Massage & bioenergetic bodywork

massage therapy is one of the oldest and simplest forms of health care, with its roots dating back thousands of years ago.  since ancient times therapeutic bodywork modalities were used as treatments for a variety of ailments and conditions.  not only did it have analgesic (pain relieving) effects, it served as a method of addressing the primordial, root, cause of both musculoskeletal and visceral disfunction.  today, massage is still used for a for a variety of intentions, including: promoting circulatory function, improving posture, skeletal re-alignment, boosting the immune system, flushing toxins, lymphatic drainage, promoting digestive metabolism, supporting injury repair and remodeling, decreasing both acute and chronic pain, and last but not least, alleviating stress! 

furthermore, bioenergetic modalities of bodywork go a step further to address the mental and emotional aspects of our being.  the daily stressors of life often take a toll on the mind and spirit.  this may leave individuals prone to feelings of depression, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and fatigue.  these emotions can take physical form and manifest themselves as actual physical discomforts or “dis-eases”.  by working with energetic channels, physical reflex points, chakras, and meridians, it is possible to foster a sense of body awareness, release blocked energy, and balance out the system.  this way, it is possible to address the entire individual and work with the root of disfunction, rather than simply focusing on alleviating symptoms. 

the modalities of bodywork offered include: swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, connective tissue therapy, myofascial release, kinesthetic awareness through movement, sports massage, medical massage, passive & active stretching, pregnancy massage, reflexology, polarity therapy, reiki, aromatherapy and raindrop technique

*** most bodywork sessions include an integration of two or more massage modalities.  each session is unique and is constructed to meet your individual needs and requests!

swedish - the main form of traditional european massage that uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, percussion, shaking motions, and vibration techniques.  it affects the nerves, superficial muscles and glands, increases circulation, and promotes overall health and well-being by decreasing stress and soothing the body.

deep tissue - is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers and surrounding fascia.  using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle fiber, deep tissue massage works to release tension by smoothing out knots and adhesions.  this releases both toxins stored in the muscles and deeply held patterns of tension.

neuromuscular therapy (NMT) - also known as trigger point therapy, NMT balances the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system.  by using concentrated pressure on specific areas of tension (knots), this modality works to break the “stress-tension-pain cycle.”  by relaxing muscles and releasing compressed nerves, circulation increases returning the body to a state of neuromuscular integrity and balance.    

connective tissue therapy (CTT) - like deep tissue massage, CTT targets tissues deep in the body.  by using slow, penetrating, and long strokes the partitioner focuses on connective tissues, such as deep fascia, tendons, ligaments, and the periosteum (superficial bone covering).  operating on the premiss that an imbalance in any portion of the body may disrupt the entire system (specifically the central and autonomic nervous systems), CTT hopes to target specific areas in hopes of tonifying the  entire body.

myofascial release - sustained pressure and movement combined with gentle stretching to unblock scar tissue and adhesions.  by working directly with the fascia, myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, restrictions in motion, headaches, plantar fascists, TMJ, chronic pain, and more.

kinesthetic awareness through movement (KAM) - similar to the Feldenkrais method, KAM is an approach to bodywork that uses movement as its primary vehicle for exploration, gathering information, and for accepting change through the feeling state of the client and practitioner alike. 

sports massage - this special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

medical massage - is helpful for individuals who suffer from an assortment of health conditions, including: repetitive motion injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic headaches, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, insomnia, anxiety, tendonitis, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, back pain, and more.  by increasing blood flow to specific areas, it helps flush toxins from injury sites while simultaneously stimulating nervous system conduction.  overall, medical massage is a noninvasive therapy that produces beneficial health results to those experiencing an array of health related illnesses and injuries.

stretching modalities - both contract/relax and active isolated stretching techniques utilize the body’s nervous system to facilitate relaxation in the muscle to be lengthened.  active release technique entails “pinning” a site on a muscle while stretching it in order to reduce restrictions loaded in the tissue.  various stretching techniques are often used in massage in order to both release chronic pain and prevent injury.  

pregnancy massage - is performed with consideration of the special needs of the pregnant woman.  often it targets upper and lower back pain, aching knees, and overall fatigue that is accompanied with pregnancy.  special pillows are designed to provide added comfort and support for the mommy to be.  massage is safe and can be received well into the 3rd trimester.

reflexology - is based on the principle that certain areas in the body reflect the whole.  reflex points, which relate to all areas of the body and visceral organs, can be found on the feet, hands, and ears.  these points respond to pressure, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.  the body starts progressively clearing blockages, reestablishing energy flows, and balancing itself.

polarity therapy - is an energetic modality of bodywork rooted in principles of ayruveda and osteopathic medicine.  by creating a safe space for the facilitation of mind and body awareness, the partitioner works with a client physically, verbally, and energetically to balance negative and positive energies and bring about somatic/emotional release.

reiki - means “universal life energy” and entails the laying of hands over chakras and specific sites on the body to channel energy from a universal source.  this energy may work to release blockages, allowing healing energy to flow freely, thus stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

aromatherapy - is the use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects.  dating back to ancient egypt, india, and the far east, this simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. after an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. when inhaled the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories.

raindrop technique - consists of applying essential oils directly to the spine (neat/undiluted).  based on the idea that many types of spinal curvature and misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine, the anti-microbial power of essential oils bring the body into structural alignment.  furthermore, raindrop technique is also known to: relieve inflammation and pain, soothe the nervous system, unwind tight and sore muscles, tendons, and ligaments, balance and harmonize the energy and structural systems of the body, produce deep relaxation and facilitate the release of stubborn emotions, and enhance immunity and cleanse the body of toxins.