| Haptonomie was developed by a Dutch physical therapist, Frans
Veldman and is widely used and accepted in Holland by the
conservative medical community. It is affective in the treatment of
adults children and infants as well as pre- and post-natal care of
mother and infant. Veldman refers to Haptonomie as the “science of
affections”. At the most general level of understanding, the
knowledge of its principles makes one aware of the dynamics of
relationships on the level of essential, emotional, mental, and
spiritual energies. The dynamics of family relationship
interactions, which we have all been confused by from infancy on,
become clear. Applying its techniques to our own life relationships,
develops the ability to avoid hurting others and to protect oneself
from being violated by another person’s energies.
Facilitated Haptonomie has the ability to access and release
emotional stress energy from connective tissues throughout the body
that:
- Hold the skin to the underlying musculature,
- Interlace within and throughout the muscles on their tissue
as well as organ levels, and
- Support and stabilize the form, function and location of the
internal organs.
When stress energy from the particular lesion being accessed is
released, elasto-collagen units within the connective tissue unwind
and relax. Distortion of the anatomy is reduced and tissue structure
returns to normal; blood and lymph flow increases and alteration of
nervous innervations is reduced, facilitating a return to normal
physiologic function
Generally, circulation in the body part is improved, range of
joint motion is increased, the skin fits looser, and the individual
feels a sense of increased well being and freedom to move around
within their skin. These beneficial aspects of Haptonomic treatment
aid in optimizing physiologic function, increasing flexibility and
athletic performance. In Holland, their National Soccer Team used
Haptonomie as an integral part of their training, to triumph over
Germany and win the 1989 European Championship. |