Modalities Available

Welcome to a safe space where through compassionate touch and conscious energy, all of the parts of yourself are given the opportunity to relax, reset and reconnect.  It is a space in which we invite your higher self to share in the enlightenment process.  Through Divine love I may communicate with your ancestors and guides to help bring connection with your lineage and the unconscious parts of yourself.

• You may want to come in for a relaxing massage that helps you to reset from physical stress so that you may reconnect with yourself and your life with a better sense of lightness and joy.
• Or go a little deeper and through massage and energy techniques, allowing your cells, nerves, muscles, fascia and joints to let go and feel relief from pain as your chi is restored.
• Then as your physical body begins awakening, you have the opportunity to consciously look at the beliefs and images that have helped to create the blocks, stuckness, disconnect and dis-ease in your life; physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and learn tools to live fully.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is the most commonly requested massage in the west.  It is perfect for a first time or infrequent massage.  It is amazing for relaxation when the massage strokes are long with even pressure; or, it can be invigorating with short and bracing strokes depending on your objective.

The Swedish massage key function is to bring blood flow to the skin and nerves which aids in circulation; relaxing or stimulating muscles depending on technique.

Swedish massage is done using a technique called draping which is where the client is semi/nude under sheets and light blanket.  The therapist, keeping the client covered at all times, exposes only the part of the body that is currently being massaged.  For comfort, you may or may not choose to leave on your under garments.

Upon arrival, we will discuss how much pressure should be used to achieve your objective and assure your comfort.  I will then check in periodically throughout the massage to make sure you are comfortable. I strongly encourage you to speak up if something is uncomfortable during any point in the massage for example: pressure to hard or not hard enough; temperature too cold or too hot; light too bright or too dark; or, ambient noise being too loud, too soft or objectionable.

Remember, it’s all about you and it is my intention to make your experience as comfortable as possible; to either stimulate or facilitate relaxation and reconnection.

Deep Tissue Massage:

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that is focused on realigning deeper layers of muscles, tendons, connective tissue, fascia and adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue).  Chronic muscle tension or injury can cause adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments which can then block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist uses massage oil and direct deep pressure as muscles must be relaxed in order to reach the deeper musculature.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic or Swedish massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and more concentrated on specific areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles and the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles).

Fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows and forearms may all be used during a deep tissue massage.  You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.  There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

It is especially good for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back and leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.  Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focused on a specific complaint, such as:

• Chronic pain (Osteoarthritis, Piriformis Syndrome, fasciitis)
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (whiplash, falls, sports injury)
• Repetitive strain injury (carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow tendonitis, rotator cuff)
• Postural problems
• Muscle tension or spasm
• Sciatica

In addition to everything above, a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that some people’s blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that deep tissue massage reduced stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness.  This can be a passive massage therapy technique or an active massage therapy/personal process technique.  The goal of MFR is to stretch and loosen the fascia so that it and other contiguous structures can move more freely and motion is restored.  For this reason, MFR is sometimes referred to as myofascial release therapy.  It may also be referred to as myofascial trigger point by others.

Myofascial pain can have two sources.  Pain can be generated from the skeletal muscle or connective tissues that are bound down by tight fascia.  In addition, pain can also be generated from damaged myofascial tissue itself, sometimes at a trigger point where a contraction of muscle fibers has occurred.  In either case, the restriction or contraction inhibits blood flow to the affected structures, thus accentuating the contraction process further unless the area is treated.

There are a number of conditions and symptoms that myofascial release therapy addresses.

Many patients seek MFR after losing flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue.

Other conditions treated by myofascial release therapy include Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or possibly Fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, or nerve damage.  Patient symptoms usually include:

• Tightness of the tissues that restrict motion or pull the body out of alignment, causing individuals to favor and overuse one limb, hip or shoulder over the other;
• A sense of excessive pressure on muscles or joints that produces pain;
• Pain in any part(s) of the body including headache or back pain.

While in session, I will evaluate the loss of motion and areas that are bound down in your physical body.  Providing hands-on treatment in a relaxing, private therapy room, I will apply gentle pressure or sustained low load stretch to the affected areas.  Progress is gauged by the level of increased motion or function experienced, and/or decrease in pain felt by the patient.

Treatment session may:

• Last at least 50 minutes or more per session.
• Be conducted daily, every few days or weekly, depending on condition.
• Take place over a few weeks or months, depending on the nature and intensity of disability.
• Be blended into a regular massage session.

MFT can be used to enhance or assist other treatments to increase their effectiveness such as acupuncture, manipulation, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.  Myofascial release can also improve skeletal and muscular alignment prior to a surgery or, help athletes achieve better alignment prior to sports competitions. By targeting specific areas of the fascial system, MFT can help prepare patients for more aggressive forms of strengthening or provide pain relief for patients with restricted flexibility and movement, thus allowing the return to normal movement and greater function.

