Watsu is a unique style of bodywork that is performed in an aquatic environment. The name, which is short for "Water Shiatsu", has developed into a highly effective and popular approach to healing. Sessions are performed in a body of water where you are gently cradled and guided through the healing waters. While you are floating horizontally, I apply a shiatsu technique to stimulate specific pressure points along the energy pathways of your body. The combination of the practice of shiatsu in a womb-like aquatic environment has sometimes been characterized as a "therapeutic rebirth". This release of old physical, mental and emotional tension has profound and lasting healing effects.
this service is offered under special circumstances
Onsen .....assessment and correction of structual and functional conditions using MET ( method of stretching protocol that hold the skeleton in an unbalanced position.)..soft tissue techniques and recommending corrective exercise.
Developed by Rich Phaigh and important instructor and mentor to me has been useful for chronic pain and ineffective movement patterns. 134 hrs training and direct supervision and tutoring. Completed entire course May 1999.
Structural integration employs soft tissue manipulation with the goal of realigning the body in relationship to the force of gravity. The theory underlying structural integration asserts that often the body's connective tissue is "bound up," thus restricting opposing muscles from working independently of one another. Thus, we aim to loosen the restricted connective tissue by using a practice very similar to deep tissue massage. Practitioners typically prescribe a specific sequence of ten sessions lasting between 75 and 90 minutes in order to "unlock" the whole body.
Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing - that simply touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply firm pressure directly to these "points" on your body, which relieves your muscle tension and improves your circulation. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to very effective in treating headaches, backaches, and even insomnia. i have been trained in the Jin Shin Do bodymind method that is enhanced by "Hakomi" approach to facilitate and follow clients awareness and self-discovery
Chair massage is a popular way of relieving stress and releasing tension right in your home or workplace. You receive your massage in a specialized ergonomic chair which I bring to your location. In addition to the usual health benefits of massage, another benefit of chair massage is that it is done over the clothing. With seated massage, you can avoid the discomfort and awkwardness that you may feel in disrobing for a traditional massage. Also, chair massage sessions are usually shorter than traditional massage, making it convenient enough to fit into your busy schedule.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing neck pain, back pain, and mental stress (among other things). It does this by optimizing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. Developed by physician William Sutherland, this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience.
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.
Energy work is based on the belief that everyone has a "life force", and that the body needs to sustain its balance for optimum health. Anytime you experience emotional or physical illness, it indicates that your life force has simply become unbalanced. I work directly with your energy field to restore balance and flow to your entire system. And once your energy field has been restored to full health, your body will follow.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. As both a preventative and remedial technique, LD can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort from pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. It does this by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.
Neuromuscular therapy is a system of massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. It uses a holistic approach towards healing, emphasizing and stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Neuromuscular therapy also enhances the function of joints and muscles, and accelerates the overall healing process by facilitating the release of endorphins.
Oriental bodywork aims to restore and balance the flow of energy (Chi) throughout your body. It uses gentle hand and finger pressure along specific points and energy pathways (meridians) on your body to restore your body to full health. There are many forms of Oriental bodywork, but they all share a common foundation in Chinese Medicine. They simply differ in their use of specific techniques to balance your energy.
Orthopedic massage is a style of massage therapy focused on treating painful conditions that affect the soft tissues of the body. Because orthopedic massage is designed to treat medical conditions, it requires extensive training. It involves releasing tense muscles, helping to stretch and lengthen tight muscles and tendons, and decompress rigid joints. My goal is to restore full health to the soft tissues of your body, both treating your specific conditions as well as improving your overall well-being.
Polarity therapy is a type of bodywork which is focused on the energy fields of the body, rather than the physical body itself. This type of body work is also called energy work, because the practitioner attempts to adjust the skewed energy fields of the body and bring them into balance. During a polarity therapy session, the therapist and client usually work together in a very calm, relaxed environment. My advanced training in 1988 was was with Alan Siegel a student of Pierre Pantierre, who was a student of Randolph Stone, founder...incorporating ayurvedic principles, fluid dynamics (lymphatic, cranial sacral, techniques), nutritional wisdom and movement theories and exercise. It was a closed teaching enviroment for 2 wks. I continue to refer back to these roots.
Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression. Being certified in 1985 gives me great confidence in integrating the Ingram method taught my Dwayne Byers as well as other similar approaches in your sessions. I also offer exclusive treatments for your feet....and teach community classes periodically
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body's natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, I work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, detoxify your system, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki utilizes a gentle laying on of hands to conduct the necessary energy force between us. The benefits of Reiki range from the release of habitual mental/emotional stress to alleviating chronic pain. Received 1st degree Reiki training from the Chalice Healing school of Reiki in 2000. (Usui shiki ryoho)
Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.
Touch for Health founded by Dr. John Thie....uses the tool of muscle testing to derive information from the "biocomputer" of the body to determine where imbalance is apparent...then uses techniques from both eastern and western cultures to restore balance, health and function. I share his vision as it resonates with the self-responsibility model. He thought these methods ought to be taught to the lay-person. I completed my instructor training in 1995, studied with John Thie in 1997, and until his recent passing considered him a mentor as his guidance and example became a major contribution in my lifework. The understanding and application of these methods has broadened through experience. I teach classes in the community periodically. TFH is also integrated in private sessions as requested.