Multiple Services: If you are a new psychotherapy client, and have not seen me for bodywork, please note: I usually require a minimum of 25 sessions before any bodywork can begin. We can have a discussion about the connectivity of mind and body, and only until I determine we have explored and identified the causal somatic issues, and any historical events that may trigger confusion about each of our roles in your treatment, will I consider adding bodywork to your care. If you are an existing bodywork client adding psychotherapy to your wellness routine, I reserve the right to delay future bodywork sessions in the event we begin exploring potential somatic triggers or trauma history that might complicate our professional relationship. In both of these scenarios, my intention is to protect you during the discovery process that occurs in therapy.
Massage and bodywork benefits us by:
Swedish massage is probably one of the most well-known techniques, incorporating any combination of long strokes along the muscle (effleurage), cross-fiber friction, rhythmic applications(tapotement), kneading (petrissage), and vibration. This massage technique was designed to increase the amount of circulation and blood flow throughout the body, increase tissue elasticity, and initiate the parasympathetic response (rest and digest). The Swedish style is usually characterized by its relaxing, long, flowing strokes with varying amounts of pressure. It is always used with oils, creams or lotions in order to ensure smooth strokes, and eliminate friction.
Deep Tissue techniques are ones that focus on realigning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. To be clear, a misnomer about deep tissue massage is that it is synonymous with heavy pressure. Any massage technique can be performed with more (deeper) pressure. Deep tissue massage typically works on a particular area of the body such as a specific muscle, group of muscles or joint. In order for deep tissue techniques to work effectively, the amount of depth or pressure needs to be applied slowly through muscle fibers, to their attachments (origins and insertions) on a bone. If the technique is applied too quickly, the muscles may react by further tightening, which can result in unnecessary pain. Holding a muscle short (tight) for long periods is painful, and it may take time for the tissue to elongate (relax). It is also used often in conjunction with Myofascial Release.
A prenatal massage can be safely performed (typically side-lying) at any stage during a pregnancy with a qualified practitioner who is aware of sensitive pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate pelvic muscles, including the uterus.
A lighter touch (primarily Swedish techniques) proves beneficial for several things:
Women with the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:
Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and, while originally designed for athletes, is useful for anyone with chronic pain, injury or range-of-motion issues. A variety of Swedish massage, sports massage stimulates circulation of oxygen-rich blood for speedier healing, as well as stimulating the lymphs. Trigger point therapy and myofascial release are two other techniques commonly used during a sports massage.
A sports massage is a good choice if you are looking for a solution for a tender joint, or a strained muscle, for instance. Different from a less specific session, the appointment time generally focuses on the problem area rather than a thorough full-body massage.
Myofascial release is a type of soft tissue massage which incorporates stretching and massage of the connective tissues, or fascia, and is often used in conjunction with Deep Tissue techniques, but not exclusively.
Fascia is the slippery membrane which covers our muscle fibers and bundles, acting as a lubricant, allowing muscle groups to glide freely over one another. Myofascial Release consists of a mixture of light stretching and massage work. Myofascial release therapy is meant to stretch, loosen, soften and lengthen muscle tissues. Typically the technique is performed more than once until the muscle is totally relaxed and a release is felt.
A typical Myofascial Release massage lasts an hour, and afterwards clients often rave about the total release of body tension they experience. This is why the treatment is often recommended to soothe a plethora of pain-associated conditions including migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, menopause-related pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, whiplash and muscle spasms, and post-surgical scar-reduction.
Trigger Points are specific spots on the body which, when activated, refer pain and tension to a nearby area. This technique is specifically used to treat the source of the pain, rather than the symptoms caused by it. Pressure is applied to the associated Trigger Point in question, allowing for relief in the effected muscle tissue. Very often, the release of this trigger point initiates a local twitch response (LTR), which can look and feel like a spasm.
The primary difference between Trigger Point and Deep Tissue techniques is that while Deep Tissue stripping techniques are applied to the entire muscle, Trigger Point techniques focus only on specific contracted knots in the muscle. Another difference is that Trigger Point Therapy techniques can be done through the clothes.
Reflexology is based upon the principle that our hands and feet possess the innervation corresponding to specific muscle groups or organs in the body. It’s these nerve ending which provide a sort of map to the rest of the body and its systems. The technique itself helps the body achieve a deep state of relaxation, and a balance of biochemical and other systems (homeostasis). Using a specific technique to cover and access these muscle groups and organs can take 30-60 minutes, and can be a stand-alone appointment or incorporated into a massage appointment.
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese healing technique (literally translated means universal life energy) is based upon the principle that the therapist can activate the client’s natural healing process, and restore physical and emotional wellness. It stimulates the integration of mind/body/spirit to enhance the natural healing mechanisms. It is *not* massage, and disrobing is unnecessary. It can be incorporated into any bodywork session.
My logo, the ensō, refers to synergy of the three states of being: mind, body, and spirit, and is why I persued my career in psychotherapy, massage therapy, and reiki. I embrace our ability to change, and how the three states of being overlap and influence each other. Specifically, the ensō exemplifies the dimensions of perspective and aesthetics: Fukinsei (asymmetry, irregularity), kanso (simplicity), koko (basic; weathered), shizen (without pretense; natural), yugen (subtly profound grace), datsuzoku (freedom), and seijaku (tranquility).