 A Near Infrared light may be used as the FasciaBlaster® is most effective when the tissue is warm.  Then we use the FasciaBlaster® on bare skin with oil, rubbing briskly up and down and side to side. This helps to release adhesions in the fascia which creates more mobility.

Positional Release Therapy (PRT) began in the 1950’s when Dr. Lawrence Jones discovered by accident, that when he placed the body into a specific comfortable position, pain and dysfunction would heal quickly and completely.  The value and importance of PRT lies in its non-invasive nature; ease of application; and, potential for instant response in many cases of acute spasm and pain.

PRT has successfully been used in treating acute injuries like whiplash, chronic conditions like headaches, back pain and stress or problems associated with postural or structural imbalances.  It is especially beneficial for those diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are unable to tolerate traditional massage techniques due to pain associated with touch.  It is an excellent way to release hyper-sensitive tissue easily and spontaneously.

The patient can be fully clothed or this technique can be added into a draped massage.

The practitioner uses movement and gentle compression to find positions of comfort to activate the nerve reflexes which allow the body to change the stress and pain patterns which are causing discomfort.  Once these areas of pain have been located, the body is placed into a comfortable position which reduces the discomfort by disengaging from restrictions.

Palpated sensitive points are used to monitor and guide the tissue towards ease, via feedback from the patient.  As the reported pain level reduces and the tissues become slacker and less tense, the position continues to be held between 90 seconds and 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the nature of the dysfunction, before being gently released.

During the treatment period, the patient may feel heat, vibration, pulsation and may even reproduce their symptoms.  Once the release is complete, these sensations will diminish and there will be a sense of lengthening and relaxation in the tissues.  Even though the patient may feel they are experiencing less of their initial pain and are moving better after a treatment, they may still feel aches in their body for several days afterwards as their body adjusts to the changes. This reaction quickly goes with subsequent treatments and does not occur with every patient.

Positional Release Therapy is very effective for treating the following conditions:

• Migraine Headaches
• Acute pain
• Spain/strain injuries
• Sports Injuries
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Spinal and rib cage pain
• Whiplash
• Hip, knee & ankle pain
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand pain
• Orthopedic Problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems

Craniosacral Therapy:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.  It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he serve as professor of biomechanics.

While client lays on a table fully clothed the practitioner using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel –  releases restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses their hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord.  Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.

Conditions CranioSacral Therapy address:

• Migraines and Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Autism
• Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Infant and Childhood Disorders
• Brain and Spinal Cord Injured
• Chronic Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• TMJ Syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• ADD/ADHD
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Orthopedic Problems
• Post Stroke Care
• Insomnia

This is a gentle yet powerful modality.

Visceral Manipulation

This is a gentle modality with the intention to help release adhesions and scar tissue of the organs in the body. Our organs are meant to be able to move freely in our body cavity for optimal function. This is called Mobility. Scar Tissue and Adhesions restrict their moment and thus their performance. It also creates restriction in the fascia system effecting our muscle and skeletal systems. Organs also have a movement inside each of them which is called Motility. This also helps the function of the organ to operate optimally. The Motility can be effected by medications, infection, surgeries, etc. Organs and ways it can help include but are not limited to:

• Gall Bladder – gently drain sludge for optimal performance. If Gall Bladder has been removed then releasing the scar tissue and adhesions that may be causing pain.
• Liver – Liver Lift to help process toxins. Range of motion of the Liver, through Planes of Movement to help release adhesions and scar tissue.
• Stomach, Duodenum, Small Intestines, Large Intestines, Colon – Moving them through their range of motion to create better Mobility and optimal function of hormones, bacteria, digestion and more.
• Reproductive Organs – Surgeries such as C-Sections, may cause both scare tissue and adhesions for Ovaries, Fallopian tubes, Uterus, Small Intestines and Colon. This may effect freedom of movement and cause pain in the hips and legs.

Shamanism and Soul Retrieval

In our western world we tend to focus on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of ourselves.  Sometimes, our culture leaves out our spiritual self (not speaking of religion), our soul.  In the Shamanic world it is said that when we suffer a traumatic experience in our life, we lose part of our spirit.  This is referred to as a soul loss.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; the death of a loved one; an accident; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; and, abandonment are just a few ways this may happen.

This loss can make it difficult, if not impossible for people to keep growing fully and can leave one with a feeling that something is missing.  Some of the symptoms of soul loss are:

• Depression;
• Feeling spaced out;
• Having recurring abusive patterns show up in our relationships;
• Not remembering parts of our past;
• Disconnecting from our feelings;
• Not feeling present in our bodies;
• Ill health;
• Poor boundaries;
• Feeling depleted, alienated and so on…

People that have addressed their symptoms through western medicine, herbs, diet, lifestyle change etc. and have experienced limited results may benefit from a Soul Retrieval.

