I weave a unique tapestry of experience and skills into my bodywork sessions with the intent to calm and rejuvenate the body and mind, release tension or blockages in the tissues, reduce pain and to make space in the body for the free flow of energy.

Expect a combination of rhythmic compression, assisted yoga stretches, gentle twisting and rocking, and energy work in a space of presence and meditation. Recipient wears comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Session takes place on a large futon like cushion on the floor. Thai Yoga Massage relieves muscular tension, release blockages, improves flexibility, and stimulates the free flow of energy to facilitate the body's natural healing processes.  Myofascial bodywork techniques will be applied to address specific pain syndromes as needed. 

No previous yoga experience is necessary.

"There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it."
-Elizabeth A. Behnke 

 

About Thai Massage:

Traditional Thai massage is an ancient healing system that combines broad and targeted acupressure, stimulation and manipulation of energy lines called sen, and assisted yoga postures. Treatment effects are enhanced when the patient is fully relaxed and breathing deeply. This traditional healing practice, called nuad or nuad boran in the Thai language, stands in sharp contrast to western massage therapies.

Traditional Thai massage rarely uses oils or lotions, and the recipient remains clothed during a treatment. There is constant body contact between the practitioner and client, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked in order to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, internal organs are toned, and energy is balanced. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and physical and mental well being.

 

 

About MyoFascial Work:

FASCIA: The Living Web 
Fascia is a dynamic liquid crystalline connective tissue in the living body.  Historically, it was seen by the medical community as a protective covering which medical students and researchers would cut away to get to the ‘important parts’ like muscles, bones, and organs. However, with the development of electron microscopes, we can see that fascia is not just superficial.  It is actually a three-dimensional continuous web-like net which goes deep into the body, through our muscles, tendons, bones, organs. It is the framework within which every cell in the body is formed. (We are literally knit together in our mothers' wombs!) The webs are actually microtubules 2 – 4 microns in diameter and fluid-filled. It has a tensile strength of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch.  In its fluid state, this allows for a great degree of three-dimensional movement while maintaining structural integrity.  However, when it becomes restricted due to injury, stress, or chronic inflammation, it tends to solidify and tighten down around tissues.   When this happens, we experience pain and dysfunction because the hardened, restricted fascia presses on sensitive nerves and organs and prevents movement.  Living with fascial restrictions is like forcing a size 9 foot into a size 7 shoe and then running a marathon! 

The 3 Components of Fascia

Fascia is composed of collagen, elastin, and a polysaccharide gel complex, or ground substance. Collagen provides strength, elastin gives flexibility and the ground substance allows for glide and acts as a shock absorber.

Fascial Restrictions

In its healthy state, the fascial web helps to maintain structure, provides flexibility and absorbs shock. That’s its proper function. But like all elements of our body, it can cease to function normally in response to trauma, illness, inflammation or chronic posture patterns and repetitive stress. Areas where it no longer functions normally are areas of fascial restriction.  Restrictions are areas where the fascia has solidified: it no longer provides the degree of flexibility and shock absorption that it should. 

At this point in time, there are no medical imaging devices which show fascial restrictions.  However, they are felt by the client as pain, tightness, a limited range of motion, and posture changes. Tasks of everyday living may be painful and/or difficult. A trained myofascial release specialist can identify fascial adhesions by a visual assessment, looking for areas where the body is pulled out of alignment, and by feeling the body for areas of fascial restriction. Restricted fascia feels different than healthy fascia because it is different.

References:

Myofascial Release: The search for excellence, John F. Barnes, PT, 1990
www.myofascialrelease.com
“Strolling Under the Skin” (video),J.C. Guimberteau, MD, 2003