Moving Medicine
Milton Trager, MD, was ahead of his time. His vision was to “create peace in the world, one person at a time.” From a very early age he was found greater strength, flexibility and ease by gently exploring movement. The first fifty years of his life he practiced his approach in solitude. The result of his inner explorations resulted in The Trager Approach.
Milton’s life took many twists and turns to get to the point of creating his approach, described in Moving Medicine by Jack Liskin (1996). Milton died in 1997. I never met him, but he visited me in 2 dreams that I remember in great detail, within the first 3 years as a practitioner. The deeper message was to “go at your own pace”, “we connect without words”, and “have a sense of humor”. I was actually hooked on this approach after my 3rd Trager session with local Columbus practitioner, Xichel Woods. She encouraged me to let go, and I didn’t even know I was holding on. I was a single Mother with 3 daughters under the age of 10 at that time, and close to 40 years old. It has been a continual process of letting go even 22 years later. I love the work, and have never felt the need to learn any other techniques, although i have traded with many excellent practitioners, of many different approaches, that were very helpful for me at the time. I receive a sessin every time I give one.
My practice has evolved to include my experiences as a nurse (mental health, community health and holistic theory and practice, functional nutrition classes and nurse coaching. Everyone has an innate capacity for health, and an individual path to the vibrancy of a healthy life. Relying on external healing approaches is at times necessary, as in the case of emergencies. I would not suggest treating a broken arm with nutrition or a Trager session. Emergency services are rightfully needed and save lives everyday. Continual poor eating habits, over use of alcohol and sedentary lifestyles, stress, and external and internal environments all contribute to poor health. Prevention and wellness is a way to avoid of illness, doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. Many sources are citing our healthcare system as the #1 cause of death in our country. Check on this link to find more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225187/ . The U.S. healthcare system has high rates of death related to medication overuse and errors,and infectious processes. Every day in my private practice I promote prevention of illness through empowerment, movement and touch. Is health determined simply by our desire to focus on being healthy and happy?
Learn to listen deeply to the messages of our bodies and especially what makes us happy and excited about life! Regularly, I engage in rowing, backpacking and hiking, even as my body is slowing down with age. The changes that occur physically in our bodies are gradual, and sitting is NOT the answer. Slowing down yes, but do not stop moving. Certain days I have more inflammation when I wake up. I stop to think what I did (or did not do) or ate the day before. Overall, the diet and lifestyle I have now has been a gradual shift to greater consciousness and health.
Thanks , Milton for introducing me and the world to a lighter way of being, freer not just in our body, but in our mind as well. Truly, there is no separation. As I age, I feel healthier, happier and more peaceful. So can you.
