Areas of Study & Certifications
• General Massage & Bodywork Certificate: Diamond Light Massage School, San Rafael, CA
• Deep Tissue & Medical Massage - Institute of Conscious Bodywork - San Anselmo, CA
• Five-Element Acupressure - Acupressure Institute/McKinnon Body Therapy Center - Oakland, CA
• Cupping Therapy & Tui Na Meridian Massage - Acupressure Institute/McKinnon Body Therapy Center
• Myofascial Release - Anatomy Trains/Tom Myers
• Myofascial Unwinding - Diamond Light Massage School
• Lymphatic Massage - Diamond Light Massage School
• Healing Touch Biofield Energetics - Bay Area School of Healing Touch
• VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healing - VortexHealing®, USA (Ongoing studies)
• Senior Massage- Geriatric Massage Institute, Spokane, WA
• Certified Qigong teacher and Practitioner - American Dragon Gate Lineage, CA
• AIMLA certified in deep tissue laser therapy and other forms of light therapy
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release (MFR) is my primary method in the treatment of muscle-skeletal restriction, immobility and pain. This type of bodywork integrates both deeper release work and/or slower 'unwinding' work and addresses specific issues by looking at overall patterns in the 'lines and slings' of connective tissue in the body. It is an effective way to find the source of an issue by looking at posture and patterns in the body as a whole. MFR releases adhesions in the muscles, improves blood and lymphatic circulation, stimulates the stretch reflex in muscles and identifies areas of the musculo-skeletal system which may not be an obvious part of the issue.
Fascia is fascia-nating!!
In recent years, much research has been done on this vital dynamic web of connective tissue that constitutes 20% of our bodyweight. Fascia can generally be described as the thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that permeates our entire body. A larger definition of fascia includes all soft tissue - muscles, connective tissue, even tendons and ligaments. Fascia can be thought of as a 'spider's web' of connective tissue which permeates and affects many different areas of the body and often becomes restricted due to overuse, poor posture, trauma from injury, surgical procedures, stress or inactivity. This can result in pain, diminished range of motion, and blood flow.
Cupping Therapy - 'Decompression Massage'
5 minutes of Cupping = 30 minutes of Deep Tissue!
That's how effective it is in releasing areas of restricted tight bound-up soft tissue. Cupping creates a vacuum by 'suctioning' out the air which enhances circulation by relieving pain, stagnant qi and facilitating the release of toxins. Once elasticity is restored, blood flow and rehydration of the tissue is dramatically improved and function is restored. Cupping Massage generally feels amazing as the cups I use are soft and moveable. It's primarily useful for the back and shoulders but I've had good success with it for certain arm & leg issues.
Five-Element Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art which uses the fingers to gradually press key healing points which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. This form of acupressure balances the five elements through the acupuncture points and channels of Chinese medicine, harmonizes the system and releases blockages. Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same pressure points and meridians (lines of energy) in the body. While Acupuncture employs needles, Acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure by releasing blockages on points along these lines of energy.
Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago and works to restore balance throughout the body-mind and spirit. The Chinese call this healing energy Qi or Chi. Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin and thus conduct and channel healing energy most effectively.
• General Massage & Bodywork Certificate: Diamond Light Massage School, San Rafael, CA
• Deep Tissue & Medical Massage - Institute of Conscious Bodywork - San Anselmo, CA
• Five-Element Acupressure - Acupressure Institute/McKinnon Body Therapy Center - Oakland, CA
• Cupping Therapy & Tui Na Meridian Massage - Acupressure Institute/McKinnon Body Therapy Center
• Myofascial Release - Anatomy Trains/Tom Myers
• Myofascial Unwinding - Diamond Light Massage School
• Lymphatic Massage - Diamond Light Massage School
• Healing Touch Biofield Energetics - Bay Area School of Healing Touch
• VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healing - VortexHealing®, USA (Ongoing studies)
• Senior Massage- Geriatric Massage Institute, Spokane, WA
• Certified Qigong teacher and Practitioner - American Dragon Gate Lineage, CA
• AIMLA certified in deep tissue laser therapy and other forms of light therapy
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release (MFR) is my primary method in the treatment of muscle-skeletal restriction, immobility and pain. This type of bodywork integrates both deeper release work and/or slower 'unwinding' work and addresses specific issues by looking at overall patterns in the 'lines and slings' of connective tissue in the body. It is an effective way to find the source of an issue by looking at posture and patterns in the body as a whole. MFR releases adhesions in the muscles, improves blood and lymphatic circulation, stimulates the stretch reflex in muscles and identifies areas of the musculo-skeletal system which may not be an obvious part of the issue.
Fascia is fascia-nating!!
In recent years, much research has been done on this vital dynamic web of connective tissue that constitutes 20% of our bodyweight. Fascia can generally be described as the thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that permeates our entire body. A larger definition of fascia includes all soft tissue - muscles, connective tissue, even tendons and ligaments. Fascia can be thought of as a 'spider's web' of connective tissue which permeates and affects many different areas of the body and often becomes restricted due to overuse, poor posture, trauma from injury, surgical procedures, stress or inactivity. This can result in pain, diminished range of motion, and blood flow.