This is a gentle technique where the practitioner, while connecting to your energy field where the injury occurred, goes into the realm of spirit.  Using the help of your own spirit and/or animal guides, the practitioner is led to the part of you that has split and disconnected.  Through honoring this part of you, the practitioner brings it back into your energy field and helps it to integrate into your self.  The practitioner then repairs, clears and strengthens the part of your energy field that was damaged.

You may get images, memories or thoughts as a witness as this is happening.  Time is taken after the healing to explore what this means and all the elements of belief that aided in the experience happening in the first place.

Tools and self care techniques are shared to strengthen the reconnection of your soul.

Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage is for patients with Cancer or people with a history of Cancer.

Why is it important to receive a massage from a Massage Therapist that has been trained in Oncology Massage?

There are numerous considerations in Massage Therapy that are taught in Oncology training that makes the massage experience safe and comfortable.

Even with a history of Cancer protocols are taken to insure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable massage.

For a patient with active Cancer, we will look at:

• type of Cancer and Metastasis locations to determine amount of massage pressure for different parts of your body
• medications that you are taking and the side effects from them, like nausea, bruising, dizziness to determine position on table and massage pressure
• your level of activity that your able to handle for the different speed of massage
• special considerations like ports and removal of Lymph Nodes to determine comfortable laying positions and bolstering for maximum comfort and relaxation

Palliative/ Hospice Massage

Both palliative and hospice services provide comfort and tend to those with ailments that can be chronic and debilitating. Palliative care is offered to those who may live for many years with disabling conditions, while hospice is restricted to those whose life has a predictable end. Massage therapists have the ability to render services to almost all individuals. By its very definition and restriction, massage therapy is an offering of palliative care.

Quality of life for people in hospice and palliative care is often compromised.  Research has shown that massage therapy can provide comfort and relaxation and help alleviate the following symptoms and conditions commonly associated with this population:

• Pain and discomfort;
• Stress and anxiety;
• Restlessness and sleeplessness;
• Depression and mood disorders;
• Positional pressure build up;
• Nausea; and,
• Fatigue.

Both Palliative and Hospice Massage are about enhancing quality of life.  It’s about meeting a person where ever they are in their process of life and supporting them in a way that allows them to feel more whole and comfortable.

Therapeutic Massage can help relieve discomfort, anxiety and fear.  Massage can help bring circulation, blood flow and warmth to parts of the body where there has been restriction or non-movement.  For some, the simple act of experiencing a deeply centered connection and gentle touch without fear can provide a great deal of comfort and assurance.

Positive, intentional energy is carried through soothing touch while gently massaging over the body and allowing relaxation and release of tension in the cells of the body.

Clients that are limited in movement; confined to a chair or even a bed, can all benefit from massage.  Most modalities can be performed in any venue as either a full or partial massage, fully clothed or draped.

Aromatherapy & Massage utilizing Essential Oils:

Many people think of aromatherapy as only a beauty treatment.   The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as “the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit”.

While there is not much empirical evidence to support its effectiveness in treating or preventing any illness, there are several clinical studies that have found it to be an effective complimentary therapy method.  Aromatherapy is recognized by many health professionals and practiced in hospitals, general practitioners offices, surgery rooms and hospices.

Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications.  There is thought that some oils help stimulate hormones and other metabolic processes, while other oils may help calm the nervous system.  There are also oils that nourish, stabilize and/or disinfect, both external and internally.

Essential oils are natural, aromatic compounds found in: the seeds; bark; stems; roots; flowers and other parts of plants.  They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant.  Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the body’s largest organ, the skin.  For this reason, it is important to use only the best quality possible of food, botanical and therapeutic grade products.  Ideally, essential oils should be alcohol free and distilled at the lowest temperatures as to not destroy the therapeutic properties.

Aromatherapy can help you feel good, relaxed and comfortable. Research suggests that aromatherapy oils such as Lavender can also help to reduce stress, which could help reduce the feeling of pain which in turn helps improve quality of life.   Specific oils such as Citrus and vibrant aromas can help depression by having an uplifting effect.  Others, such as Clary Sage, are used for the reduction of pain, particularly menstrual cramps.  Patients with hypertension have been shown to have lowered their blood pressure using a combination of massage and essential oils. The Raindrop Technique utilizes a combination of oils that could help with bacteria infections, nerve conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and detoxifying the body organs.

There are several different ways oils may be used in a session:

• Diffused in the massage room, which affects the olfactory system;
• Topically on the body “neat” where the oils are applied to the body at full strength;
• Topically on the body “diluted” where the oils are reduced with massage oil;
• Orally or sublingually to infuse the essences directly into the body; or,
• As suggested by your massage therapist, added to soak or foot baths at home to supplement between massage treatments.