilled, sensitive touch
relaxing movement and presenting clients new patterns of movement – more harmonised and coordinated

You will find out:

how to release the chronic contraction of your muscles through deep and sensitive and compassionate touch
how to ensure your client a full program of individual exercises and practices which will eliminate pain
how to work with painful places to give the tissue time for relaxation and hydration
how to use palpation as an important tool to diagnose and evaluate
how to activate natural mechanisms of self-regulation and self-healing in the body through “unwinding” and trauma release (during the bodywork the client becomes aware of the dysfunctional patterns that contributed to their condition)
thanks to understanding the reasons of the painful contraction of muscles, the client becomes aware of suppressed emotions, anxiety and dysfunctional habits that led to the symptoms.

You will get to know:

the art and theory of deep bodywork
Trigger Point Therapy releasing pain
breath work techniques
the power of daily meditation – dynamic meditation and meditation while giving and receiving message

For Whom?

During the MER training we focus on deep bodywork as a healing art.

The training is for people who:

want to work with others in a deep and effective therapeutic method throughout the body
want to get to know the causes of pain and ways, thanks to this knowledge, that you can help others live without it

The main cause of pain and tension in the body is excessive contraction of several types of soft tissue: muscles, fascia, skin, ligaments and nerves. Such chronic tension blocks the blood, oxygen and energy of these sensitive tissues. They become contracted, stiff and dried out. Contracted tissue presses on pain receptors (nocireptors) and triggers 90% of pain ailments, immobilised and desensitising the body and impairing the client’s movements, and thus disrupting their lifestyle.

Chronic pain is the plague of our civilisation. Because of this, demand for specialists capable of understanding and conceptualising it deeply and working with the body’s sensitivity is very high.

Structure of training

The complete MER training course consists of 6 modules which create a space that supports learning, empathy, presence and acceptance. In this environment participants can safely get to know new areas, experience the healing power of massage, gain knowledge and learn the art of holistic myofascial relaxation.

Training is a deep journey focused on the art of effective work with fascia as well as understanding and practicing holistic work with body, mind and feelings as an organic wholeness. You can join the course at any moment, starting at any module. After each module the participants receive certificates from the Integral Body Institute.

Module “SELF-EMPOWERMENT”: back, neck, pelvis and breath
Module „GROUNDING” feet, legs and hips
Module “CENTERING”: release & balance the pelvis, core integration
Module “ORIGINAL FACE”: Releasing and Balancing the Face, Cranium, Neck, Breath and Arms
Module “INSPIRATION”: Opening the Breath, Thorax and Diaphragm
Module „FLUID BODY”

* You can begin your training with any module

Module “SELF-EMPOWERMENT”:
back, neck, pelvis and breath

On the course you will learn unique and very valuable methods of working with deep tissue which helps to remove backache and pain in the neck and pelvis. We will learn about the structural and functional anatomy of those areas and develop intuition and skills indispensable for massage work with pain syndrome in those areas of the body – having in mind that they are responsible for the client “standing on their feet,” in the literal and metaphorical sense.

This module familiarises participants with relaxation and balancing the lumbar-sacral area, diaphragm, heart, thoracic inlet, atlas, occiput and pelvis. You will gain knowledge and will get to know the art of deep work with the back, neck, pelvis, the a series of assisted stretches and mobilisation of joints. Four techniques of releasing breath will be presented.

Thanks to the combination of daily meditation, theory, demonstrations and exchange of massage sessions at the continual support of the faculty, you will learn a holistic approach to facia release.
You will learn:

the touch that “listens“

a gradual and methodical tension release and spine integration

the art of releasing blockage patterns and connecting them to emotions

to work with the neck, shoulders, back, breath and pelvis

an 8-point scale of sensitive and effective touch in deep bodywork, created by Satyarthy Peloquin with the intention of developing touch intuition in students of deep bodywork

to support and educate clients by fascial release set at deep learning within the scope of movement and trauma release

evaluation of the client's body type: diagnosing, conducting an interview with the client, palpation, using resonance and intuition

You will understand:

how important it is to release and balance a client's breathing

why the pelvis is the centre of balance and trust
You will find out:

how with the help of this information to compose an overall plan of treatment (plan of working with the client) in order to lead to the fascial integration and energy balancing

how fascia contraction is responsible for 95% of cases of pain or chronic pain

how to open up an energy setup through releasing energetic blockages of the body and support the flow of energy

You will develop:

skills for deep bodywork using your own body's mechanics

You will get to know:

about the muscular system and psychology of “myofascial stretching” as psychophysical release
Results:

At the end of the module, participant will have the skills to use a series of manual techniques, which help to release neck pain, backache and pelvis pain. We will prepare students to give therapeutic sessions on back, neck, shoulders, breathing muscles and pelvis.

Module „GROUNDING” feet, legs and hips

Although one in ten people at some moment of their life will suffer with inflammation of plantar fascia, complete massage work with feet and the back of the legs can bring some unusual results, and relief to suffering clients. This module teaches techniques of healing the lower parts of the body in the process of deep bodywork, through mobilising joints, applying supported stretching and relaxation. It also includes precise massage work in the knee and pelvis joints, busting myths about arthritic knees or pelvis.

