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Negative Space & the Nervous System Our nervous system is always scanning for safety, orientation, and sensory input. Bringing in the concept of “Negative Space” , where the space around the client’s body is utilized such as draping off the table, or using gentle movement in that “empty” space—introduces novel, non-threatening stimuli that engages the nervous system in a different way than direct pressure alone. There’s a few things happening here.. Proprioceptive Engagement, essentially helping the brain map where the body is in space, which improves body awareness and can reduce dissociation, especially in trauma-informed settings. Vestibular Activation
Draping or gently rocking a limb off the table can stimulate the vestibular system (which detects balance and spatial orientation), providing a calming, organizing input that can help downregulate hyperarousal (fight-or-flight). Novel Sensory Input
The nervous system responds positively to gentle, novel input that doesn’t overwhelm. Using negative space—hovering, stretching, or suspending limbs—offers subtle sensory variation that can interrupt pain cycles or chronic holding patterns. Creating a Sense of Space & Safety
Working with Gravity, can give the client a sense of spaciousness and agency. This is especially powerful for clients with trauma, as it respects boundaries while still engaging the body’s systems for healing. In short: Using negative space isn’t just aesthetic or structural—it’s a way to softly speak to the nervous system, guiding it toward regulation, safety, and integration without overstimulation.. Many thanks to my model @justowntoday and to @michigan_massage_championship for the opportunity to show this work.. #artoftransformationaltouch #multidimensionaltechniques #massage #unravelthebody #massageeducation #somatic #massagetherapy #multidimensional #somatichealing #massageeducator #nervousystem #nervoussystemregulation

Cortisol often gets a bad rep.. it’s actually an essential hormone, helps us move into alertness upon waking, aids with focus, and gives that boost of energy in times of need.. But when stress becomes chronic, and Cortisol levels stay elevated for too long it can start to wear down the body.. Which equals Fatigue, anxiety, muscle tension, brain fog, immune system compromise, digestive discomfort, mood swings… Enter Bodywork and somatic practices.. everytime you slow down, breathe deeply, receive Safe grounding Touch you help your nervous system shift away from stress mode.. It gives your body the message “It’s safe now, you can rest, you can heal” This is why I teach a nervous system based approach to bodywork.. by understanding how the body’s receptivity increases when we include an understanding of the nervous system.. that this is when and how safety is created.. that the techniques we are utilizing with clients will have an opportunity to land on the body .. this is where the magic happens.. recognizing and supporting the nervous system allows for safety to unfold and safety equals more receptivity.. more receptivity means both that we the Therapist reduce our work load and the clients body has an increased opportunity to heal.. See you in the classroom dear ones.. In gratitude 🙏 T #artoftransformationaltouch #multidimensionaltechniques #massage #massageeducation #unravelthebody #somatic #massagetherapy #somatichealing #multidimensional #massageeducator