Cupping Therapy - 'Decompression Massage'
5 minutes of Cupping = 30 minutes of Deep Tissue!
That's how effective it is in releasing areas of restricted tight bound-up soft tissue. Cupping creates a vacuum by 'suctioning' out the air which enhances circulation by relieving pain, stagnant qi and facilitating the release of toxins. Once elasticity is restored, blood flow and rehydration of the tissue is dramatically improved and function is restored. Cupping Massage generally feels amazing as the cups I use are soft and moveable. It's primarily useful for the back and shoulders but I've had good success with it for certain arm & leg issues.
Five-Element Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art which uses the fingers to gradually press key healing points which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. This form of acupressure balances the five elements through the acupuncture points and channels of Chinese medicine, harmonizes the system and releases blockages. Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same pressure points and meridians (lines of energy) in the body. While Acupuncture employs needles, Acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure by releasing blockages on points along these lines of energy.
Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago and works to restore balance throughout the body-mind and spirit. The Chinese call this healing energy Qi or Chi. Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin and thus conduct and channel healing energy most effectively.
Meridian 'Chi' Massage
Adapted from the Asian form of bodywork called Tui Na, a therapeutic form of massage which is especially useful for the joints and has been in continuous use in China for more than 2,000 years. It is the direct ancestor of Swedish Massage, the most commonly used form of massage in the West. Tui Na makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along the different energy channels (meridians) of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bring it back to balance and harmony. Meridian massage incorporates movement along with joint mobilization designed to move chi and energy. Combined with acupressure, it facilitates the healing process by dispersing stagnant chi and blockages along the channels.
Lymphatic Massage
The Lymph system has no pump unlike the cardio-vascular system so it relies on specific types of movement to pump the vessels. This form of massage is an important ally in keeping the immune system healthy as it moves the lymphatic fluid back into the main lymph nodes where it gets purified and ‘recycled’. Lymph contains many nutrients in addition to white blood cells etc so it also aids in detoxifying the body and is good for reducing inflammation. The techniques which I use are gentle, slow and rhythmic and it is generally very relaxing to receive.
Adapted from the Asian form of bodywork called Tui Na, a therapeutic form of massage which is especially useful for the joints and has been in continuous use in China for more than 2,000 years. It is the direct ancestor of Swedish Massage, the most commonly used form of massage in the West. Tui Na makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along the different energy channels (meridians) of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bring it back to balance and harmony. Meridian massage incorporates movement along with joint mobilization designed to move chi and energy. Combined with acupressure, it facilitates the healing process by dispersing stagnant chi and blockages along the channels.
Lymphatic Massage
The Lymph system has no pump unlike the cardio-vascular system so it relies on specific types of movement to pump the vessels. This form of massage is an important ally in keeping the immune system healthy as it moves the lymphatic fluid back into the main lymph nodes where it gets purified and ‘recycled’. Lymph contains many nutrients in addition to white blood cells etc so it also aids in detoxifying the body and is good for reducing inflammation. The techniques which I use are gentle, slow and rhythmic and it is generally very relaxing to receive.
VortexHealing® Energy Healing
VortexHealing® is a remarkable and beautiful type of 'energetic healing' which can create profound transformation and changes on many levels. This holistic system of energetic healing works solely with divine light and consciousness. It does not require you to 'believe' in it as the work happens on the level of consciousness.
While it certainly can help many issues on both the physical and emotional level, the real magic of VortexHealing® is its' ability to release and transform things at a deeper level. Old patterns of conditioning and beliefs affect us all - in multiple and unseen ways and often throughout our whole lives. It's hard to explain how it works as the transformation occurs directly at the levels of our energy system & consciousness. For more information about VortexHealing click here
Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a gentle 'biofield therapy' (the magnetic field around the body) that can be described as an energy-based approach to health and healing. The goal of Healing Touch is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self-heal. Developed by an RN, Healing Touch is the first energy-based system of healing to be utilized throughout hospitals in the US. It is especially useful for those undergoing chemotherapy or those in a diminished or frail state of health. These non-invasive techniques employ the hands to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Healing Touch is informed by a deep wisdom and understanding of the power we have to heal ourselves.
VortexHealing® is a remarkable and beautiful type of 'energetic healing' which can create profound transformation and changes on many levels. This holistic system of energetic healing works solely with divine light and consciousness. It does not require you to 'believe' in it as the work happens on the level of consciousness.
While it certainly can help many issues on both the physical and emotional level, the real magic of VortexHealing® is its' ability to release and transform things at a deeper level. Old patterns of conditioning and beliefs affect us all - in multiple and unseen ways and often throughout our whole lives. It's hard to explain how it works as the transformation occurs directly at the levels of our energy system & consciousness. For more information about VortexHealing click here
Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a gentle 'biofield therapy' (the magnetic field around the body) that can be described as an energy-based approach to health and healing. The goal of Healing Touch is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self-heal. Developed by an RN, Healing Touch is the first energy-based system of healing to be utilized throughout hospitals in the US. It is especially useful for those undergoing chemotherapy or those in a diminished or frail state of health. These non-invasive techniques employ the hands to clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Healing Touch is informed by a deep wisdom and understanding of the power we have to heal ourselves.