At the advanced level, we focus on the back line of the legs at the beginning of the work, and then broaden the work towards pelvis, knees, feet, and whole legs. The Module devoted to feet, legs and pelvis, consisting of daily meditations, a theoretical introduction, demonstrations and active exchange in the sessions of bodywork with partner, is learning by experiencing body mechanics with fascia and joints. During the training there will be time for questions and answers and discussion of cases that participants have encountered in their practice.
You will learn:

working with all the segments of the upper part of the legs, starting with hamstrings, adductors and abductors and ending with quadriceps

relaxing gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, tensor facia later and hip rotators

releasing pain and restoring the natural movements of feet, legs and hips

evaluation of feet, knees and hip ailments, in this body posture diagnosis, palpation and mobility test

mobilising joints in feet, ankle, knee and hips

supporting stretching of feet, legs and hips

deep bodywork and sensitive “listening” with hands, looking for relaxation in the body

structural balancing of legs and feet

stretching fascia of legs and hips

You will understand:

how important is releasing and balancing a clients' breath

why the pelvis is the centre of balance and trust
You will find out:

about the role of the anterior tibial is in bending feet at the level of the ankle

about the psychology of pain in the knees, hips and feet

how to work with extremely effective methods of somatic dialogue

You will get to know:

techniques of diagnosing the body posture, in this “tracking” – the method of auto-correction relying on the proper positioning of feet and legs

different tools for working with inflammation of the plantar fascia

myofascial anatomy of the upper parts of the body, anatomy and physiology of the whole fascia
Results:

Participants who complete the module devoted to lower parts of the body will enter a higher level of abilities and sensitivity in removing distressing chronic pain and structural dysfunction in feet, knees and hips. By diagnosing body posture, participants will learn to interpret distortions of structural balance and will learn to apply relevant techniques to create sessions integrating lower parts of the body with the pelvis and spine. Thanks to this process of learning, course participants will support felt sense, the client’s grounding and their energetic connection with the ground through feet and legs.

Module “CENTERING”:
release & balance the pelvis, core integration

The pelvis is the main foundation of one’s structural integration. Your leverage. Your support. The pelvis connects legs and spine, creating “the foundation” for the architecture of the human body and human feelings.

This is also a place where many traumas are held both in women and men. More than 20 deep muscles which surround the pelvis create a sort of “fan” and are responsible for the shape of our posture and it is there that our unexpressed feelings are stored. During this module we will work with sensitivity and skill with this very delicate area.

The training is supposed to serve as an exploration of breathing in the pelvis, it will deepen our capacity to feel our own bodies and clients’ bodies when working with them.

The myofascial dialogue can connect and dissolve some unconscious limitations and mental blockages. We will also present some very advanced forms of treatment and techniques of movement supporting the process.
You will learn:

evaluating and diagnosing irregularities in the pelvic balance, pelvic curvatures

ways of releasing tissues and correcting the position of the pelvis

advanced movements and techniques of reaching deep integration

recognising, palpation and healing deep myofascial and bone structures within: gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, six deep rotators, adductor and abductor groups and illiopsoas

creating a healing plan to release somato-emotional blockages and restoring balance in the connection between the pelvis and the heart

releasing the muscles of the pelvic floor and its integration

diagnosing and healing pain of the sacrum and diagnosing healing pain of the sacrum, pelvis and lumbar area

understanding the balance between pelvis and the upper part of the body

You will understand:

how unsolved emotional problems and mental concepts create patterns of disturbances in the balance between the pelvis and the heart
We will focus on:

the “natural” position of the pelvis and on finding support for it

pelvic joints and their impact on posture, breathing and birthing

the role of muscles in the pelvic floor and belly muscles in breathing

the system of pressure and adhesions in the pelvis and in viscera

the role of the “lumbar-hip” complex in breathing, engaging the whole body

breathing, which is movement of the whole body and can integrate structural and physiological reactions in our whole organism
Results:

After completing the module you will be able to execute the whole MER session devoted to the pelvic area. You will know how to diagnose and correct structural disturbances caused by inappropriate positioning of the pelvis. You will be able to effectively help the patient with lumbar, pelvic and abdomen pain caused by excessive tensing of the myofascial tissues.

Module “ORIGINAL FACE”:
Releasing and Balancing the Face, Cranium, Neck, Breath and Arms

Many ailments localised in the upper parts of the body do not disappear despite using conventional physiotherapeutic methods. At this training you will learn a broad variety of techniques and methodology of working with neck, face, cranium and shoulders and arms. You will get to know the psychological aspects of those areas and you will find out how to activate natural mechanism of the body serving healing trauma.
You will learn:

about spacial connections between specific segments of the trunk (spacial medicine)

forms of healing fascia responsible for breathing structures

four techniques of mindful listening resulting in releasing the breath

dealing with shock and trauma breathing structures

creating a whole plan of healing neck, elbow, shoulder, wrist and hand pain
working with the area of face and head, especially in the case of headache and jaw ache

functional anatomy of the myofascia breathing structures of arms, face and cranium

working with organs: liver, lungs and stomach; motorics and mobility of viscera

a complete methodology of working with neck, breathing, arms and face

the psychology of these areas of the body and initiating the natural ability of the body to release trauma through working with breathing and advanced 5 principles of anatomical and emotional release

how to educate clients about the psychosomatic causes of pain

how to work with the most frequent pain syndromes occurring in the upper part of the body, also those which are not resolved despite the use of conventional techniques of bodywork
Results:

After completing the module you will be able to conduct a full MER session directed to face, head, neck, arms and shoulders. You will be able to effectively help your clients with pain aliments caused by myofascial tension in this area.

