Modalities

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle yet profound non-invasive, hands-on treatment for the whole body.  Sessions take place on a massage table with the client fully clothed.  The touch is typically light and still.  This therapy focuses on supporting the health and balance of the whole being, especially the nervous system.  This is the system that regulates all of the body’s functioning. 

In addition, this therapy focuses on the underlying energetic map. Despite what illness or symptoms are being addressed, there is a focus on the “inherent health” in the body which can then assist the system in bringing itself back into balance. This allows for greater flow, ease and relief.  

The cerebrospinal fluid which protects the brain and spinal cord, carries an intelligence and potency (life force), which becomes mixed with other bodily fluids via the dural membranes.  The movement of the cerebrospinal fluids results in a variety of tides and rhythms which also affect the entire system. By attending to the entire craniosacral system and the resulting tides, the inner resources of the client are supported and more fully accessed.  The health and intelligence of the body is the focus of this work. 

Massage Therapy Methods

Physical and emotional stress that is chronic or acute, can result in painful and still holding patterns. Several massage methods are discussed below which support the body to relax and release the various forms of tension that can cause pain, discomfort and limited range of motion.  By using different approaches to these patterns, the body is then re-educated, relaxed and more spacious, resulting in greater health throughout.  

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a relaxing, full-body massage. It utilizes long, gliding strokes, friction, kneading, and other forms of tissue manipulation to relax and ease adhesions, knots, muscle tension and pain. It often utilizes oil or cream to help warm and lubricate the skin. Swedish massage is based on modern Western principles of anatomy and physiology. It was first developed by a Swedish physiologist in the early 1800’s.

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue massage is used to improve the function of the body’s deeper connective tissues and muscles. This specialized massage technique is intended to release chronic tension, adhesions and scar tissues that can cause chronic pain and limited range of movement. This leads to greater circulation, increased tissue health, and reduces pain. This technique is typically more intense than a Swedish Massage. 

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a very specific technique that focuses on the fascial webbing (also called connective tissue) that is woven throughout the entire body.  Using deep and steady strokes, this bodywork intends to release painful restrictions found in certain muscles and surrounding soft tissues.  This supports pain reduction and increased circulation and tissue health. 

Trigger Point

Trigger points are tender, congested spots within the muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas. Trigger point therapy is a technique in which the practitioner applies pressure to these points. This results in reducing pain, improving muscle health and reeducating the muscles.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy is a system of soft-tissue manipulation techniques used to treat chronic pain caused by injury, strain, sprain or stress. Neuromuscular techniques manipulate the muscles, tendons, and connective tissue to balance the central nervous system. Neuromuscular Therapy helps heal the joints, muscles and biomechanics. 

Muscle Energy Techniques

These techniques include Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Reciprocal Inhibition. Both active and passive types of stretching and gentle resistance are use to increase range of motion throughout the body. 

Mindfulness Practices and Nervous System Regulation

Massage and Craniosacral Therapy are both enhanced by incorporating relaxing mindfulness experiences throughout our sessions.  Clients are invited to gently participate and essentially “co-create” the bodywork experience through these simple yet potent presence practices.  

Each of these tools results in greater mindfulness and presence, allowing for powerful stress reduction and opportunity for nervous system regulation.  When we are most mindful, the prefrontal cortex is active and the social nervous system branch of the autonomic nervous system is optimized. It is at this point when deepest possible healing and transformation can occur.

Mindfulness techniques include sensory awareness practices, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and numerous body centered meditation skills. All of these are transformative tools that can be taken beyond the bodywork session and into one’s daily life. 

Body Centered Meditation Practice Group

Body Centered Meditation practice group is an opportunity to practice skills that support your meditation practice and settling of your nervous system.  This small group will experience transformative practices from both ancient wisdom traditions and current neuroscience discoveries. 

Using the body as the primary portal, we will be using two areas of study. First, we’ll explore Reginald Ray’s “Meditating With The Body” (MWTB) program. There will be numerous practices to support dropping into an embodied, meditative state. One of the intentions of MWTB is to be fully present in our bodies. 

Second, and directly related to the meditation practices, is the application of Stephen Porge’s current research on the autonomic nervous system.  This study will support a healthy and balanced nervous system and can be transformational in all aspects of life, including spiritually, emotionally and relationally.