I offer the highest quality of care to clients. I am friendly, knowledgeable and care about all aspects of your treatment. I customize each treatment to meet your specific needs by incorporating a variety of assessment and treatment techniques that are best suited to you as an individual.
As part of my service, I will provide you with knowledge of self-administered pain management techniques such as stretching\strengthening exercises and the use of heat or cold therapy, which will help you get the most out of each treatment.
I am dedicated to improving the general wellbeing of all my clients. I started studying in 2002 and offer a massage that is a fusion of therapeutic massage, myofascial work and other western based techniques (PNF, cross-fiber frictions, posture analysis\correction, and pathology based rehabilitation ECT.). I also am trained in Thai massage (2003) and a modality called Chi Nei Tsang (2011) which is applied Chi Kung directed at the visceral structures or layman wise the abdomen. This modality works with achieving balance in the system based in the Five Element Theory used in Eastern Medicine. I have also study Visceral Manipulation Levels 1-4(2014) which is the western perspective on abdominal treatment, a gentle approach with a focus on a return to natural intrinsic development patterns.I have begun studying Neuro Manipulations (2022) 1st Level with plans to continue through the curriculum. I have my 1st level Cranial Sacral Therapy (2015). I am a student of Nūma Somatic Breath work (2011) which uses specific therapeutic breath work techniques and somatic based exercises. This can be used to address underlying and often unaware aspects in our nervous systems.
This is a general over view of my skill set I have studied and am studying many other modalities to grow my skill to evolve myself as a practitioner always.
I prefer to work with the 1.5 hr. as it will a lot us more time to approach the body as a whole rather than focusing on the area that maybe experiencing issues. As we unravel the root cause or causes that are presenting, the opportunity to create lasting changes in one’s health and wellbeing appear.
Myofascial Release(https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-to-know-myofascial-release-therapy)
What to Know About Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy is a massage technique that focuses on relieving pain in your myofascial tissues. These are the thick connective tissues that support your muscles.
About Myofascial Tissue
Your myofascial tissue is a network of tissue that spreads throughout your entire body. It connects your muscles, joints, and bones. It also provides support to your organs, helping to keep them in place.
If you could see it, your fascia would look like a single sheet of tissue. However, there are multiple layers that work together. In between these layers is a liquid called hyaluronan that provides stretch and encourages free range of movement. When this liquid becomes thick, sticky, or dries up, it can impact the surrounding body parts.
When you feel stiffness or pain in your body, it can originate from different tissues in your body. Myofascial pain is different from other types of pain because it occurs in places where your myofascial tissue meets or crosses. Myofascial pain may be difficult to identify because it can radiate from the area and spread.
Usually this tissue feels more elastic and movable. Tight myofascial tissue can restrict movement in your muscles and joints. As you move differently to make up for the loss in movement, you can cause additional tightness without realizing it. This can lead to widespread pain and discomfort.
Understanding Myofascial Release Therapy
During a myofascial release massage, your therapist spends time feeling your myofascial tissue for areas that are particularly stiff and tight. These are the places that cause you to feel pain, even if it’s radiating to other areas.
It’s important that you seek help from a trained specialist who knows how to identify myofascial tissue issues. A myofascial massage is different from other types of massage and techniques will vary from therapist to therapist.
Other types of massage may be relaxing, but myofascial release therapy is often intense and painful. Your therapist will use their hands to massage and stretch your myofascial tissue and eliminate knots.
In some cases, a therapist will use additional tools like a foam roller or ball to aid in separating the tissue. You may feel sore immediately following a myofascial massage, but the results often include an increased range of motion and less pain and stiffness.
Myofascial tissue will often become tight in the following areas:
Arms
Calves
Feet
Head
Hips
Jaw
Lower back
Neck
Quads
Shoulders
Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy
A single myofascial massage won’t offer long-term relief. However, regularly receiving myofascial release therapy can:
Improve range of motion
Reduce soreness
Increase your body’s natural recovery process
Helps with overall relaxation
Improve circulation
Relieve stress
Thai Massage (https://www.webmd.com/balance/benefits-of-thai-massage)
Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility.
Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Similar to Chinese medicine, it works with the body’s energetic pathways. These are also called Sen.
The History of Thai Massage
Much of the history of Thai massage is a mystery. Many records about it have been destroyed over time. It’s possible that the tradition of Thai massage was primarily passed down orally for centuries.”