Module “INSPIRATION”:
Opening the Breath, Thorax and Diaphragm

Broadening the space of breath will lead you through the key stages of breath flow in the chest, in the spine, the shoulders and neck and it will show you how to increase this flow in inhalation and exhalation and how to make it easy and natural, which enables your clients to experience many other benefits.

Breathing in an open, relaxed way opens the body to more energy, called activation, which helps to unveil, liberate and integrate the client’s physical, mental and emotional patterns. Adding breath work to myofascial stretching creates a very deep forms of work, supported by sensitive and deep touch.

During this module, the learning consists in thorough evaluation of breathing on the basis of body posture diagnosis from the head, neck, through the chest, spine and shoulders. It embraces a deeper work with breathing muscles during which clients breath deeply and steadily.

This training program focuses on the manual therapy, but it also conveys a lot of information how to work with energy, breathing and movement. Each technique is explained and demonstrated, including variants that can be easily applied in this approach you work in. Techniques are also presented in the sequences creating whole sessions so that you can easily use them and achieve the best results.
You will learn:

to create the structure of the session to work with a client's individual breathing pattern to respond to their needs
We will discuss:

the meaning of the emotional anatomy and development

a trauma model vs. a shock model in healing dissociation
Results:

After completing the module you will be able to conduct the full MER session devoted to the chest and diaphragm. You will know how to support a client’s free and deepened breathing and how to work with blocked emotions in those areas. You will gain familiarity with techniques in relaxing of the breathing muscles and you will be able to effectively help clients with pain in the area caused by the tissue tension.

Module „FLUID BODY”

This is an additional/optional module of the MER training in which everyone can take part – both those who take the 5-module training course, massage therapists and practitioners of other modalities as well as those who have never had anything to do with bodywork.

During this course you will learn the concept of the Fluid Body and how important is interaction with it. You will recognise its self-regulating and self-organising functions.

The Fluid Body is a link connecting the physical and energy bodies. In a simple and logical way you will discover the bodywork, especially working with the fascia, that connects to working on the energy body.

Science says that the body of the adult human contains 70% or more fluids. Still, during the work with the body we focus (explore, remember and often describe changes) especially in the bones, muscles, and fascia which create at least 30% of the body, which shows how much information we might be missing.

The manual skills indispensable to release the outer fascia differ from the skills needed to make the ligaments fluid and bones unwind. This is why the work with various layers of fascia requires us to make some changes in our approach and opening up to other perceptions.

The program of the workshop is divided into 4 parts and aims at developing a wide spectrum of tactile skills, which will allow a deepening of the skills needed to find contact with the body as a whole, enabling more effective work with different forms of fascia and body fluids. Your hands will become more sensitive. You will also achieve better results in the MER sessions.

We will focus on how to work more effectively, and at the same time lighter and easier, putting in the least effort possible, how to achieve greater effectiveness in working with pain syndromes and how to introduce work with emotions and breathing as integral part of the session.
During the workshop we will be exploring such areas as:

systemic approach to mobilising all main joints of the body

ways of perfecting touch and connecting it to energy techniques

in connection to psychological and emotional problems

developing current skills and compassionate presence during sessions in connection to psychological and emotional problems

including breath work in the MER session
perfecting intuition to feel the client better

learning about the psychosomatic types defined by Wilhelm Reich – body reading, recognising five psychophysical types and best methods of working with each of them

caring for the most important qualities of the MER therapist: gentleness, mindfulness and groundedness in oneself.

working with “unwinding” (spontaneous and also fully conscious with the client's stretching movement during the session) leading to Somatic Emotional Release. Fluid integration of “unwinding” in the breath work, emotional awareness and relaxation

broadening the scope of your skills by developing different qualities of touch, needed for the skilful exploration of the condition of fascia

perfecting the perceptual qualities in order to be able to evaluate what type of touch will facilitate recovery of the higher level of functionality and integration

effective, deeper and more efficient work with less effort

complex relaxation of dysfunctional and disorganised tissues: all the layers of fascia, bones and ligaments

mobilising natural resources of the body to heal the disrupted tissues to make the fascia interventions more thorough, and their longterm effects
Results:

You will learn basic techniques to work with the fascia, breath and emotions or you will develop and perfect those that you already have. You will develop tactile sensitivity and you will deepen a holistic understanding of pain.

Get to know the teacher of MER

Satyarthi Peloquin

"Bodywork"