In addition to the 1,000-hour course of study, therapists are required to have continuing education each year. Luse also has studied Tang Soo Doo, a Chinese martial art which places emphasis on chi or energy and the body's natural meridians. It all works together. Luse says he uses orthobionomy, neuromuscular massage, cranio-sacral massage, Chinese accupressure and meridian balancing along with his typical massage techniques. Orthobionomy is positioning the arms and the legs to achieve relaxation without pain.
Neuromuscular massage uses a firmer pressure with squeezing or pulling to get the muscle to relax.
Cranio-sacral massage is getting the spine and skull to relax, Luse says. Meridian balancing reflects an ancient Oriental philosophy which is 5,000 years old, he says. There are 12 basic meridians, closest to the surface of the skin. While the philosophy had not been scientifically proved, Luse says there is proof now because machines are available to tell when the body's electrical energy is blocked. I might use one technique on someone one day and a different one as they progress and relax.