Services Offered At BodyWorks Healing Center

To learn more information on the services we offer you may browse the entire page or you may click a link regarding a particular service you are interested in. If you click on one of the links below it will always contain a link at the bottom of the page so that you may return here to the services page.

If you know what style of bodywork you prefer, let us know when you book your session and we'll match a therapist to your specific needs.  Otherwise, merely tell us how you feel when you make your appointment and we will match a therapist with you to create a custom session just for you.

Transformational Breathing
Transformational Breathing™ is a very powerful self-healing process that utilizes the power and energy from one full breath to create major differences in your electro-magnetic field. These changes are in the way you feel physically. It reflects the way the energy flows within your system, and how the life force accesses your being.

What can Transformational Breathing do?
Opens and clears restricted breathing patterns, Clears the subconcious mind, Allows easier accessibility to higher dimensions and levels of consciousness...

The Healing Power of Touch
Touch is one of the greatest natural healing methods. Touch soothes, nourishes, releases, relaxes, and comforts.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the CranioSacral system.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Energy Healing
Energy Medicine is a delicate balance of the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states.

Esoteric Healing
The energy field surrounds and permeates all living beings. Within the energy field are seven major centers, the Chakras.

Healing Stone Therapy (Hot Stone Massage)
Stones of varying sizes are applied to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth.

Hypnotherapy/Regression Therapy
Hypnotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular and credible solution for many common issues. Hypnosis was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958.

Massage - Relaxation/Swedish
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Myofascial Release
A mild and gentle hands on form of stretching which relieves connective tissue restrictions all over the body.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT is based on research that identifies the fundamental causes of pain. It is a whole-body approach to healing.

Reflexology
Working relevant reflex points in a particular way alleviate pain and other symptoms in corresponding areas of the body.

Reiki
Reiki means Universal Life Energy, and allows the client to absorb more Life Force energy which can be used for healing, bringing you closer to a condition of oneness and connection to the Universe.

Somato Emotional Release (SER)
SER is designed to identify, locate and diffuse blocked energy patterns within the body.

Sports Massage
Sports massage focuses on the muscles relevant to a particular athletic activity.

Thai Massage
Thai massage is different from traditional massage in that Thai techniques balance energy levels and enable the practitioner to press the muscles on both sides of the body.

Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is a highly irritable point in a muscle, which contributes critically to pain. The therapist applies concentrated finger pressure to break the cycle of spasm and pain.

Visceral Massage
Visceral massage is the massage of each organ individually. It is not a free flowing session.

Overview

The human body is amazing and complex.  As with all of life, the body strives for balance.  Even at the cellular level the body tends to a balanced state called homeostasis.  Each day our experience on this planet puts us in situations that threaten this balance.  Accidents, illness, poor nutrition, and emotional stress undermine homeostasis.  This imbalance leads to aches and pains that are the body's way of saying that something is not right.  Underlying these aches and pains is bound energy.  If left untreated, it may result in physiological dysfunction that is often manifested in the muscular skeletal system.  This can later extend to all major systems of the body including the immune system, digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system and endocrine system. 

The body will work to get your attention when energy is bound and something needs to change. What is typically needed is a catalyst to start the healing, an intention by the patient to invite the healing to occur and a safe environment or container.  What may work for one person may not work for another.  So whether the cause started as a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stressor, the Bodywork's staff has expertise in numerous healing modalities to address many of these issues and to help you with your unique situation.  Our trained, professional staff has the tools to help you restore balance and allow the body to heal in its own natural and innate way. You can achieve a life of fullness, a life with boundless energy and a life of health and abundance of all that is good. 

The Healing Power of Touch

Touch is one of the greatest natural healing methods. Touch soothes, nourishes, releases, relaxes, and comforts. We nourish our wholeness through regular and frequent touch. It is a most powerful medicine!