Many historians agree that it started at least 2,500 years ago. They attribute its start to an Indian doctor, Shivago Komarpaj, also called Jivaka Buccha Komar. He is known throughout Asia as “Father Doctor.”
How Is Thai Massage Different From Other Forms of Massage?
In most forms of massage, the practitioner uses their hands and sometimes other objects to relax and manipulate your muscles. You lie on a massage table, switching between face-down and face-up. In Thai massage, however, you lie on a mat on the floor.
You can leave your clothes on for a Thai massage. It’s important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. With other forms of massage, you typically remove all or most of your clothing.
Thai massage practitioners move your limbs around to stretch joints and gently massage key areas of the body according to traditional Thai medicinal theory.
The Benefits of Thai Massage
Increased range of motion. Thai massage combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. These increase the range of motion in your joints and muscles. This can also improve your posture.
Helps with back pain. Thai massage tends to focus on areas that can contribute to back pain, like the inner thigh and abdomen. However, if you have constant back pain, it’s best to visit a doctor before getting any type of massage.
Reduces headache intensity. One study showed that nine sessions of traditional Thai massage in a 3-week period can reduce painful headaches in people who have chronic tension headaches or migraines.
Lowers stress. In another study, researchers showed that Thai massage reduced stress, especially when combined with plenty of rest.
Helps stroke patients. A 2012 study suggested that stroke patients who get Thai massage regularly may be better able to recover the ability to do daily activities. They may also have lower pain levels and sleep better.
Other benefits of Thai massage may include:
Better sleep
Better relaxation
Improved digestion
Calm mind or increased mindfulness
Chi Nei Tsang (https://www.chineitsang.com/what-is-chi-nei-tsang)
Gilles Marin describes it as “Healing From Within”…
Developed by the White Cloud Taoist Monks in ancient China, Chi Nei Tsang is a holistic approach to the healing touch modality. It integrates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. CNT goes to the very origin of health problems, including psychosomatic and emotional responses.
Chi Nei Tsang literally means “working the energy of the internal organs” or “internal organs chi transformation.” CNT uses all the principles of Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan known as Chi Kung (Qigong). Therefore, Chi Nei Tsang is a form of “applied Chi Kung.” It is, at the same time, hands-on bodywork and energy healing.
CHI
CNT practitioners are trained in Chi Kung and work mainly on the abdomen with deep yet soft and gentle touches, to train internal organs to work more efficiently. Unprocessed emotional charges are also addressed in this manner, as well as all of the body systems: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, muscular-skeletal, and the acupuncture meridian system. Read more here.
Chi Nei Tsang effectively addresses chronic conditions including:
Digestive problems
Chronic fatigue
Back pain and sciatica
Uterine fibroids
Fertility issues
Surgery recovery
Neurological disorders
Detoxification
Insomnia
Depression and anxiety
Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalance
Emotional well-being
The list goes on and on…
The truly holistic approach of Chi Nei Tsang is to strengthen the whole individual- working with the person, instead of fighting against pathologies. Rather than focusing on problems, this modality puts the attention on the inner healing powers of the body, mind and spirit, which is effective in real, long-term healing from the source.
Visceral Manipulation (https://www.barralinstitute.com/therapies/)
Therapeutic Value of Visceral Manipulation
Barral’s clinical work with the viscera led to his development of a form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs, their environment, and the potential influence on many structural and physiological dysfunctions. The term he coined for this therapy was Visceral Manipulation (VM). The purpose of VM is to re-create, harmonize, and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for better health, thereby revitalizing a person, and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture. Visceral Manipulation treats a person’s functional and structural imbalances with an aim to affect their musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction.
Jean-Pierre Barral’s famous dictum, “Only the tissues know,” expresses that the tissues in the body have a deep and innate intelligence. Everything that has happened in our lives—injuries, diseases, stressors, etc.—is recorded in our tissues. At the core of Visceral Manipulation (VM) is ‘listening’ to the tissues with our hands. Through manual listening techniques, trained hands of a skilled practitioner feel where the tissues are pulling toward the areas of restriction, the areas where the body is not moving, and the areas of the greatest impact on the person’s wellbeing from the manual therapy perspective.
