9 ways to Find Serenity Now

We all know this story...

‘You wake up each morning in a rush to get to work on time. It seems like traffic is always backed up. By the time you get to work, you are met with deadlines, office politics, and 100 things on your to do list. Five o’clock comes and you are rushing home…traffic again! By the time you make it home, you are already late for dinner with your neighbors. The babysitter just called, and can’t make it tonight.’

Whew! I am stressed just thinking about it. Balancing your work and home life can be stressful. It seems like there is never enough time in the day for relaxation, but it is a necessary part of health and wellness for your body and mind. There are a few things you can do throughout your day to help relieve stress and find time for serenity NOW. 

1. Just Breathe: Take a big deep breath…then let it go. You will be amazed at how quickly you will feel better. The great thing about breathing technique is that you can do it anywhere. Sitting or standing, slowly and consciously focus on your inhalation. Breathing through your nose, inhale to the count of five. Hold the breath for three, and then exhale thru your mouth counting to eight as you imagine the stress leaving your body. Repeat this 3-5 times, and several times throughout the day. Stress can cause people to breath more rapidly, or worse, forget to breathe at all. Yoga or meditation classes both use deep breathing to promote relaxation and overall health. Find a local yoga studio in your area, and sign up for a class.

2. Be Active: Hit the gym! Although you may feel more like lying around the house, perched in front of the TV, exercise is great pick-me-up. Exercise releases endorphins that help your body battle anxiety. This alone can elevate your mood. In addition to the chemical benefits, exercise is great for taking your stress out in a constructive way. Kickboxing for example, is a great therapeutic way to relieve stress. Just visualize your stressor (boss, evil co-worker, nagging ex) as the recipient.

3. Laugh: Laughter is the best medicine, and its contagious! Pop in a funny DVD, go see a comedy show, or read a funny book. You will forget about your anxieties just as quick as they came about.

4. Reach out and touch someone: Have you hugged anyone today? Whether it is from a close friend, son, daughter, or significant other, a simple touch of endearment is an incredible mood enhancer. Having physical contact has been found to raise levels of Oxytocin also described as the "love hormone" while lowering levels of Cortisol, “the stress hormone” helping us relax and feel good.

5. Smell the Roses: Have you ever noticed that a certain sent just makes you feel better? Is it the smell of a certain flower, scent of a loved one’s cologne or even something baking in the oven? Figure out the scent that is most pleasing to you, and use it throughout your home. In the practice of Aromatherapy, certain scents influence your mood and can even change your physiology. Lavender is the go to for relaxation, but you can also use chamomile, ylang ylang or rose oil in a warm bath or just defuse the scents in the air.

6. Plug in to iTunes: Plug in your ear buds, and tune into to your favorite play list! Studies have shown a strong link between music and lowered stress levels in everyday life. Singing helps too. If you need to relax plug in Enya or any massage therapist go to track. You don’t have to limit yourself to just "relaxing" music though. Listen to something that lifts your spirits.

7. Treat Yourself: My personal favorite! This, you may not be able to do every day, but on occasion, you deserve a pampering. Treat yourself to a massage, facial or rejuvenating treatment of your choice. Get the benefits of all the aforementioned tips (aroma, music, touch) in one! If its not in the budget, you can do a bit of ‘at home’ pampering by soaking in a warm bath, lighting some candles and slip in a Sade CD to seal the deal.

8. Be Present: Sometimes this can be difficult in our modern society, but it is one of the most important things you can do to reduce stress and find serenity. The present is what is happening right now, at this moment. Don’t be consumed with what happened yesterday, or what could happen tomorrow. . This is an ancient Zen teaching that helps open your awareness to the moment. This might take time to master, but start small. Try eating a piece of chocolate. Instead of inhaling the chocolate and thinking after it’s gone how good it was, eat it slowly, taking tiny bites. With each bite focus on the taste. Experience how wonderful it is…right now. Take this exercise and relate it to other things in your life. You will find that this helps you have stronger relationships, get more done, and increase your fulfillment from life. All of this can be achieved simply by enjoying the moment.

9. Go Outside: Connect with the earth by taking a short walk thru the woods, sit by the pond, just get some fresh air and sunshine. Our early ancestors spent most of their lives outdoors, but today we are lucky to get 30 minutes a day. Our body’s still physically and mentally need the benefits of the outdoors, especially the sun. So get out there, everyday id you can, and soak it all up. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up some rays, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Pain in the Butt

Last week I was socializing at a marketing event with a few colleagues in the community when a gentleman asked me publicly (and very boldly I might add) if I did "butt massage" in my practice. He intended this comment to be somewhat of a joke, but was surprised when my response was "Absolutely!" This caught him and everyone else off guard.  Suddenly the faces in the room were puzzled and some even looked shocked.  I smiled to to myself because it gave me a chance to address something that I had wanted to talk about in these meetings without having to be the one to bring it up. Needless to say, I spent the next 15 minutes explaining my answer.


