Techniques

A Range of Techniques

Different folks need different strokes!

Bodies come in all shapes, sizes and conditions, and I match your needs with the most appropriate techniques. If you are an athlete recovering from a sports injury, you need a very different treatment from someone who has been in a car accident. Your treatment will be different again if you are seeking treatment for a chronic condition, or ongoing preventive care.

Five Element Acupressure

This is a powerful treatment modality. Based on the ancient Chinese system of acupuncture, it works at deep levels, moving your body's subtle energy (chi) and restoring balance to all your energy channels (meridians). I use acupressure both symptomatically and holistically depending on which approach is more appropriate. I may simply deal with the specific areas that are in pain or discomfort, or I may use your symptoms as clues that point to a deeper underlying imbalance. Greater healing is often attained by going beyond the pain in your shoulder or the ache in your back to find and treat the deeper cause.

In an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed and face up on a bodywork table. I read the twelve meridian pulses at your wrists and use this and your symptoms to formulate a treatment plan. I then hold acupressure points in pairs with sustained, moderate pressure to move blocks in the flow of chi. As the chi is balanced, symptoms are alleviated. This approach often creates a deep sense of being held and supported.

Structural Bodywork

This term covers the range of western bodywork techniques that are an integral part of my work. I draw on deep tissue techniques, myofascial work, active and passive stretching, skin rolling, and many other forms that are proven aids to structural balance. I work not only with muscles, but more importantly, with the fascia, the tendons and ligaments; addressing these connective tissue structures is vital to achieving lasting balance.

I work at the level of pressure that is most appropriate for the individual. I don't subscribe to the belief of "no pain, no gain". I work at the depth that best relaxes your body. If a particular technique does not work for you, then I simply choose another, as there are many ways of working, from the most direct to the most subtle.

These structural methods are used as needed in conjunction with Five Element Acupressure, for it is the combination of structural work and energy work that is the key to achieving lasting results.

Emotional Process Work

From working with hundreds of clients over 22 years, I've discovered that the deepest and most lasting changes in the body are accompanied by understanding and accepting the emotions that accompany energetic and structural imbalances. In most cases, physical imbalance is reflected at other levels of being. Our mental, emotional and spiritual lives need to be looked at and understood for deeper healing to take place. For example, neck pain can result from not expressing feelings; mid back pain might result from internalized anger; low back problems can come from experiencing chronic fear; chest and breathing problems can arise from denying grief. These are just a few of the ways emotional holding can produce physical symptoms.

My training and my experience have provided me with gentle, supportive ways of helping you to understand these connections. While I never push my clients to go in this direction, I am always ready to guide those who are curious to look deeper into themselves.