VHT

Intro to VHT

VHT was developed in 1997 by Jock Ruddock,a Bowen specialist and instructor. While it first was looked upon as an advanced form of Bowen it has since developed an identity and ethos of its own from the move to the address where it now stands on its own as a respected bodywork discipline in its own right.

On July 22, 2001 at the Foundation of Integrated Medicine in London a meeting of the Bowen Forum was held to decide upon the definition of Bowen, IASH was represented at this meeting and has adopted these principles within the definition of VHT for definition purposes.

At a recent meeting of IASH members and advisors it was unanimously agreed that under the legal definition of therapy, VHT is not a therapy and must not be referred to as one.

It was unanimously agreed that VHT was non-diagnostic and practitioners must not under any circumstances diagnose unless qualified to (e.g. if the practitioner was a qualified doctor, chiropractor or osteopath who held a license to diagnose).

It was agreed unanimously that VHT practitioners would not refer to themselves as therapists under the legal definition of the word therapist.

VHT is a holistic, non-diagnostic, discipline, consisting of a series of non- invasive gentle moves over connective soft tissue which assists the body to attain the state of homeostasis wherein the body is encouraged to address any problem that it may have.

The word diagnosis in this definition is deemed to be "medical diagnosis" as defined by law.

This definition summary has been accepted by IASH to cover Vibromuscular Harmonization Technique as well as the Equine Touch and Gentle Touch.

This definition may be advanced upon in certain areas however the above is the basis on which National Occupational Standards for the discipline must be created. The word cure must not be even be suggested or intimated. The ethos of this holistic discipline is simply that by balancing the body in this unique holistic, non-invasive method, we have helped the body attain the desirable state of homeostasis wherein we can help re-train, re-educate and coach the body to achieve somatic harmonization in which state it may be able to utilize its own innate wisdom and healing powers to their maximum potential in addressing positively any problem or state of dis-ease that it may be experiencing

VHT is not a therapy! VHT or Equine Touch practitioners are not therapists, contrary to what some groups would like to promote. VHT or ET practitioners are "Unlicensed Complementary Health Practitioners" as defined in the Complementary and Alternative Health Bill passed in Minnesota, May 1, 2000.

Licensed Complementary Health Practitioners are doctors or therapists who are recipients or holders of a degree, qualification or license, granted to them by a state or national government such as Doctors, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and physiotherapists.

VHT may be looked upon quite simply as a gift from the practitioner to the client. Much in the way that Reiki is a gift to the client. With this paradigm in mind it could be argued that VHT is perhaps a bridge or the missing link between energy healing work and hands on bodywork. The western world quite simply has no credible explanation for holistic energy bodywork, certainly not in a language that anyone could understand and, let us face facts, no one is going to pour millions and millions into research just to find out how a simple series of moves can affect the healing system of the body. Energy modalities are judged and defined only by their results, the undeniable fact is: VHT works.

VHT is different to other techniques

In identifying any discipline or modality as being 'different', one must take the sum of all points into consideration not just the physical but also the philosophy behind the discipline. The following points when collated give VHT its own total identity:

VHT is holistic in that it addresses the whole body supported by any additional work in an area of concern or as a response to what is presented.
VHT is a non-invasive, non-diagnostic, hands-on discipline. The practitioner observes the client and responds to what the client presents but there is no attempt at explaining or finding meaning in any particular set of conditions.
VHT is a superficial focused cross fibre, soft tissue manipulation which makes use of skin and soft tissue tension followed closely by a muscular recoil.
VHT soft tissue manipulation involves two sequential aspects: a 'challenge' to stimulate the tissue and to promote client awareness followed by a move which allows the tissue to recoil and return to its natural position.
The VHT 'challenge' is unique in that it involves skin slack being drawn across the origin, insertion or belly of the muscle, tendon or ligament, to its edge, where a determined increase in tension distorts the soft tissue setting up an equal and opposite counter acting resistance in it.
The VHT move itself consists of a cross-fibre return movement 'through' or across the challenged muscle so that it is stressed to a point where it recoils and returns to its correct place in a 'convulsion' or vibration at its own predetermined natural resonant frequency. The practitioner immediately removing any contact so that the muscle is completely free to vibrate at its natural resonant frequency, which will be governed by the condition of the client and that muscle at that time and place.
The VHT practitioner will use no more pressure or stress in the mechanics of performing the move than that required to effect its perfect execution.
Both the VHT challenge and move are performed using the tips of the fingers or thumbs on the skin surface with an inward focus. The motive power for the challenge comes from an Aikido breath flow utilizing the whole body mechanics in a 'Tai Chi' like fashion.
VHT is not classified as a therapy, it is a discipline, a gift, an offer, a suggestion to re-educate the client's body. The client's body is therefore free to accept or reject any or all of the address as the inner wisdom feels appropriate. The practitioner's sole aim and outcome is to present the VHT move with "accuracy, integrity and focused intention". The practitioner will never force any experience upon the client.
VHT involves choreographed patterns of moves with the freedom of flexibility and variation with no set pressures, speeds moves or sequences. These are open to choice according to the condition as presented by the client and to the intuition of the experienced practitioner.
VHT practitioner's aims are to harmonize with the client, without sacrificing their physical, emotional or mental integrity.
VHT practitioners unless they are qualified licensed medical practitioners do not make any form of diagnosis, and do not make any claims to diagnose. If a VHT practitioner observes any unusual condition or a client complains of any condition the practitioner will instruct the client to seek medical examination and diagnosis from qualified medical professionals.

VHT: ALL YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW

VHT is a gentle non-invasive non-diagnostic holistic discipline. The moves are gentle, and are performed in a prescribed pattern, irrespective of the clients’complaint.
VHT is the key which allows the body to reset itself by opening the door to the inbuilt healing system that exists within all of us, perpetually striving to achieve the status of perfect health.
VHT takes a holistic approach to health by addressing the client without focus on the symptoms. Many clients report positive results on problems which were not the ones for which they had in fact visited the practitioner.
VHT is a postural integration modality in that after a session many clients notice the positive change in their posture.
VHT is a myofascial release modality in that the moves are carried out over fascial meridian chains of the body.
VHT is a trigger point release modality in that work is done over specific trigger points releasing the trauma in them although that is not the intent.
VHT is a body balancing modality, which assists the body in achieving homeostasis which is the ideal situation for self-address wherein the body may positively look upon any unwanted trauma, structure or disease with a view to correcting it.

PRACTITIONERS AND STUDENTS INSURANCE

VHT Practitioners who hold a current certificate are eligible for insurance with several insurance brokers in the UK. Our recommendation for price,coverage, friendliness to and service to suit your needs is :

Ecology Insurance Brokers Ltd, Oaklands, Postmans Lane, Little Baddow, Chelmsford. Essex CM3 4SF, Phone 01245 225198, E-mail: admin@ecologyinsurance.co.uk

IASH holds regular accredited courses on VHT throughout the world, Scotland, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Zambia, Zimbabwe,South Africa, Spain, USA, Hawaii, and New Zealand as well as teaching their syllabus on the Equine Touch, VHT for Horses.
mailto:equinetouchinc@aol.com