Massage and manipulation stimulate blood and lymph flow, warms the tissue, improves flexibility, and eases pain. But the power of touch reaches far beyond just the physical and penetrates into the depth of our being. Touch can result in the release of endorphins, chemical substances released in the nervous system, which relieves pain and results in an incredible sense of well-being.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)

Based upon the principals of Osteopathic Medicine, CST works on the cranium, spinal column, and the sacrum. CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the CranioSacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

This tissue is connected to all soft tissue though a continuous membrane called fascia. The therapy evaluates dysfunction and distortions in the CranioSacral system and works to harmonize the primary elements of the system.   Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the CranioSacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Through the release of specific diaphragms located on the body, fascial membranes are affected thereby making adjustments throughout the body.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. It is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

     •  Migraine Headaches

     •  Chronic Neck and Back Pain

     •  Motor-Coordination Impairments

     •  Colic

     •  Autism

     •  Central Nervous System Disorders

     •  Orthopedic Problems

     •  Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

     •  Scoliosis

     •  Learning Disabilities

     •  Chronic Fatigue

     •  Emotional Difficulties

     •  Stress and Tension-Related Problems

     •  Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

     •  Tempromandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

     •  Neurovascular or Immune Disorders

     •  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

     •  Post-Surgical Dysfunction

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. The purpose is to free up constricted or frozen muscles while releasing deeply held patterns of tension. Deep tissue massage feels good and is beneficial to your health.

When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissue, release toxins from muscles and gets blood and oxygen circulating properly. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia.  It also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. A typical session will also incorporate many of the same techniques used in a relaxation session.

This type of massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some tenderness during or right after the massage. The tenderness, if any, will usually be gone within a day if you drink plenty of water to flush the metabolic waste out the tissue.  

Energy Healing

Energy Medicine is a delicate balance of the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states. Whenever one of these states is out of balance with the others, a person's overall system becomes imbalanced. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, when the body is injured or in pain, there is a disruption of the harmonious flow of Chi (ki or qi). The concept of Chi has been around since ancient times. It has been called many names: mana, prana, ha, ether, x-force, vital force, bio-cosmic energy to name a few. Traditional peoples around the world maintained the belief that life is a unity of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional, vitalized by a certain special energy. People everywhere share this energy that comprises the Universe – all plants, animals, humans and every living thing on the planet. It is the basis of the body's natural ability to heal itself. It is the healing power of nature. There must be a balance of Chi for the body to be vital and healthy.

Very simply stated, an imbalance of Chi can cause stagnation of the energy flow within the body, resulting in pain and dysfunction. Cranial Sacral Therapists call this stagnation of energy an energy cyst and energy healers call it an energetic blockage. This can manifest in the body as headaches, depression, mood fluctuations, addictive patterns and other physical illness ranging from cancer to less serious issues like chronic back pain or upset stomachs.

In the therapeutic process, energy healing is a balancing of the energy field through the laying on of hands on specific energy centers with the intent to relieve the blocked pattern. It is the intention of the client and facilitator as well as the safety of the container that facilitates the reorganization of the energy pathways. Stagnation and stasis is changed by intervention and the body reorganizes the flow, which relieves pain and dysfunction. Energy healing is used as an adjunct to many of our sessions but is the main focus in Reiki, Esoteric, and Somato Emotional Release.

Paradoxically quantum physicists are now proving the claims of ancient mystics. Einstein's Theory of Relativity was at the forefront of this awakening. His theory was that energy is at the underlying essence of all matter. For more on this visit the links to related sites page.

Esoteric Healing

The energy field surrounds and permeates all living beings. Within the energy field are seven major centers, the Chakras. They are located at or near, major nerve centers or ganglia within the body. Each of these Chakras energizes its related nerve center, endocrine gland and internal organ system. It is within this energy field that the cause of disease can be located. The practitioner identifies weaknesses within the energy field and uses techniques to bring balance and harmony to the system.

