Below are descriptions of some of the modalities that I use. When receiving a session, you don’t need to pick any particular modality; rather each modality listed below just shows an example of some of the tools that I may pick from to help facilitate a more complete release when dealing with your individual needs and problem areas.
ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands and feet. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply.
ANMA
Anma is the traditional word for massage in the Japanese language. This form of bodywork is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is more than five thousand years old. The Anma techniques encompass a myriad of pressing, stroking, stretching, and percussive manipulations with the thumbs, fingers, arms, elbows, knees, and feet on acupressure points along the body’s fourteen major meridians. Anma utilizes no oils and can be done through clothing with the client either sitting or lying.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system, this manual therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. The roots of this therapy are in cranial osteopathy, developed by Dr. William G. Sutherland. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth--which make up the cranium--down to the sacrum or tailbone. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Therapists generally use only five grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It’s often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.
CUPPING THERAPY
Cupping has been around for over 2000 years in Europe and Asia. This alternative form of healing is a simple non-invasive technique that achieves powerful results. It works deeper than deep tissue massage. By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping therapy is used to loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bringing hydration and blood flow to body tissues, and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways promoting a stronger immune system.
Cupping helps the muscles to move more independently and stimulates healthy elimination of accumulated toxins and stagnate blood in the tissues, organs and systems.
Cupping relieves many conditions such as high pressure, fatigue, chronic headache, fibromyalgia and neuralgia. Body contouring with cupping can eliminate cellulite, and contracted, congested muscle tissue.
GAVILON THERAPY
Técnica Gavilán is a soft tissue protocol that utilizes instruments, (IASTM) Intrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, to improve the restoration and healing of muscles, ligaments and tendons. These instruments help detect soft tissue restrictions. patients experience:
- Increased range of motion
- Decreased in pain
- Shorter recovery time
- Strength returning earlier
- Enhanced athletic performance
Gavilon Therapy is beneficial in the treatment of neck/back pain, muscle strains/sprains, plantar facitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, runner's knee, illiobial tract, tennis elbow, baseball shoulder and scar tissue/adhesions.
GUA SHA
Gua Sha is healing technique used for over 2000 years throughout Asia. Gua means to rub. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body.
The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous. It moves stagnate blood, promoting normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface treated. The patient typically experiences changes in pain and mobility almost immediately. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues and metabolic wastes are carried away. Because Gua Sha mimics sweating, it resolves fever.
Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many other acute or chronic disorders where palpation indicates there is Sha.
HAWAIIAN LOMI
Lomi is Hawaiian for massage. This system of massage utilizes forearm, and elbow strokes and is similar to Swedish massage in many aspects, this system uses prayer and the acknowledgment of the existence of the divine as an integral part of the technique. Oils or lotions are used in the application of cross-fiber friction techniques.
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. 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.
REIKI
Reiki healing is a hands-on energy healing art. Mikao Usui originated it in Japan in the early 20th century. He developed a system of practices that enabled others to become effective healers. In a reiki healing session, the practitioner is trained to access and serve as a channel for the life force (ki or chi), using their hands in order to activate healing energy within receptive points on the body. As a harmonic flow of energy is strengthened, within the client and practitioner, healing occurs through the return of physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
RESTORATION THERAPY
Restoration therapy has been practiced in Japan for more than fifteen hundred years and has proven successful in the treatment of migraine headaches, nervous tension, general fatigue, and muscular aches and pains. Professor Henry S. Okazaki was the foremost exponent of restoration therapy in America. He founded the Nikko Restoration Sanatorium in Honolulu in 1929. He incorporated Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian techniques (Hawaiian Lomi, anma, acupressure, shiatsu, chiropractic, osteopathy, and herbal medicines.) The goal of Okazaki’s style was to restore health and pull toxins out of the body through proper application of pressure using fingers, forearms, and elbows. The technique is characterized by it's extensive use of the elbow and forearm.
SHIATSU
Developed in Japan, the shiatsu practitioner applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow, or knee to traditional acupuncture points. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance along the meridians and organs in order to promote healing.
The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and disorder.
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, vibration, 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.
TUI NA
Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indications. While traditional Chinese medical precepts form its theoretical basis, clinical experience governs its application. Tui na techniques range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating. Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of blood and qi (vital energy), which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease. The term tui na (pronounced t-weigh na) combines the names of two of the hand techniques, tui meaning to push and na meaning to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system. The term “tui na” first appeared in the Ming Dynasty text Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601.