"Butt Massage", as this guy so delicately put it, is one of most important parts of alleviating hip and low back pain, but (no pun intended), because in our society it is often considered a private part, these muscles are often overlooked in the massage room because of a client's or even a therapist's shyness. As we know, massage is a therapeutic manipulation of muscle and surrounding tissue with the intent to reduce pain. Your behind is full of muscles! Everyone knows the big one; Gluteus Maximus, but thats just what's on the surface.
There are two other large muscles in the Glutes; Gluteus Medius and Minimus.

Gluteus Medius & Minimus help to support the hips while walking. When hyopertonic, either of these muscles can cause a brutal amount of pain that radiates from underneath the butt cheek, up the lower back, then all the way down the side of the leg and into the calf muscle. Trigger Points in these muscles can cause pain while walking or standing, and they can make it difficult to get out of a chair without extreme pain. 

Even deeper to these muscles, you have an even smaller muscle, but one that can cause excruciating pain when it is not healthy, the piriformis. The piriformis causes this amount of  pain because it is located over the sciatic nerver and when it is hypertonic, causes nerve entrapment AKA Sciatica!   for anyone who has been lucky enough to miss out on the ever painful experience of sciatica, Congratulations!  Sciatica is a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back and upper buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the leg. Sometimes the pain radiates around the hip or buttock and is described as a general hip pain. Severe sciatica can make walking difficult if not impossible.



The good news is that your massage therapist can treat and alleviate this kind of pain!  The bad news is most people are too shy to ask.  A good massage therapist is a healthcare professional, and it is our job to do our best to reduce your pain in a safe, professional and non-judging way.  You will always remain draped to your gluteal line, and your privates will always remain private.  A neuromuscular massage session on this area should take at least 30minutes focusing on the specific problem area.  It is normal to feel sore for a day or so after, but you should feel significant relief within two days.  It may take up to six sessions before the problem is resolved.  

If you still are unsure if you feel comfortable receiving a professional massage in this manner, there is something you can do at home to relieve your pain.

The Tennis Ball Trick



You will need a regular tennis ball.   Place the ball between the wall and your hip/buttocks so that it can get to your Gluteus Medius, minimus or piriformis. Slowly apply pressure and move around until you feel ‘the spot’. You’ll know when you feel it!  It will mimic your symptoms with a burning sensation.  It should be uncomfortable, but don't hurt yourself.  Apply pressure at about an 7 out of 10 (10 being unbearable), and hold that pressure on the trigger point for about 30 seconds or until you feel it "let go".   Remember to breath deeply, and on each exhalation visualize the muscle relaxing.  You may need to do this for several days to get rid of all of your trigger points. 

Pain in the Neck

According to several studies, about 67 percent of adults experience severe neck and shoulder pain in their lifetime. As a Liscensed Massage Therapist, I would have guessed the actual number is much higher than this. As it turns out, neck pain is one of the primary reasons people visit the doctor. Unfortunately, many people don't know what causes this pain and as a result they do not know how to prevent and relieve it. Below is a summary of a few of the major causes out neck and shoulder pain.

Stress

Stress causes your muscles to tense up and contract, which leaves them feeling stiff and sore, which makes emotional stress the leading culprit of neck and shoulder pain. We often remember the old saying, "he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders", oddly enough that is the body's physiological response to stress. It is important to take a significant amount of time of each day to relax, meditate or do something enjoyable for you. Take a warm bath, read a good book, listen to some music or even watch your favorite television show.

Muscle Strain

Daily heavy lifting and strenuous exercise can cause over-stretched and over-contracted muscles in the neck and shoulders. To prevent pain in this area when working out, know your limits. This also applies to moving and lifting heavy items either on your own time or at work.

Sleeping

Sleeping in a bad position can cause you to wake up with a crick in the neck. Assuming most of us get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, this leaves certain muscles contracted for that entire period. Think about how sore other muscles feel when you uses them for hours at a time. That is what causes the sever pain and immobility the neck morning after a night sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.

Sitting at a Desk

People who spend hours of their work day in front of a computer all day often have neck and shoulder pain because computer monitors are rarely aligned with the person's eyes. This means that the person must tilt their head up or down to see the screen which puts an enormous amount of stress on the neck. Always adjust your monitor so the center of it is level with your eyes when working on a computer.

Trigger points 

Trigger points cause pain more often than any other condition, and are drastically under-diagnosed due to the lack of information about them. Trigger points are  hypersensitive areas in muscle that suffer from decreased circulation, increased contraction and spasm. Poor circulation causes a buildup of toxins and increased nerve sensitivity that manifests in the body as a low ache or a sharp pain.  When someone has an active trigger point in a muscle it can cause pain in that muscle or often it can refer pain to another area in the body. 

The most common referred pain is in the form of headaches, shoulder  and neck pain, caused from trigger points in the back of the neck, shoulder and upper back. Such trigger points can remain dormant for very long periods of time but will eventually cause spasm or pain.  Many headaches (including migraines) are caused from these trigger points referring sensation into certain areas of the head.  While most headache symptoms usually are treated with painkillers, though the underlying cause is almost never addressed.  

