Using a blend of therapeutic massage techniques, ranging from Swedish to focused Deep Tissue to CranioSacral, the goal of the session is to provide relaxation and body awareness. At the start of the session, we will assess which specific muscular areas (if any) are bothering you that day and design a full-body treatment to give your body the greatest benefit considering that the body is 360 degrees.
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 John Upledger D.O., this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience. This is a treatment that is usually done while fully clothed and lying on your back on the table.
I continue to take continuing education courses in craniosacral therapy. In May 2023, I took the Brain Speaks course.
Before most bodywork sessions, as you stand, I use a visceral listening technique via the top of your head. This total body evaluation has been helpful for treatment planning.
What is visceral manipulation?
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.
Imagine an adhesion around the lungs. It would create a modified axis that demands abnormal accommodations from nearby body structures. For example, the adhesion could alter rib motion, which could then create imbalanced forces on the vertebral column and, with time, possibly develop a dysfunctional relationship with other structures. This scenario highlights just one of hundreds of possible ramifications of a small dysfunction - magnified by thousands of repetitions each day.
I have completed the 3 foundational courses covering the abdominal and pelvic cavities. I look forward to taking the thorax (Lungs, Ribs, etc.) soon.
Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques I help to release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation. In recent months, I have continued my study of supportive techniques to assist both mother and baby during pregnancy and delivery.
I am a graduate of Beaumont Hospital's (Royal Oak, MI) 100-hour post-graduate Oncology Massage/Hospital Massage program. For more than four years, I was able to provide massage to people of all ages and stages - in outpatient rooms, infusion center, hospital beds, and at respite locations. For over 4 years I was a member of www.S4OM.org, where they advocate for massage therapists to have appropriate training for customized sessions that focus on appropriate location, position, and pressure.
It was a honor to:
Chair massage is a popular way of relieving stress and releasing tension. 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.
My primary role in 2019 was as a chair massage therapist.
I have used myofascial release on the legs for clients who are avid bicyclists and runners. In many ways, my blended therapeutic sessions incorporate MFR techniques and ideas. I am a big fan of Anatomy Trains!
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.
In 2017, I was able to take a cupping therapy class. My main goal was to add fascial cupping to support cancer patients with radiation and surgical scars in the throat region.
I also grew to love baguanfa or silicone cupping. These can glide easily over the skin and bony structures and pick up the tissue.
I currently use Lymph Drainage as a preventative spot technique for post-treatment for breast and throat cancers.
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.
I do not provide a traditional Thai session but have an awareness of it's importance. Over a period of 16 months I taught 200 yoga classes, mostly to active older adults.
Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than most other forms of massage therapy. It's also called Thai Yoga massage, because I use my hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like postures and stretches. My clients say Thai massage is like doing yoga without doing any of the work. No oil is applied, so you are fully dressed during the session. A single Thai massage session will help you release stress and relieve pain, and help you function more effectively at work and home.