NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body’s centralnervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.

SWEDISH MASSAGE
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Trigger Point Therapy applies concentrated pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.  The pressure to these specific points, areas of a muscle that refers pain sensations to other parts of the body, can lead to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning.  Trigger point therapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including verbal and nonverbal elements. The therapist encourages the client to be personally responsible for their improvement, with attention to such factors as nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical abnormalities, and other physical components. These elements protect the client from delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or contraindicated treatment, which are the concerns of first order.

LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE
A lymphatic drainage massage, sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a
gentle form of massage which stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, allowing it to naturally circulate fluids and increase the body’s metabolism and immune system. The lymphatic system can become blocked, causing fluids and toxins to build up, making us more susceptible to colds and viruses. MLD treatment was started in the 1930s and continues to be a popular component of holistic health.

REIKI HEALING--USUI SYSTEM
Reiki healing is a hands-on energy healing art. It was originated in Japan in the early 20th
century by Mikao Usui, who had a life-changing experience of light and energy that he
recognized as reiki--sacred life force--and that awakened his innate healing abilities. He
developed a system of practices that enabled others to become effective healers. In a reiki healing session, the practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life force (ki or chi), places her hands on or just above the client’s body in order to activate healing energy within receptive points on the body. The practitioner’s hands move progressively with a passive touch through twelve positions on the body, remaining in each position for three to five minutes. As a harmonic flow of energy is strengthened, within the client and practitioner, healing occurs through the return of physical, mental, and spiritual balance.

REFLEXOLOGY
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex
areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes
referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.

CHAIR MASSAGE
Known as seated massage, chair massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the client sits comfortably. The modern chair massage was originally developed David Palmer, but the technique is centuries-old, with some Japanese block prints illustrating people having just emerged from a nearby bath, receiving massage while seated on a low stool. Seated massage includes bodywork and somatic techniques, such as shiatsu, amma, and Swedish massage, provided to the fully clothed client in a variety of settings, including businesses, airports, and street fairs.
 

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

HOT STONE MASSAGE
Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, ranging from zero to 140 degrees, are used during the massage therapy to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation, and a spiritual connection to earth energy. Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide soothing heat for deep-tissue work. Cold stones aid with inflammation, moving blood out of the area, and balancing male/female energies. Stones are placed in varying positions on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist for specific trigger-point work. The alternating heat and cold of thermotherapy brings the entire body into the healing process, with a rapid exchange of blood and oxygen and alternating rise and fall of respiration rate as the body seeks homeostasis.

FIRE CUPPING
Fire cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient's skin.  In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) it involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin with a vacuum. The therapy is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" in TCM terms, and is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. Its advocates claim it has other applications as well. This technique, in varying forms, has also been found in the folk medicine of Vietnam, the Balkans, modern Greece, Cyprus, Mexico, and Russia, among other places, including Iran where it is called 'bod-kesh' meaning literally 'pull with air'.

GRIGORIAN METHOD ® (Method developed by Dr. Gabrielle Grigore, Shiatsu Master)
The Grigorian Method ® developed by Gabrielle Grigore, is an effective, unique body
treatment that focuses on the human skeleton. The Method employs a systematic treatment using joint movement and range of motion in combination with pressure points exercised upon a fully-relaxed, passive client. This Method facilitates the release of restrictions and increases the body’s flexibility and resiliency. It is a preventative treatment for inflammatory diseases as well as a useful means of body maintenance and therapeutic recovery.

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SHAMANIC ENERGY WORK

Shamanic Energy focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. In this therapy, Chakras are balanced, vibrational harmony is restored, and energy blocks are released. Crystals, essential oils, tuning forks, and smudging (burning herbs for aromatic scent and clearing) may be used. The client may remember and release emotional blocks that are located within the physical body, which results in deeper healing. Many clients feel a sense of peace and profound connection to their true selves.

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TUNING FORKS

Tuning forks provide an instantaneous state of relaxation and relieves stress by drawing your body into a centered space. It enhances massage by bringing the nervous system into balance and integrates left and right brain thought patterns. When the specially tuned tuning forks are applied, it results in a unified feeling of peace and awakens life energy.