Omni Massage & Guidance

Guidance - Modality Matrix

How To Choose What's Right For You

(Note: Many years after writing this, my training in skeptical thinking has improved dramatically, and I no longer believe there is any merit to the supernatural claims of "energy" practices like Qi Gong or Tai Chi, but this is still a really cool matrix for comparing each practice. Just remember not to believe things until there is sufficient evidence. I tried for years to cultivate so-called "energy", but after a bunch or workshops, metaphysics classes, trial and error, I conclude that the claims of energy techniques do not meet the burden of proof, regardless of how many people are convinced)

Massage, Yoga, Qi Gong/Tai Chi. All 3 are restorative practices. They help you to come back to center after the deluge of stresses we encounter throughout the day. But which one is right for you? In my opinion, they all are. My hope is that this will show you that all of them are worth doing. Keep in mind, this isn't a perfect comparison. It is MY comparison. But it should give you a good idea of their differences to see which one is better in accordance to what you are trying to accomplish. And for this, I've developed the...

                                 Modality Matrix

Benefit

Massage

Yoga

Qi Gong / Tai Chi

Increase Micro and Macro Circulation, Reduce Stress and improve immune function, Increase energy level, Relieve Pain, Decrease Blood Pressure, Increase Mental Clarity

Yes

Yes

Yes

Strengthen Muscles and Prevent Osteoporosis

No

Yes

Yes

Release Oxytocin “The Bonding Hormone”

Yes

Maybe – but even in a group, not as much

Maybe – but even in a group, not as much

Break Up Scar Tissue

Yes – So long as your therapist is well trained

Maybe – Doesn’t target this, but it’s possible if you heat the tissue enough and stretch it out. Massage is preferred

No – The movements do not influence this

Improves Digestion/Elimination

Yes – 3rd place – more so if the belly is massaged – but parasympathetic response  is correlated with digestion

Yes – 1st place – Lots of bending, twisting, contorting – just what your gut needs

Yes – 2nd place – Minimal movement creates minimal effects

Relaxation – Influence balancing of the Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (Rest and Digest) Nervous Systems

Yes – 1st place

Yes

Yes

Decrease Tension

Yes – 1st place

Maybe – Can be strenuous and tighten muscles too, so choose what type and how much you do wisely

Maybe – May relieve some due to the relaxing nature of it, but it can be strenuous on shoulders and legs

Increase Oxygen Levels

Maybe

Yes – A key element of all Yoga practice is deep breathing

Yes – A key element of these practices are deep breathing

Passive

Yes – You can pay someone to do it for you – Maximum relaxation

No

No

Feels Good

Yes – 1st place – depending on the therapist and type of massage

Yes – If you like stretching, sweating, and/or muscle “burn” 

Yes – If you like sweating and muscle “burn”

Dangerous

Maybe – If you have an unlicensed, unskilled therapist, they can break bones and damage nerves or blood vessels

Maybe – If you do motions incorrectly or don’t have proper alignment, you can hurt yourself and cause scar tissue to build

No

Can be accomplished by a sick, hurting, or partially disabled person

Yes

Yes – But with limitation

Yes – But with limitation

Increase Balance

No

Yes

Yes – Not as much as Yoga

Harnesses the power of True Source and remarkably improves results of hands on healing, such as Reiki, and helps spiritual growth by clearing energy blocks

No

Maybe – Depending on how deep your practice goes

Yes

Stretch Muscles / Increase Flexibility

Maybe – Depending on style and therapist

Yes

No

Coordination and Skill Required

No – Just lie there and let the therapist do their magic

Yes

Yes

Price

Average $60-$80 per hour

Or FREE if you learn to do it yourself, after you buy the proper tools and learn what to do

Average $10-$20 per hour

Or FREE if you watch youtube or do it yourself

 

Average $10-$20 per hour

Or FREE once you learn what to do

 

 

 

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