During treatment a person may sit or lie down. No physical contact is required. The therapist reads the client's energy field and seeks out imbalances with the goal being to restore balance. Some individuals may feel nothing while others may experience deep relaxation, or movement. Since our mental and emotional states affect the energy field, thoughts and feelings may arise either during the session or even days later. Esoteric healing works on the physical, emotional, mental and Soul levels of the body. As issues related to the Soul's purpose may arise, spiritual counselors are available to help the client understand what is transpiring and why. Hypnotherapy Psychotherapy and Regression Therapy may also be helpful in bringing conscious awareness to issues.

Healing Stone Therapy (Hot Stone Massage)

Many practitioners purchase their stones from massage warehouses. They use a form of igneous and basalt rocks for the massage treatment. These stones are actually smooth, volcanic glass, igneous and basalt blends. They heat up quickly but, due to their low iron ore content, loose their heat rapidly. They are useful in some massage applications, but not appropriate for layouts or thermal compress applications because of the way they hold heat.

We use metamorphic rock (“meta” means change, “morph” means form). These rocks are ideal for hot, cold and moderate therapeutic techniques. They retain consistent temperatures and are superior for bodywork. These stones are of the highest quality on the planet, with a sea thermal radiance quality of +20. These stones were harvested in a time honored tradition by experienced practitioners, specifically for use in healing stone therapy.

We offer traditional stone therapy as well as restorative techniques including sports, facial massage and restorative yoga and stone therapy.

Stone massage makes you feel deeply relaxed, allowing you to let go of all the stress that is held within your body. Those experiencing a hot stone massage can notice healing and improvement from many symptoms:

     •  Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains

     •  Poor circulation

     •  Rheumatic and arthritic conditions

     •  Fibromyalgia

     •  MS

     •  Back pain

     •  Stress, anxiety and tension

     •  Insomnia

     •  Depression

Hot stone therapy is a unique connection that we can experience with nature. It can offer a sense off profoundness and sacredness that is often lacking in our busy hectic lives. It can bring us back to a place of deep remembering. It is the perfect treatment that is enjoyable, relaxing and healing.  Healing stone massage benefits the physical, emotional and psychological bodies. If you are looking for a unique nurturing, healing experience, this is the modality for you.

Hypnotherapy/Regression Therapy

Hypnotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular and credible solution for many common issues including smoking cessation and overcoming phobias. Hypnosis was approved by the American Medical Association in 1958.

If you are experiencing any or all of the following symptoms, then hypnotherapy may be helpful for you:

     •  Stress

     •  Lack of confidence or self esteem

     •  Sleeplessness

     •  Lack of energy or motivation

     •  Worries or anxiety

Hypnotherapy is also beneficial in helping you achieve certain goals especially where you may have been stuck before such as:

     •  Smoking cessation

     •  Weight loss

     •  Improving your wealth and success

     •  Overcoming a fear of flying or any other fear

     •  Becoming a better public speaker

If you would like to make an impact in your life and generate a more positive self-image, then hypnotherapy may be for you.

A hypnotherapist induces a hypnotic state to increase motivation or alter a negative behavior pattern. The focus on a specific goal or behavior is done with precision. A clinical hypnotherapist is a skilled and trained professional who helps you use your own mind to increase motivation or change behavior patterns. 

When hypnotized, your mind is operating in its subconscious mode. This simply means that the reasoning, evaluating and judging part of your mind, the conscious ego mind, is bypassed.  With the ego out of the way, specific thoughts and/or suggestions are introduced to move the client toward a desired goal or behavior change.  Any such suggestions must be acceptable to the client; otherwise, they would have no effect.

Hypnotism is a totally natural state of mind. It is a feeling of deep relaxation and you are very relaxed but still aware. The therapist will work to induce beneficial changes. This may mean that you will picture, as in a daydream, the things that are being spoken of and that you may experience the feelings associated with that dream state. You are encouraged to terminate the session, if at any time you feel uncomfortable. There is always a debriefing at the end of the session to discuss any experiences you had while you were in a hypnotic state. You are also provided a CD of your session for use at home in a safe place to reinforce your sessions and for future reference.

