Massage, Thai Massage and AcuTherapy
Drawn from several styles of bodywork, my massage treatments are dynamic. I adapt my techniques and aimes based on client preferences and clinical goals. I used the study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, Classical Chinese Medicine and Traditional Thai Medicine improve flexibility, rehabilitate from injury, support athletic training, address medical conditions for which massage therapy is indicated and manage stress.
My sessions are a combination of power, depth, sensitivity, specificity and motion.
Each client intake begins with an extensive assessment and medical history in order to determine the best treatment plan for you. Accounting for structural, functional and energetic factors, I analyze your situation in order to develop a treatment plan.
Clients often comment about my work as deep but gentle at that same time. I work to find the just the right amount of pressure to soften and release tissue without causing a spasm-pain response, using repetition and rhythm to reset neuromuscular signals between soft tissue and the overall nervous system.
My work is typically a combination of techniques, theories and strategies. I use my knowledge of the human anatomy, physiology and pathology to assess the condition of tissue and formulate your treatment. Additionally, my study of Chinese medicine, Japanese Shiatsu, and Thai Traditional massage allows me to also address the imbalances from another perspective.
You might think of it as a yin-yang approach - addressing both action and stillness, hardness and softness, structure and function, East and West.
If you would like to schedule an initial appointment, please fill out the form below. I will get back to you within 48 hours.
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More about my massage techniques...
In modern practice, massage therapy is not a single technique, or even a single set of techniques. Rather, it is a broad heading for a range of approaches that share common characteristics.
Here are descriptions of the massage modalities I have studied and utilize in my approach to your needs.
Traditional Thai Massage
Swedish / Relaxation Massage
5-Element Shiatsu / Acupressure
Tui Na
Myofacial / Trigger Point Release
Foot Reflexology
Sports / Event Massage
Medical Massage
Traditional Thai MassageThis massage originated in India over 2500 years ago and is often referred to as "passive yoga". The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the "energy body" which includes "sen" or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compression and pressure on specific points, as well as stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. Thai massage is performed on a futon over clothing. No oil or lotion is used. This is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. The client wears comfortable clothing and lies on the floor on a soft mat. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress. Thai massage is known in Thailand as Nuat Phaen Boran, correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage, and also known as Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage.
Swedish Massage / RelaxationSwedish Massage refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This form of massage was created in the late 18th century by Henry Peter Ling in Sweden. It involves the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration and may provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health problems. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other possible benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculo-skeletal systems. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load.
Five Element Shiatsu / AcupressureShiatsu is a pressure-point massage technique developed in Japan in which finger pressure is applied to specific points on the body to stimulate meridians, or pathways through which Qi (life energy) flows. It utilizes a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques. Shiatsu is performed on a floor mat over clothing. There is no oil or lotion used. This combination of acupuncture and Oriental massage was developed in the 18th century in Japan. The goal of Shiatsu is to maintain health and wellness by using the fingers and palms of the hands to press and rub painful spots on the body.
Five Element Shiatsu is similar to 5 Element Style Acupuncture, drawing on Classical Chinese Medicine understanding that the body and the person are interconnected - nothing can be isolated, removed or treated without affecting the balance of the whole. Practitioners look for patterns of deficient and excess conditions within the Five Element/Twelve Meridian system.
Benefits of Shiatsu include reduced stress and fatigue, increased circulation of blood and lymph, reduced blood pressure and muscle stiffness, and increased vitality, stamina, and energy.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, tai chi, and qigong. Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese taoist and martial art principles to bring the body to balance. The practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press and rub the areas between each of the joints (known as the eight gates) to open the body's defensive (wei) chi and get the energy moving in the meridians as well as the muscles. The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction, massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points; this is claimed to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions. Tui na is an integral part of TCM and is taught in TCM schools as part of formal training in Oriental medicine. Many East Asianmartial arts schools also teach tui na to their advanced students for the treatment and management of injury and pain due to training. As with many other traditional Chinese medical practices, there are several different schools with greater or smaller differences in their approach to the discipline. It is related also to Chinese massage or anma.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension. Myofascial Release is a manual therapy technique that is utilized to help relieve pain and tension that is due to injury or stress. It involves releasing and unwinding the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds each muscle and interconnects all of the other internal parts of the body. This tissue layer, which connects every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and organ in our bodies, can store memories of physical trauma. Releasing these restrictions allows us to discharge recurring emotional as well as physical pain. Sessions can include craniosacral work, stretching techniques, and deep touch.
Reflexology
Simply put, reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The science of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. It is based on the premise that there are reflexes in our hands, feet and ears that relate to every organ and part of our body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems.
Reflexology is based on the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the hands and feet. Stimulating specific reflex points in the feet can bring needed nutrients to poorly functioning areas of the body. This can help restore balance throughout the body.
According to reflexology by applying pressure to a specific part (the foot is broken up into different point which if stimulated correctly directly corollate to another body system or organ) the body will naturally begin to heal itself.
Eunice Ingham developed western Reflexology in the 1930s, based on earlier theory by Dr. William Fitzgerald known as "Zone Therapy". Dr. Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another area. He then later divided the body into ten equal vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.
Desired long-term effects of reflexology include reduced stress and induced relaxation, feeling of increased energy, relief from acute and chronic conditions, relief from stress related conditions, cure for sleeping disorders,sports injuries, preventative therapy, improvement of mental alertness, stimulation of creativity and productivity, and improving inner-relationships between body systems.
Sports Massage
Sports massage focuses on muscles relevant to the event. For athletes who train continuously, the goal is to enhance endurance, lessen the chance of injury and shorten the time needed to recover from an event.Sports Massage may utilize a variety of techniques such as classical Swedish Massage, trigger point therapy, and hydrotherapy. Prior to an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used with stretching in order to help athletes to loosen, warm and prepare their muscles so that their performance and endurance might be enhanced. Following an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used to relieve pain, prevent stiffness, and return the muscles back to their normal state. Sports Massage may also be used for injury rehabilitation.
Medical Massage
Medical massage is performed with the intent of improving conditions or pathologies that have been diagnosed by a physician; a wide variety of modalities or procedures are utilized to focus the treatment based on the diagnosed condition.
Is outcome based massage it is primarily the application of specific treatment protocols targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with physician's diagnosis and administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the massage therapist.
Performing medical massage requires a firm background in pathology and utilizes specific treatments appropriate to working with disease, pain, and recovery from injury. The therapist may work from a physician’s prescription or as an adjunct healer within a hospital or physical therapy setting.
