What a tight wrapping can bring us, how it actually works or Mechanoreceptors in action
As part of my services, I also offer tight wrapping. A photo of a strange "mummified" person is usually the first thing that catches people's eye in my gallery. But why go through all this, how does it work and what can tight wrapping bring us?
Years ago, the practice of using traditional Mexican rebozo scarves to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and during the postpartum period came to the Czech Republic. Along with it came the tradition of the so-called Bone Closing Ritual used for postpartum integration and restoration of the woman, restoring emotional balance, "closing" her body and soul after childbirth, etc. Mexican rebozos are great for the wrapping technique, pleasant to the touch, and made of natural materials, firm but flexible, providing optimal support to the body.
However, tight wrapping does not have to be surrounded with a mystical, ritualistic haze that can put many people off unnecessarily; let's take a closer look at how it actually works and what this technique can bring to anyone, not just postpartum women. For ease of reference, I am describing wrapping from several points of view or levels, but in reality, these levels are always connected and work simultaneously.
Mechanoreceptors in action or the physical level
To begin with, let's settle into the matter. What happens when the body is tightly wrapped and how does this process affect ongoing physiological processes? Tight wrapping acts on our body based on the principle of uniform pressure distribution, specifically called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). The action of this pressure stimulates specialized receptors in our skin and joints, the so-called mechanoreceptors (e.g., Pacinian corpuscules, Merkel discs). These receptors react to changes in pressure and transmit signals to the central nervous system. Pressure signals are further transmitted to the thalamus and then to the limbic system, which controls emotional reactions. These signals lead to the release of neurochemicals such as serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of calm and well-being. At the same time, the parasympathetic system is activated. This is the part of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for "rest and digest" processes. There is a reduction in the production of the stress hormone cortisol, a reduction in heart rate, a slowing of breathing, a lowering of blood pressure, a relaxation of muscle tension, and the initiation of regenerative mechanisms. This condition is called parasympathetic dominance, and is the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated when stress or threat is present (the so-called "fight or flight" response).
Level of the feelings
Subjectively, people usually experience a state of deep relaxation, a profound physical release to the point of "melting", a liberating feeling of relaxing into fixed boundaries. The treatment then brings a greater sense of grounding, the deep touch pressure promotes greater connectedness and sensitivity to one's own body, bringing greater awareness and sensitivity to the body tissues.
Level of spirituality and intentions
During the wrapping process, deep relaxation, relaxation and meditative states are induced. The mind at some level enters another space-time, a "point zero" where space is empty and yet filled, where there is room for change and transformation into a new form - like the symbolic chrysalis from which a butterfly is born from a caterpillar. The wrapping can thus be experienced as a kind of rite of passage, for better and deeper integration of the changes in your life, or you can bring in your own intention for what you would like to strengthen, support in your life, etc.
This list is by no means and cannot be complete, it only provides a brief outline of what this technique can be used for. First and foremost, it is an invitation into a space for your own exploration, to touch, feel and try out for yourself what this technique can bring to you personally.