The relationship between the client and therapist is a professional one. A person cannot be hypnotized unless he or she agrees and co-operates. While hypnotized, nobody can make you do anything, which you do not want to do. The hypnotist merely helps you to use that incredible hidden power to achieve things in our life such as stopping smoking, losing weight, cutting down on stress, gaining in confidence and happiness, even excelling at your chosen sport. Whatever it is that you want to be!

Prior to hypnotizing the client, the therapist discusses the goal the client wants to achieve or the problem s/he wants to resolve in detail.  The more the hypnotherapist can share in the experience of the client as s/he experiences it, the more individualized the therapy can be and the greater its impact.  The hypnotist also prepares the client to enter hypnosis by explaining just what hypnosis is, how it works and what s/he will experience. Finally, your hypnotherapist will induce a hypnotic state using individualized methods and techniques based on the results of your suggestibility and the nature of your goal or problem.

When selecting an hypnotherapist, the first question to ask is "Are you a certified hypnotherapist?" Other areas to explore are how much experience the prospective therapist has had in your area of need.  How long have they been in practice?  What are their specialties?  Do they have experience in addressing the problem you want to address or in attaining the goal you want to achieve?  How many clients have they successfully treated for this?

Some common questions are:

- Can anyone be hypnotized?

Some people find it easier to relax than others. By the same token, some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others. Since most people can go into at least a light trance and with most hypnotherapeutic goals that is enough so everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.

- Will you lose control when under hypnosis?

No. This is another misconception about hypnosis. Nobody can be hypnotized against his or her will. Hypnosis is not about control by the hypnotist. It is about working together so that the client can be empowered to create change in his or her life. Nobody can be forced to do anything against his or her will. The 'control' misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis, which funnily enough also involves people doing exactly what they want to be doing.

We go in and out of hypnosis and other altered states of consciousness (e.g. daydreaming) many times a day but we always come back out of them easily and naturally.

- Will you talk about confidential information under hypnosis?

No. You cannot be forced to say or do anything under hypnosis that you don't want to. Remember that you are completely in control and empowered

Thinking is a function of the conscious; everything else is in the subconscious.  Replacing one habit with another more desirable habit usually eliminates the undesirable habit.  Some habits are easier to eliminate than others. If they are firmly held in the subconscious, this may require finding the causes and remove them.

The subconscious can be your master or your greatest ally. Who is it going to be in your quest for wellness, health and happiness?

Massage - Relaxation/Swedish

The term "Swedish 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.  The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

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. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well-being.

Myofascial Release

A mild and gentle hands on form of stretching which relieves connective tissue restrictions all over the body promoting strength, flexibility, range of motion and proper alignment. It releases chronic problems and reduces pain and emotional trauma.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

NMT is based on research that identifies the fundamental causes of pain.  Scientific laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates pain responses in the body support the techniques.    It is a whole-body approach to healing. The accompanying pain is often a symptom of an underlying problem. Through a series of specific body measurements, structural distortions and biomechanical dysfunctions are identified. This provides a treatment plan that can point to the cause of the pain. For example, a person who comes in for back pain may find that after their treatment that their knee pain, neck pain or headaches go away as well.

Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. Pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.  Muscles that are in spasm will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue which means that the muscle is lacking proper blood flow, usually due to the muscle spasm. This in turn creates the following undesirable pattern:

     •  Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen.

     •  The lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid.

     •  The lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical activity.

After the muscle is relaxed through therapy, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen to relax and heal.

Reflexology 

The Chinese have used pressure point therapy and reflexology for the last 5,000 years. In fact, examples of reflexology as a healing tool was found in Egypt as early as 2330 B.C. and even in more recent years in Native American Medicine. Various organs, nerves and glands are connected to a reflex point in the hands, feet or ears. Working relevant reflex points in a particular way alleviate pain and other symptoms in corresponding areas of the body. By exerting pressure in an area, the practitioner can alter the energy in another area, stimulating the body's self-healing ability, which, in turn, can alleviate pain and illness.

