SMPT 6 Point / Counterpoint

Point

Where are the client is experiencing discomfort, pain, tightness, or any other somatic sensation, or wear a memory or body narrative, draws attention. It’s the place that calls out the loudest, often where we instinctively direct or focus.

Counterpoint

The diagonal opposite of this point, this area offers a balance to the tension or sensation at the point. Engaging with the counterpoint allows for deeper insights into the interconnectedness of the body and the resolution of tension.

You find this by following the spiral lines of the body

Referral Pain

ain that has felt at a location other than the origin

The phenomenon where discomfort is felt at a location, distant from its origin.

Recognizing and addressing referral pain is key to effective body mapping.

Understanding referral pain prevents, missed diagnosis and fosters a holistic approach to somatic work

Three types of referral pain

Visceral

Somatic

Neuropathic

Visceral referral pain

Originating from internal organs, visceral pain, often radiates to areas with no apparent connection to the source

Somatic referral pain

This originates from tissues, like fascia, muscles, and joints.

For example, tension in the shoulder may manifest as an ache in the upper back.

Neuropathic referral pain

Originates from the Nerves. Caused by nerve impingements or damage, this pain follows, nerve pathways, and can feel electric or burning.

Balance point

Between the points and counterpoint

This critical location, stabilizes and reconnect the left and right hemispheres of the brain, creating coherence between the brain and heart. Choosing the correct balance point is a nuanced process, guided by both intuition and anatomical awareness.

when applied intentionally, the balance point fosters, a sense of grounding and connection, setting the stage for transformation

Coherence

A connection between both hemispheres of the brain and heart

Balance point choices

You can find it through front Mu and back Shu points (body’s “control panel”)

• A position along the midline, (e.g., the libra alba) directly in between the point and counterpoint

• a joint crease that lies between the two areas

• any midline position that intuitively feels in need of nourishment or attention

Set position

A self chosen posture that reflects the clients current state.

Every session begins with the clients set position

This position serves as the starting point for mirroring exercises and point/counterpoint exploration.

It is not just a physical alignment, but a window into the clients, mental and emotional landscape

Once client is in their chosen set position, you have them flip over to mirror that: pattern opposition in the body

Three key Actions for each point/counterpoint session

1. Acknowledge: Pay attention to this sensation or tension at the point without judgment, or seeking to further understand, or define. This step is about giving the body space to be heard.

2. Experience: replay the memory with a new perspective, or to glean a new level of insights; can be replayed multiple times, if requested

3. Recode: go to an intentional in an out point of memory that has resurfaced and determine if the memory wants to change a choice point or observe another persons, perspective of the memory, or drop a cheat code.

point/CP session considerations

• Find set point and flip body into mirrored state

• Continue going back to set point to examine and witness how the body transforms through session

• Find symmetry in the body and let intuition guide you where to go next

• Everyone’s body is either going to need internal spiral or external spiral - we have to determine which one:

Requirements for successful body mapping P/CP Session

1. Massage table or yoga mat, supplemented with blankets and bolsters for comfort

2. A warm, peaceful atmosphere, conducive to relaxation.

3. Preestablished rapport with the clients, ensuring trust and openness, (sessions involving body mapping, should not be the first interaction)

4. Comprehensive intake paperwork to provide context and identify areas of focus

Pushing/drawing in/Sucking in during Counterpoint

When you find the counterpoint you may experience a pushing or drawing in

• Pushing: is excess (you’ll want to sedate)

• Drawing in/magnetism: is deficient (you’ll want to tonify)