The fourth principle of Comfort Touch is Into Center. As one of the six key concepts (SCRIBE: slow, comforting, respectful, into center, broad, and encompassing) that inform this nurturing style of acupressure, “into center” describes the direction of pressure that the practitioner applies relative to the surface of the body of the client.
This awareness is key to the specific techniques of this nurturing style of acupressure. It describes a safe way to touch the person, as well as an effective way to bring the benefits of touch to those in need. The specific direction of pressure and focusing inward of intention allows for a penetrating touch, even with light to moderate pressure. Both the giver and receiver of touch experience a profoundly deep sense of connection.
Pressure is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the skin, thereby preventing tearing of the skin or bruising of the tissues. The focus of intention is into the central axis of the part of the body being touched. Apply firm, broad, even pressure to the area at a 90° angle from the surface of the skin. Slowly and deliberately, direct the pressure through the layers of body tissues into the center of the part of the body you are touching. Let the pressure of your contact sink into center. Do not push. As you work slowly, you will tune into the client’s body, feeling how much it will let you in. Communicate with your client, eliciting their feedback about the pressure.
The phrase “into center” does not mean you are directing pressure toward the heart. This distinguishes it from some conventional massage strokes. If you are applying pressure correctly, there is no friction or pulling on the skin. This is one reason that lotions or oils are not required for this work. It is easy to tell if your angle of pressure is correct when you work through a client’s clothing; if it is, you will not be wrinkling the fabric or pushing it in one direction or the other.
When following this principle, you are respecting the integrity of the layers of body tissues, and acknowledging the wholeness of the body. Begin direct compression by contacting the surface of the skin, then continue to let the warmth of your contact sink into and through the layers of the superficial fascia (adipose layer), the deep fascia, the muscle layers, and ultimately the bone. This work is sedating to the nervous system, because the focus of intention and the broad, encompassing contact are felt deep in the part of the body being touched. In contrast, touch which only stays on the surface or rubs the surface is stimulating to the peripheral nerves, which can be irritating, ticklish or even painful.
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Adapted from “Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill” (Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2009). For more information on Comfort Touch® articles, resources, and trainings visit: www.comforttouch.com.