Reflexology stimulates thousands of nerve endings, encouraging the clearing and opening of neural pathways. It reduces tension and aids nervous system functioning. Reflexology is used for:

     •  General maintenance

     •  Benefits any condition

     •  Circulatory disorders

     •  Gout

     •  Headaches

     •  Colds

     •  Earache

     •  General aches and pains

     •  Allergies

     •  Nervous disorders

     •  PMS

If the organ is in a weakened state, the pressure point will be very tender when pressed. Therefore, reflexology can be painful, rather than soothing and comforting. This is believed to be due to the breaking up of uric acid crystal deposits that settled in the feet or to the stimulation of sensory receptors. It may take several sessions for the tenderness to dissipate.

Contraindications for reflexology include:

     •  Heart conditions

     •  Epilepsy

     •  Diabetes

     •  Phlebitis

     •  Lymphatic cancer

     •  Conditions requiring surgery

     •  Deep vein thrombosis

     •  Early pregnancy

Reiki

Reiki is an ancient hands-on healing technique that promotes healing on all levels by integrating and balancing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your being.  It works quickly and directly by easing pain and accelerating healing.  Reiki means Universal Life Energy, and allows the client to absorb more Life Force energy which can be used for healing, bringing you closer to a condition of oneness and connection to the Universe. Reiki practice helps clients reach a higher level of consciousness, allowing the body's molecules to vibrate at a higher level, which dissolve energy blockages that can cause illness.

Reiki treats the whole person, body, mind, emotions, and spirit. This results in a deep sense of peace, relaxation, security, and well-being. Reiki is a safe, non - intrusive healing energy, which channels itself wherever it is needed in the body. It stimulates the body's natural healing ability at the deepest level, removes physical and emotional blockages that cause illness or dis-ease. Reiki helps by:

     •  Cleansing the body.

     •  Balancing the Chakra.

     •  Bringing harmony to the body, mind and spirit through a detoxifying process.

     •  Promoting a positive attitude.

Reiki differs from other energy modalities in that 1). the practitioner needs to be attuned to Reiki, and 2). the fact that the energy originates from a “Universal Source” rather than the healer.

Reiki is administered with the client fully clothed. The client lies comfortably on a table or sits in a chair while the therapist's uses a series of hand positions either on or off the body. The therapist also treats the Chakras as well. The therapist does not direct the flow of energy; this is done by the client's own innate wisdom. The session can last for up to an hour depending on individual needs.

You will experience a sense of peace, calm and relaxation. You may see colors, feel hear or coolness in the tissue, and/or sense the vibration or movement of energy through the body. You may feel sleepy and even drift off into a sleep state as the body enters into a profound stat of relaxation. While the therapist may lay hands on the body; there is no manipulation of the body tissues. When the session ends you will fee balanced, more energized and peaceful.

Reiki is used for conditions such as:

     •  Anxiety

     •  Stress

     •  Migraines

     •  Pain relief

     •  Acute and chronic ailments

     •  Depression

     •  Fatigue

     •  Immune system support

     •  Cuts, bruises, injuries, and swelling

     •  Tumors

     •  Burns

     •  Heart disorders

     •  Bladder problems

     •  Irritable bowel syndrome

     •  Fibromyalgia

     •  Whiplash

     •  Insomnia

     •  Digestive disorders

     •  Arthritis

     •  Encourage spiritual growth

Since blocks can be released on all levels you can come into contact with feelings and issues that you may have suppressed in the past, allowing for release and healing.

Somato Emotional Release (SER)

SER is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. Memories of past traumas (pain, emotional insults, accidents, illnesses, injuries, sexual, verbal or physical abuse, war, traumatic birth process etc.) may reside in the body tissue, not purely in the brain. This is called body memory, somatic memory, and cellular or tissue memory. SER is designed to identify, locate and diffuse blocked energy patterns within the body. As part of this process suppressed emotional issues that may be inhibiting complete structural release are often identified. This therapy is often used in conjunction with CranioSacral Therapy.

Sports Massage

Sports massage focuses on the muscles relevant to a particular athletic activity. Pre event massage is more compression and percussion to invigorate the muscle and prepare it for activity. Post event massage is more relaxing. It uses sweeping strokes to assist the body in removing waste products. Gentle stretching would also be employed to maintain flexibility.

