Thoughtful Safe Effective
Thoughtful
I believe that healing takes place on many different levels and each person's
experience is unique. Utilizing the most appropriate modality in the right way
results in an optimum outcome.
One person may require mostly deep tissue and fascial work to address a tissue
injury, another who is sensitive to deep pressure may require the gentler
intuitive approach of Craniosacral Therapy or Reiki. Another may need the stress
reducing effects of a relaxation massage. Each session is a problem solving
opportunity for me and my client. Together we determine the most effective
healing strategy.
Safe
Thoughtful use of technique encourages change in the body that feels
appropriate. While change can be beneficial we are not always ready for it.
A thorough intake process and communication during sessions is crucial in
bridging the gap between what I feel as the practitioner and what my clients
feel before, during, after and between treatments.
Effective
Understanding how the body reacts to change and to different body work
techniques is important for a successful outcome. Addressing the link
between the tissue and the nervous system provides an ultimate healing
response, as specific tissue techniqes can address mechanical and
physical restrictions while craniosacral, somatics or neuromuscular
re-education can address the holding patterns creating dysfunction.
Increasing my client's awareness about the changes that have occurred is
key. This can be accomplished by before, during or after treatment. Following
hands on body work with body mechanic and posture correction provides a more
lasting change.
Techniques
Deep Tissue - The term "deep tissue" is used to describe numerous
massage techniques, including fascial release, myofascial release,
trigger point therapy and deep frictioning. While the intention of the
work is usually to work deep into the body's tissues, it can also be
used to release restricted tissue directly under the skin layer. It can
be applied agressively or gently depending on the tolerance of the
client and the outcome desired. Practitioners will use fingers, knuckles,
elbows and sometimes special trigger point releasing tools.
Craniosacral Therapy - Accessing the energetic as well as the physical
components of this therapy, the intent is to remove restrictions occuring
throughout the body by accessing the natural rythms in bone articulations,
tissues and fluids. Trauma, illness, age and nutrition are some of the
factors that can disrupt the optimum flow thus affecting joint articulation,
and tissue, organ and emotional health.
Neuromuscular Re-education - This involves any technique where
the intention is to modify the connection between the brain and the
tissue. The brain creates habitual postures, contractions/spasms,
and movements based on repitition or trauma. A successful healing
outcome depends on getting the brain to reconsider the message
it is sending to the affected area so that the spasm, or contraction,
or incorrect posture etc. can be released and a new idea
introduced. There are many techniques for this. I use Somatics,
Neuromuscular Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Body Mechanics
and Postural education.
Aromatherapy - Essential oils, extracted from the leaves, stems
and flowers of plants have therapeutic properties that will
elicit an emotional or physical response. Essential oils are complex,
some containing as many as 300 different chemical compounds. It
is the synergy of these compounds that give each oil its unique
fragrance and healing property. I use fine grade oils that have been
tested free of additives or impurities. They are diffused into the
air where they can be inhaled or they can be added to massage oil
to be absorbed into the body through the skin. In each session
I use oils that I feel are appropriate to address the emotional,
spiritual and physical aspects of my clients. Oils are never
administered without consent and a knowledge of each clients
medical and emotional state.
Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage is characterized by "kneading" the
muscles; lifting and separating tissue. There are numerous types of
strokes used in this technique which strive to improve circulation,
activate sluggish muscles and stimulate the nervous system. I use
swedish massage in almost all of my sessions interspersed with other
techniques.
Sports Massage - Traditionally this type of massage is used before
of after sporting events. Before a work out, it stimulates circulation,
oxygenates the tissues, warms the joints and muscles. After a work
out it does all of the same things but is very effective at reducing
the post muscle soreness and at helping the heart, lungs and
muscles transition to a relaxed state. I use sports massage
techniques in conjunction with other techniques to improve
circulation and warm up the tissues.
New Directions
In 2004 I began a journey of discovery into the energy healing aspect of bodywork, finding a calling within a calling. Since that time I have explored various aspects of this work beginning with training in Craniosacral Therapy (which has physical and energentic properties) followed by training in Reiki Energy Healing. I have wrapped these healing modalities into my massage sessions but have also discovered an affinity and passion for energy healing and clearing of land and structures. Learning requires practice. If you would like to help me learn I would love to practice. For a limited time December 1 2009 through March 1 2010 I am offering to come to your location and do an energy clearing for $25 per hour. Since I work during the week this would be on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are interested give me a call and we can discuss the details.
