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 |