Thai Massage

A native teacher of Thai Massage, Chongkol Setthakorn, speaks of Thai Massage as a combination of the best of yoga and acupressure. Thai Massage is an ancient Thai bodywork system designed to unblock trapped energy and improve vitality by applying pressure along the body's energy pathways. It uses slow rhythmic pressing with fingers, thumbs, hands, forearms, elbows and feet, and stretches with gentle rocking motions. Pressure and compression is applied to stimulate the movement of energy through conduits called sen . There are 72,000 sen and emphasis is placed on following the lines not on pressure points. The practitioner also manipulates the client's body by positioning and stretching the body in gentle, yoga-like poses. The pressure and manipulation clear energy pathways, relax tense muscles, improve blood and lymph circulation, calm the nervous system, and stimulate internal organs. The stretching rocks the client and allows the joints to open more deeply. Thai massage is also effective in relieving fatigue and pain, treating swollen limbs and painful joints and headaches.

The client lies fully clothed on a mat on the floor. This permits the practitioner maximum leverage, balance and weight in manipulating the body. The client wears loose fitting, exercise type clothing to allow for free movement of the body during the session. The session can last from one to three hours, depending on the client needs.

Thai massage is different from traditional massage in that Thai techniques balance energy levels and enable the practitioner to press the muscles on both sides of the body. This affects flexibility. The difference between the length of a muscle when it is fully contracted and when it is relaxed determines the amount of movement the muscle can produce at the joint. Tense muscles shorten, even when you are not contracting them consciously. This results in restricted range of motion, stiffness, aches and pains and aging. Tense muscles create uneven force on the spine and spinal cord, which affects the back, neck and results in headaches. Thai work enables you to stretch the muscles systematically to achieve wonderful results not always possible with other forms of bodywork.

In Thai massage, there is also a powerful interplay of intrinsic energies between the giver and receiver in the dance of mutually balancing energies, life force, and harmony.

Receiving Thai bodywork regularly helps you experience a deep sense of relaxation, well-being, flexibility, happiness, and youthfulness.

Contraindications for Thai Massage

Persons who have the following health conditions should not receive Thai Massage:

     •  Serious heart condition or high blood pressure.

     •  Osteoporosis.

     •  Artificial joint i.e. knee, hip replacement.

     •  Serious varicose veins.

     •  Skin conditions such as eczema, shingles or psoriasis (massage would not be performed on the affected areas).

     •  Pregnant.

Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a highly irritable point in a muscle, which contributes critically to pain. A fall, blow, trauma, strain, sprain, injury, illness or emotional wounding can insult a muscle and provide the opportunity for a trigger point to form. A trigger point lays quiet in a muscle until certain conditions are present. Then it fires, throwing the muscle into spasm. This results in the sensation of pain. The nervous system responds and sends more spasm to “protect” the site. This results in more pain and the Spasm – Pain – Spasm Cycle continues. The therapist applies concentrated finger pressure to tender areas in the muscle in order to break the cycle of spasm and pain.  This is typically performed in sessions of neuromuscular therapy or deep tissue massage.

Visceral Massage

For thousands of years, massage of the internal organs or viscera, has been part of a holistic approach to healing. Four hundred years ago, Paracelsus of Switzerland, taught his medical students to massage the viscera to treat various pain conditions and diseases. Manual manipulation of organs is widely used in Japan and China. In the U.S., visceral massage was documented as far back as 1895.

Paul St. John observed, “…How normal movement patterns of the body also produced pathological conditions within the internal organs,” thus noting the interplay of between form, movement and function. It is important to understand that visceral structures influence somatic, glandular, and vascular function through communication with the nervous system.

Visceral massage is the massage of each organ individually. It is not a free flowing session. There can be tenderness, but there is a sense of more energy flowing through the tissue after the massage. Most people report that they fell less restricted and contracted and more relaxed after a visceral session.