Where did the ‘M’ technique® come from?
Dr Jane Buckle originally created the ‘M’ technique® for nurses like herself who were working in ICU. Her patients were critically ill: many had breathing tubes and were unable to talk. She wanted to find a way of communicating with her patients and felt that touch was the way. She trained in massage, but found that much of what she learned was inappropriate in a critical care setting. So, she started experimenting with slow stroking movements. Gradually a pattern emerged and the ‘M’ technique® was born!
After Dr Buckle moved to the USA,the ‘M’ technique® became an integral part of her certification program, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. This program has been taught in almost every State in the USA since 1994, and is one of the most respected trainings in clinical aromatherapy.
Dr Jane Buckle
A separate ‘M’ technique® training was created due to popular demand in 2003. Both aromatherapy and ‘M’ technique® courses are taught in the USA by certified RJBA instructors as Dr Buckle returned to the UK in 2005.
Student found the ‘M’ to be a valuable tool. Nurses in critical care appreciated being able to do something pleasurable for their patients, Nurses in palliative care were grateful to share something with relatives when there was nothing conventional medicine could offer. Relatives of loved ones felt empowered to be with those they loved in the last hours of life. Massage Therapists and other complementary therapists became confident to touch very fragile clients.
The word spread to England and in 2004, the first courses were held in Colchester and Oxford. Since then, Dr Buckle has taught courses in Scotland, London, Manchester, Worcester and Stratford. Two instructor courses have been held.
A professionally made 1.5 hour teaching DVD is available for students taking the course, and for others who just want to know what it is.