Registered nurse Helen Storey is bringing a profound relaxation therapy from the US to the region to help people suffering from stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Unavailable in the region until now, Helen is hoping that the M’ Technique relaxation therapy will provide much needed support to people suffering from stress and anxiety as well as helping terminally ill patients and those with life changing conditions.
Helen was introduced to the M’ Technique when her late husband Ian was undergoing extensive, invasive treatment for a terminal brain tumour and was offered the treatment through a local hospice.
The therapy provided instant relief to Ian, so the couple were devastated to discover that the therapy was not generally available in the North East and once Ian had used up his sessions at the hospice, they we were unable to access it anymore.
Determined to continue to offer her husband the benefits of the therapy, Helen decided to put her years of nursing experience and caring for others to good use to train as an M’ Technique practitioner and completed an accredited training programme in 2016.
Sadly, Ian lost his battle with cancer before Helen fully qualified, but Helen is now hoping that she can help others to experience the same benefits of the relaxation therapy.
Northern Insight Magazine met up with Helen to find out more about the therapy and how it can help.
What is The M’ Technique Used For?
The M’ Technique, which is widely used in the US, was initially introduced as a palliative therapy for patients with life limiting illnesses to help induce a state of profound relaxation. In recent years however, whilst still used to ease the suffering of cancer patients and others with terminal illness, the gentle hands-on treatment which increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, is increasingly being used to help people suffering with stress, anxiety, insomnia, MS, dementia and fibromyalgia.
What exactly is The M’ Technique?
The M’ Technique is a method of gentle, structured touch allowing you to deeply relax and to quickly allow the mind to unwind and let go of any inner turmoil.
Each movement is repeated a set number of times with the same very light pressure. It is carried out on the back, back of legs, face, head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and front of the legs and feet. The rationale for the set pattern of gentle touch carried out is to build up confidence and remove anxiety in the receiver. At first you will notice and pay attention to what is being done. The second time you will recognise the pattern of touch and the third time you will know what is going to happen and begin to relax. By carrying out these movements three times you will be lulled into a deep state of relaxation in a very short time.
The M’ is very different to massage and brain imaging shows it working on different areas of the brain. It is more akin to meditation and is therefore more relaxing.
Is The M’ Technique Medically Proven?
Because the M’ Technique was initially introduced on a high dependency unit in the States, its background is very much in traditional medicine and is supported by scientific research which shows that an increase in oxygen to the brain can help to promote profound relaxation.
Where is the M’ Technique available?
Helen was unable to find a private therapist in the North East when she searched for her husband which is why she made the decision to train and set up her own dedicated home-based therapy room in North Tyneside where she offers the treatment to a wide range of clients.