Comparative studies found Visceral Manipulation beneficial for people with various conditions such as:
Acute Disorders
Neck Pain and Whiplash
Seatbelt Injuries
Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
Concussion
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Digestive Disorders
Bloating and Constipation
Nausea and Acid Reflux
GERD
Swallowing Dysfunctions
Women’s and Men’s Health Issues
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis
Fibroids and Cysts
Dysmenorrhea
Bladder Incontinence
Prostate Dysfunction
Referred Testicular Pain
Effects of Menopause
Emotional Difficulties and Depression
Anxiety, Stress, Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic Problems
Somatic-Visceral Interactions
Scoliosis
Chronic Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Headaches and Migraines
Fibromyalgia and other Connective Tissue Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Peripheral Joint Pain
Sciatica
Sports Injuries
Pain Related to
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Post-infection Scar Tissue
Autonomic Mechanisms
Pediatric Issues
Constipation and Gastritis
Persistent Vomiting
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Infant Colic
Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD
Other
Sleep Challenges
Chronic Fatigue
Immune Disorders
An integrative approach to evaluation and treatment of a patient requires assessment of the structural relationships between the viscera, and their fascial or ligamentous attachments to the musculoskeletal system. Strains in the connective tissue of the viscera can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or injury. Tension patterns form through the fascial network deep within the body, creating a cascade of effects far from their sources for which the body will have to compensate. This creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body must move around, and this chronic irritation gives way to functional and structural problems.
Visceral Manipulation is organ-specific fascial mobilization and is based on the premise that free movement within the body is vital, and thus any restriction will adversely affect health. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. Visceral Manipulation relies on the palpation of normal and abnormal forces within the body, with the specific goal of encouraging normal tone and movements, both within and between the internal organs, their connective tissue, and other structures of the body where normal motion has been impaired. By using precise manual techniques, such as palpation of the superficial and deep fascia and the mobility and motility of individual organs, therapists can evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap, and affect the normal body forces at work. The goal of Visceral Manipulation is to help the person’s body return to normal function and thereby remove compensatory symptoms, whatever their source, leading to improved health and optimal body functioning.
Neural Manipulation (https://barralinstitute.com.au/book-a-course/what-is-neural-manipulation/)
What is Neural Manipulation?
Neural Manipulation (NM) was developed in clinical practice collaboratively by French osteopaths Alain Croibier and Jean-Pierre Barral. Neural Manipulation examines mechanical relationships between the cranium/spine hard frame to the Dural and neural elements. The NM techniques provide assessment and treatment approaches to address restrictions of the Dural and neural components not commonly focused on with musculoskeletal symptoms. Neural Manipulation identifies and releases local nerve restrictions while at the same time examines the effect these local fixations have on the rest of the body, and accessing this relationship, resolves the more comprehensive (global) dysfunctional patterns.
A nerve only functions correctly when it is able to move freely within its surrounding structures. The morality of Neural Manipulation facilitates nerve and conductivity and intra-neural blood supply for local and systemic responsiveness. By understanding the detailed anatomy of the neural manipulation, one can clearly see the potential for pathological change when nerves are restricted.
When a nerve is fixed, it typically loses its ability to glide and/or stretch in length. The intra- or peri-neural pressure dramatically increases, at the same time there are changes in consistency. The nerve pathway shows functional interference such blood supply or electric and/or electromagnetic conductivity. With fixation, smaller nerve sections can harden. They can feel like buds and can be sensitive or painful to the touch. Such ‘nerve buds’ are an indication of an intra-neural interference, an overload of physiological pressure points or a local fibrosis. Nerve bubs can be released very quickly, sometimes within one session.
It is important to note that release of these nerve buds can have a favorable effect on the functioning of the corresponding visceral organs. Visceral Manipulation techniques can affect the movement apparatus and vice versa.
Neural Manipulation is performed through precisely applied pressure. The tension of the perineurium and all other neural connective tissues is transmitted down to the root sheaths, so the distal contact has a central effect mechanically and reflexogenically.
CranioSacral Therapy (https://www.upledger.com/therapies/)
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
NUMA SOMATICS (https://www.numasomatics.com/)
A precious opportunity to meet yourself and other amazing human beings in a curious, vulnerable, authentic, embodied, and creatively expressive way.
Nūma is…
Nūma Breathwork is a bridge between science and the sacred. It employs sensitive therapeutic processes as well as insightful and profound dives into non-ordinary states of consciousness. It’s an empowering exploration of the continuum of human experience and a catalyst for resolving suffering, unleashing creativity, and rekindling the flame in our hearts and souls.
It is the weaving together of life-transforming breathwork practices with trauma-informed somatic psycho-therapeutic investigations, somatic movement explorations, sound medicine, and so much more.