Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

What is Myofascial Release?
The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release (MFR) system is a very effective hands-on technique which provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and to restore motion.

MFR theory requires an understanding of the fascial system. Fascia is a tough connective tissue spreading throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from your head to your feet without interruption. Trauma or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and/or organs. An extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain, headaches and/or lack of motion likely have fascial restrictions. Fascia is a specialized system of the body similar to a densely woven spider’s web or knit sweater that interpenetrates EVERY structure of our body. It is one uninterrupted structure  stretching from head to toe. In essence, our fascia (which can contract at 2000 lbs/sq. inch) is what keeps us standing upright, our organs intact and our bodies able to move.

In a healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction, acting as a shock absorber throughout the system. When trauma or inflammation occurs, the fascia loses its flexibility and ability to absorb and reflect impact. After tightening, it then becomes a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or habitual poor posture over time has a cumulative effect. Fascia can then exert excessive pressure, producing pain, headaches and/or restriction of motion.

The MFR practitioner looks at each patient as unique. Our hands-on treatments consist of a multitude of MFR techniques, soft tissue mobilization (deep tissue therapy) and movement therapy. The goal in treatment is to help restore the individual’s freedom, so that he or she may return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

 

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy and Intuitive Energy Balancing are non-force, light touch therapy modalities that can create shifts in your physical, mental/emotional and spiritual bodies (not necessarily in that order). My approach is gentle, non-invasive and can create a feeling of calm. In this fast paced world our poor nervous systems rarely have a chance to find a time to reset. Even when we are sleeping we are often not at ease. I like to think of my self as a "nervous system whisperer." Life on this planet can bring us many challenges. Rarely are we able to find a moment to reflect and just BE. Through this work there is space to be with what is happening for you in the moment; the joy, sorrow, trauma, peace, confusion, uncertainty, anxiety, excitement, and the list goes on. All of you is welcome!  My intention for each session is to be present to whatever is happening for you and to help guide you into a place where you are able to gain some perspective and at the very least  experience a deeper feeling of calm.