Is this increasingly popular term just another temporary Instagram trend? A trick to lure customers who are increasingly lost in today’s world? Or maybe it is worth taking a closer look at it and listening to your own body, which is the best addressee of this question and probably also knows the answer to it. 

It is certainly a motto that has already settled in our language for good. The subject of body awareness is discussed in the context of self-development and working with the body, regardless of whether we are talking about dance, yoga, pilates, calisthenics or a visit to an osteopath or physiotherapist. Each of these areas puts awareness on what is happening in the human body in the first place. Each of these areas is different from each other, and at the same time they are very similar to each other. Each of these areas treats the human body with respect.

With the following article, we begin a series of conversations with people professionally involved in working with the body. We invite you on a journey through this amazing machine and to deepen your awareness of it.

Who works with the body, this one knows.

Talking to various people working with the body, despite the fact that each of them works in a slightly different way, I heard from each of them that without contact with your body, without listening to it, it is difficult to open yourself to its full potential, but also it is difficult to notice and accept the dysfunctions that may appear in it. 

Sławomir Adamowicz, PhD, a physiotherapist and osteopath, says that: “looking at our body from the physical, emotional and consciousness level should be consistent. These three elements should work together. They are the foundation of our “self”. Body awareness in the physiotherapeutic perspective is associated with physiology, with deep feeling, with the so-called proprioception, which depends on the quality of the tissue, the distribution of tension in the tissues and the relationship between the tissues and the central nervous system. This refers to how our nervous system interprets what is happening within our body, and how it “sees” it.

Is the physiotherapist able to work with the patient on mental and emotional awareness in order to develop effects at the physical level?

- Of course. Working with the patient begins with making him aware that this relationship exists. In addition to the physical body, there are also emotions and the soul. All these areas need to be worked on to keep the body stable. These are issues of Chinese medicine or osteopathy that go beyond the area of the physical body. During an osteopathic session, I try to explain to the patient the relationship between emotions and the body. Where do emotions come from and how to deal with them and work on them.

What happens next?

- Depending on the needs of the patient, we determine the strategy of action. In osteopathy, we conduct therapies based on five models. These are the biomechanical, neurological, cardiorespiratory, metabolic-energetic and biopsychosocial models. 
Based on the anamnesis, palpation and functional tests, the patient’s needs are determined and the appropriate therapy is selected. However, it is important that the patient after the visit is aware of how his problems arise. It starts with awareness.

Does this mean that working with a patient does not end in the osteopathic/physiotherapeutic office?

- Of course. The therapist’s task is to restore balance, order and well-being of the patient. The patient’s awareness of the causes of his problems allows him to continue working outside the practice. I mean work with the body, emotions and spiritual development. Of course, other specialists are often involved in these processes. If the patient is not involved in the process, she/he very often returns to our practice with the same and other problems. 

So what should we pay attention to, so that our body functions in good condition as long as possible?

- Several basic conditions must be met in order that our body will start functioning better. Start stretching and try to reduce the tension that appears in your body as a result of mechanical and emotional factors. Yoga is a great concept that, when practiced regularly, brings excellent results. Pay attention to what you eat and when. Take care of a healthy sleep. Go to bed at 10:30 pm and wake up at 6 am. Do breathing and relaxation exercises. Take up any physical activity, preferably the one you like. If you are struggling with different problems, ask an osteopath, physiotherapist, trainer or yoga instructor for help. 
Be patient. If you have been living under stress and tension for years, do not expect results after a week or two. If you perform the conditions, you will definitely feel better. 

Sławomir Adamowicz, PhD - physiotherapist and osteopath with many years of experience gained during training in the field of fascial and manual therapy. In 2017, he completed his doctoral research at the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, obtaining the title of doctor. He also graduated from the Academy of Osteopathy. He participates in trainings and scientific conferences. He has scientific publications to his name.
He sees his patients in his practices in Wrocław and Nysa.