As the modern work day consumes more of our lives and technology’s frenetic pace accelerates, many of us are grasping for stress relief. Move over, Swedish Massage! A cultural push is underway to explore more innovative ways to rid ourselves of the daily rigors. Alternative stress relief therapies abound. Drawing on ancient Eastern medicine and modern Western comfort, today’s therapists provide a new twist on age-old therapies. In the Chicagoland area, one’s journey to find alternative stress relief treatment is a short one - often just down the block.

The Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method began in Israel and today is most widely practiced in Europe. It uses movement to bring awareness to all parts of the body and mind. The Method focuses on the relationship between your emotional well being and physical composure. Kathleen Aharoni, owner of Water Over Stone in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood (3309 N. Clark, 773.755.1347), notes that clients often begin Feldenkrais for physical pain relief and stay with the practice for the benefits of stress and mental relief. Clients learn to alter stress levels through a series of movements that bring attention to the neglected parts of the body. Therapists work to identify these body parts and create an individualized therapy plan to awaken a client through enhanced mobility.

Aharoni says that she helps people make the choice to become responsible physically and mentally for all parts of their lives. Treatments are offered in a group or individual setting. Group classes entail more generalized, verbal instruction, while individual treatment allows a therapist to address issues unique to a client. By increasing sensitivity, the Method works to assist you in living your life more comfortable and aware.

"I've done a lot of mind and body work over the years to counteract the stresses of a busy corporate life in a big city. However, nothing has come close to my Feldenkrais sessions,“ says Claire Woolley, a Feldenkrais client in Lincoln Park. “For me, it was remembering that my mind and body are connected. I'm not sure how and when I forgot this, but I now have a whole body at my disposal to undertake the things that I need to get done throughout my day. I move freer and am much more ‘whole.’ Truly a life changing experience.” For more information on Feldenkrais, visit www.feldenkrais-center-chicago.com.

Cupping

Cupping, developed by the Egyptians and advanced by the Chinese, is a practice in which glass cups are heated and applied against the skin. This creates suction and negative pressure to stimulate the peripheral nervous system. Often performed as a supplement to acupuncture, cupping is administered to dispel the stagnation of blood. The warm, tight sensation helps to soothe the mind while invigorating the body through enhanced blood flow. David Kato, of Lincoln Square Acupuncture, www.squareenergy.com, notes that the lifting of tension is one part psychological and one part physiological. He says cupping is most commonly applied to ease back pain and neck or shoulder tension, all byproducts of stress.

Clients like Natalie Sanfilippo attest to the stress relief achieved through cupping. When she first tried cupping therapy, she was feeling stale and stressed professionally. Therapy loosened up her creative energy and pushed the stress out of her body. She uses cupping now whenever she needs to lose the strain and get a jump start on things.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese method of energy work used to promote healing and achieve stress relief. The word “Reiki” is made of two Japanese characters, meaning “spirit” and “vital life force energy.” The method entails a therapist placing his or her hands on targeted parts of the body. The treatment is based on the principle that a universal life force energy connects each of us. When this life force energy is low, you are more vulnerable to sickness and depression. When this energy is high, you are more likely to achieve serenity and fulfillment.

“A practitioner brings their own universal energy into a Reiki treatment and shares it with the client,” says Robert Wallace, of Chicago Holistic Medicine, www.chicagoholisticmedicine.com. “We create a healing space for people, treating anything from stress to digestive conditions. It’s tough for some people to simply breathe when they first come in for a Reiki treatment. It’s empowering to see someone take that big first step forward. Clients leave with a more relaxing, peaceful feeling.”

Proponents of these popular alternative stress therapies note that clients enjoy greater long term relief because focus is put on both the body and the mind. This holistic approach breaks down the mental and physical barriers of Western medicine, allowing therapists to treat the whole person. Treatments are similar in cost to a traditional massage, varying from $50-$115 for 60 minutes.