EMMETT Muscle Release

Or EMMETT Technique. This treatment is a bodywork modality developed by Ross Emmett. It is a form of manual therapy that focuses on releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the body.   It is based on the belief that light touch can trigger a relaxation response in the soft tissues of the body, and that the therapist may thereby help relieve feelings of tension.   

Practitioners apply light finger pressure at specific points, referred to as EMMETT points (‘points’). These ‘points’ are not the same as traditional trigger points or acupressure points or any other points described in other therapies. These small sensory receptors that allow access to the brain via touch with a view to influencing sensory receptors in the body, triggering a reflex response, and promoting muscular relaxation. 

It may surprise many patients, that the relaxation response and the feeling of ease in the area is often immediate. 

The EMMETT technique can also be used to support the lymphatic system. When the lymphatic system works well, it can maintain fluid balance, carry nutrients and hormones efficiently around the body, remove waste and return the clean lymph to the bloodstream.  Using specific, yet simple movements, the technique encourages a natural flow, and in doing so may also help to boost and support the body’s immune system.  It may also be beneficial in cancer care when presenting a compromised immune function and sluggish lymph system.

You might want to consider this when some of the following symptoms are present: bad breath, sinus congestion, headaches/fogginess, fluid retention/oedema, pressure and puffiness in the face, lethargy/fatigue.  Or, for postnatal care, post covid/flu/cold/viral infections.

EMMETT is a complementary therapy and has been known to help some of the following: pain relief, improved range of motion, enhanced sports performance, stress reduction, improved body alignment and posture.  

More information and further reading can be found here.