Services

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CranioSacral Therapy


CranioSacral therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 - 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

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.

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.

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, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

I have incorporated CST into all of my bodywork modalities with great success. Accessing the craniosacral system helps to deepen and integrate the work done with Structural Integration as well as in stand alone sessions. CST is an invaluable part of my practice. For more information about CST or the offerings of the Upledger Institute, go to www.upledger.com

Body/Mind


Louise L. Hay is a pioneer in the new thought movement. Her seminal work, her first book, You Can Heal Your Life, all about how your thoughts create your life, was one of the first books I read as I began my body therapy studies. I have continued to use this book daily in my practice to assist people in understanding how what they are thinking and feeling emotionally can manifest as physical symptoms in the body. The body and mind cannot be separated.

SOMA Neuromuscular Integration™


What Is SOMA? One primary component that is present in a full and healthy lifestyle, and especially apparent in healthy aging is one's ability to embody the process of growth that change requires in our lives, both psychologically and physically. SOMA, through a ten to twelve session structural format, facilitates our ability to respond creatively to an ever changing environment. SOMA is a system of bodywork, which works by way of the fascial (connective tissue) network, to release chronic, stored structural aberrations, and effectively realign the entire body.

As the term neuromuscular implies, SOMA Neuromuscular Integration™ affects both neurological and structural systems. Changes in structure are accomplished primarily through manipulation of fascia and muscles, whereas the neurological work is done on both physiological as well as psychological levels. Work in each area affects the other, so structural improvement is seen as much a function of neurological change as it is fascial manipulation.

Somassage™


Somassage is not Structural Integration like Soma Bodywork, but is a whole body deep massage that was developed using some of the underlying foundations of Soma theory. The body is approached through a holistic view, both physically and psychologically. The Somassage is client-centered, and the body is more sacred than the recipe. The client is taught to utilize movement to aid their body in continuing the wellness process. Since Somassage in not Structural Integration, the work is not permanent but must be repeated regularly like other massage techniques.

Somassage was developed for people who have had Structural Integration to assist in maintaining alignment; however, it is highly effective for people who have never been touched. It allows release of tension, increased flexibility, promotes relaxed energy, and enhanced awareness of the body.

Somassage is different than Swedish or deep tissue massage. The differences are:

  • The intent is different than massage. The client participates in the session. They are requested to bring their Self into a focused presence; to feel into their body.
  • The end result is different than massage. In Somassage the client is relaxed and the energy is mobilized. This energizes the client rather than the relaxed feeling after other massages.
  • One intent of Somassage is to address the suspensory component inherent in an easeful upright posture. Somassage is used in combination with treatment work for injuries while reinforcing a global awareness of the body's connectedness.
  • The body is worked in a very different direction than other massage. This directionality supports the sense of greater suspensionand verticality.
  • Somassage uses the Holographic Body Reading. It looks at each client to develop the session very specifically around the needs of that client.

In the spring of 2009, I decided to become a certified teacher and workshop leader of You Can Heal Your Life™ classes and workshops. Through in depth yet profoundly supportive and nourishing practices and inquiries, individuals begin to realize that they are in charge of creating their life's experiences and how to identify old and limiting patterns and beliefs. Working with affirmations that begin to teach the mind and the being new perspectives through consistent practice and feeling of that which is desired, old neural pathways in the brain begin to dissolve and new pathways are created. These new pathways hold a higher vibrational frequency that support different choices and thus new experiences. A new resonance of congruency and harmony become a way of life.

This way of thinking has also been incorporated into my own life as well as all of my therapy modalities. I prefer to work with small groups or one on one for guidance and support with the teachings of Louise Hay.

Individual classes and workshops are scheduled periodically and by request. For more information regarding the work of Louise L. Hay, refer to www.YouCanHealYourLife.com 

As the body rebalances itself in gravity, becoming more efficient in function and healthier with greater resistance to disease and injury, people notice more coordination and grace in movement after the SOMA sessions. The result is a body that can process experiences more effectively, with greater awareness, which leads to enhanced learning and perceptual abilities. Qualities like self-reliance and creativity spontaneously emerge. 

Life is change and change is movement, movement in our bodies, our feelings, our thoughts, our inspirations. It is the loss of our ability to move and change our bodies, as well as our thinking processes that continually diminishes our ability to fully experience life. In SOMA we are softening the "hard wiring" and accessing more somatic options. We are not working toward the evolution of a "perfect person" by replacing old patterns with new "right ones," but rather towards a less predictable, more authentic individual who has the option to respond in new and creative ways to their environment.

Changes are further supported through movement training, on and off the bodywork table. Supporting and educating clients' understanding of themselves and their individual ways of living by providing body/mind integrative exercises that assist in developing an active relationship with the body while increasing physical, and emotional awareness include journaling throughout the process as a means of tracking experiences, Autogenic Training and other reflective activities.

SOMA is appropriate for individuals of all ages, young children to the age mature. Recovery from injury and chronic limitations, fluidity, vitality, functionality and empowerment of the physical body and the whole being are the possibilities. Become your own source-try it! For more information about SOMA Neuromuscular Integration™, go to www.soma-institute.org