Here I offer you an explanation of the specific bodywork modalities I draw from and fuse into my practice:
Shiatsu is
a Japanese form of bodywork that aims to restore the flow of Ki, or
life-force energy, throughout the meridians, or energetic pathways of
the body, according to the systematic correspondences of Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM). The sessions typically begin with a lengthy
intake to get an idea of and direct the client's intention toward any
physical, emotional, mental or spiritual area that needs support at
that moment. Using the concepts of Kyo/Jitsu (Deficiency and
Excess), specific meridians will be chosen from an abdominal
assessment at the beginning of the session, and these meridians will
be palmed and thumbed everywhere they run on the body to help restore
balance and a sense of expansion on all levels. This form of
bodywork is done with the client fully-clothed, lying comfortably on
a massage table with no top sheet.
Neuromuscular
Massage, also
commonly called “Deep Tissue” massage, is a synthesis of several
highly specific, treatment-based modalities that strive to promote
release and renewal on an emotional level through the realignment and
reeducation of the muscular system and its surrounding connective
tissue, the fascia. Trigger-Point Therapy (TPT), Myo-Fascial Release
(MFR) and Muscle-Energy Techniques (MET) are all used to varying
degrees in this framework to relieve chronic pain and tension due to
poor posture, prior injuries that never physically healed correctly,
and strain from repetitive use. This modality can be especially
effective to treat and support those who are experiencing Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome, Whiplash, and any
lower-body pathologies common among athletes and very
physically-active clients. This modality is done on a massage table
with the client undressed to his/her level of comfort, supported with
a sheet on top.
Integrative Therapeutic Massage
is a unique form of bodywork formulated over 30 years ago by the
founders of BCMT who sought to bring a more intuitive,
psycho-emotional approach to all disciplines of bodywork.
Integrative Massage allows for profound emotional processing and
release through its attention to the breath, the chakras, and the
subtle communication of the grunts and sighs a client often
subconsciously emits during massage. Using long-connective strokes,
guided visualizations, verbal contact statements, and a deep belief
in the body's innate healing ability, the Integrative Massage
practitioner seeks to bring wholeness and embodiment to any client
who is eager to engage actively in the meeting of the mind, body and
soul. This modality is done on a massage table with the client
undressed to her/his level of comfort, supported with a sheet on top.
Polarity Therapy is
a deeply nourishing form of bodywork first designed and transmitted
by master healer, Randolph Stone, the very committed Osteopath,
Chiropractor and Naturopath. This system is a hands-on form of
energy work based largely on traditional Ayurvedic Medicine and its
own five-element system (Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Ether). Through
the gentle holding, pressing and rocking at such energetic hot-spots
as the base of the skull, the space between the vertebrae, the top
surface of the feet, and the physical location of the chakras, a
deep, restorative resetting of the nervous system and a gentle
release of tension in the physical body can be achieved. Polarity
Therapy is performed on a massage table with the client
fully-clothed.
