More and more it seems people come to me saying, "I'm stressed out!" Some see their doctor who may diagnose stress-related: chronic back pain; headaches; neck pain; irritable bowel syndrome; chronic fatigue syndrome; and/or fibromyalgia, among other things.

 

 

They don't have a traumatic event, but say in the last few years life is getting harder. Most recently they say, "Everything is uncertain, from climate change, tariffs, price of eggs, my job, people's rights, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and even public radio." Everyone says, "The country is divided. You are either MAGA or a Lib. I don't even know who I can talk to without feeling judged, even in my own family sometimes. I hold everything in. People can't even talk about it without becoming angry, afraid or sad!"

 

SO, if "politics" is the new physical illness and emotional holding and we know our model is to be impartial, non-judgmental, ego subordinated and unconditionally present, how do we proceed? What do we do? What does treating "politics" in a CST or other manual therapy session look like?

 

Well, first and foremost it begins by being a good, non-judgmental and patient listener. In a touch way, beginning as we do from the heels, we settle in, assess the CS rhythm. We monitor for a spontaneous stillpoint or decide to induce a stillpoint. We begin with a simple question:

 

"You came in saying you were stressed out. How does stress make you feel?"

Patient: "I feel sad."

 

"Where do you put sadness in your body if you had to pick a place?"

Patient: "In my neck and upper chest."

"May I move my hands to your neck and head?"

Patient: "Yes."

 

I go to the thoracic inlet then Occipital Cranial Base. If rhythm stops, I wait for releases to begin. If emotions (like sadness) appear, I wait, holding space for the Inner Wisdom to gently let releases happen, maybe in the form of muscle tension softening and/or emotions to surface, come and go, as in a somato-emotional release and process. It is here that specific political causes for the emotional holding may surface. If the client knows they are being held by someone who will not judge and has heard them tell their story about their suffering, it tends to discharge some of the intensity of those emotional feelings.

 

As the session continues and then comes to an end, the patient may say something like, "I feel so much better and relaxed, how can I change the way politics makes me feel?" This is an opportunity we have to offer a thought process that may prove constructive as to how we (patients and therapists) can feel about "politics" without getting political.

 

"Have you ever thought about viewing politics, not by how it makes you feel, but in an evaluative way Ethically?

Patient: "What do you mean?"

"Well, Ethics has been around for thousands of years. Comes from the Greek word "Ethos" meaning custom or habit. The Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) encouraged scholars and common citizens to consider how to conduct themselves as a citizen and a self-aware person to create standards as to how everyone could live together. He came up with the four classic principles of Ethics. Variations of aspects of the principles are designed to meet the needs of various groups deciding about their Ethics. (AMTA, NCBTMB are examples of variations.) Ethics are standards for a group; morals are personal ethical standards for oneself.

 

RESPECT: Acknowledging someone's worth, courtesy to self and others, honoring agreements and commitments. Honoring all peoples, cultures and traditions. Letting everyone have a voice and be heard.

 

BENEFICENCE: Try to do good, act in a way that benefits others promoting well-being and preventing harm. 

 

NONMALEFICENCE: Above all, do no harm. Consider benefits and risks before acting. Avoid intentional harm or acts that directly cause harm or suffering.

 

JUSTICE: Actions that are impartial, fair and equal under the law. Giving each person what is due in terms of rights, due process, rewards and punishments. Resolve conflict in a just manner. Tell the truth.

 

Can you live life respecting yourself and the life of others sharing the world, doing good, being kind, not doing harm, and being helpful when you can? Can you try to be law abiding, nonviolent, honest and fair? Can you find ways to support people who do the above and not those who don't? Can you continue to love the ones you love in your life in the hope that your actions and kindness will be a model for them going forward? Can you remember no one was born political and love can conquer all?

 

Trying to be ethical in your life transcends politics and is a healthy way to live a life. If we all could be politically ethical in each of our individual lives, how politically ethical would the world become? Being ethical can influence your vote! It can lead to happiness, contentment, love and freedom from pain! It can be an empowering prescription for health and a plan of self-care for the rest of your life. 

 

Anyone is welcome to copy and use this writing as a handout for patients, clients or colleagues.

 

Let us have courage to meet these times, be ethical in our service, and move CST forward into this ever-changing world.

 

Happy Day,

Don

CSTAlliance.com