Though the causes of neck and shoulder pain are diverse, there is one common cure for all of them, and it does not involve medicine.  GET A MASSAGE!  Almost all of the causes of neck and shoulder pain (even headaches) are muscular.  So put down the anti-inflammatory meds and call your local massage therapist ASAP.  Reduce stress, lengthen and stretch those muscles, improve your circulation, and get rid of those trigger points.  It may take a few sessions to get you feeling back to normal, but you will feel the difference immediately. 

My favorite Massage Quotes

The root of all health is in the brain. 

The trunk of it is in emotion. 

The branches and leaves are the body. 

The flower of health blooms

when all parts work together.

- Kurdish folk wisdom

Healing yourself is connected with healing others.

~ Yoko Ono

Sometimes the most urgent and vital thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.

Ashleigh Brilliant

To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

~Buddha

There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophies.

~Friedrich Nietzche

The body never lies.

~Martha Graham

Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen. ~Shakti Gawain

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly 

pat on the back. 

-Maya Angelou 

The mind has exactly the same power as the hands: 

not merely to grasp the world, but to change it.- Colin Wilson

When you touch a body, you touch the whole person, 

the intellect, the spirit, and the emotions.- Jane Harrington

When you stand with your two feet on the ground, 

you will always keep your balance.- Tao Te Ching

Carefully observe your activities of thinking, breathing, movement, diet, sex, and sleep, for 

these are the six fundamentals of health. Within this realm lies success or failure in your 

physical health and emotional happiness.

Shizuko Yamamota

I'm not a healer and I'm not a doctor, he would say, I'm just a mechanic.

Lauren Berry

Emotion always has its roots in the unconscious

and manifests itself in the body.- Irene Claremont de Castillejo

If you understand the force of intelligence in the body, its mechanical operation and structure, 

you can work on any part of the body you can reach with your hands.

Lauren Berry

When health is absent...Wisdom cannot reveal itself

Art cannot become manifest

Strength cannot be exerted

Wealth is useless and reason is powerless. 

Heraphilies

The mind cannot forget what the hands have learned

Jon Zahourek

Massage is the study of anatomy in braille.

Jack Meagher

My vision is to make touch positive social value in our culture.

David Palmer

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 

Leo Buscaglia 

To get rich never risk your health. For it is the truth that health is the wealth of wealth.

Richard Baker

Never hurry. Take plenty of exercise. Always be cheerful. Take all the sleep you need. You 

may expect to be well.

James Freeman Clarke

As we free our breath (through diaphragmatic breathing) we relax our emotions and let go 

our body tensions.

Gay Hendricks

The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks 

brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to 

changing stresses on the body.

Harry J. Johnson

He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not.

Italian Proverb

If you need medical advice, let these three things be your physicians; a cheerful mind, 

relaxation from business, and a moderate diet.

Schola Salern

Must be out-of-doors enough to get experience of wholesome reality, as a ballast to thought 

and sentiment. Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life.

Henry David Thoreau

A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time -- pills or stairs

Joan Welsh

The sound body is the product of the sound mind.

George Bernard Shaw

The human body is made up of some four hundred muscles; evolved through centuries of 

physical activity. Unless these are used, they will deteriorate.

Eugene Lyman Fisk

The human body was designed to walk, run or stop; it wasn't built for coasting.

Cullen Hightower.

Happiness lies, first of all, in health.

George William Curtis

He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.

Arabian Proverb

Wisdom is to the mind what health is to the body.

Francois De La Rochefoucauld

With My Own Two Hands...

When I was in Massage School, every day at the end of class, our instructor would play a song that was inspirational and motivating on so many levels.  After nearly a year of listening to this song everyday I had become somewhat annoyed by it.  Looking back this is funny to me because I listen to it almost everyday now as a mantra of sorts.  While I am sure that Jack Johnson and Ben Harper can reach millions more people than I can with this simple blog, I still want to post the lyrics and video for inspiration to those who have never heard it. Use this as a daily reminder that you can change the world and make it a better place!!

"With My Own Two Hands"

Jack Johnson (feat. Ben Harper)

I can change the world

With my own two hands

Make it a better place

With my own two hands

Make it a kinder place

With my own two hands

I can make peace on earth

With my own two hands

I can clean up the earth

With my own two hands

I can reach out to you

With my own two hands

I'm going to make it a brighter place

With my own two hands

I'm going to make it a safer place

With my own two hands

I'm going to help the human race

With my own two hands

I can hold you

With my own two hands

I can comfort you

With my own two hands

But you've got to use

Use your own two hands

With our own

With our own two hands

The Science of Touch

At every massage conference or new age seminar, everybody is talking about energy healing therapies.  I have an open, yet skeptical mind, so my curiosity has lead me to answer some underlying questions about how it works.  There are many names and variations of energy work in the natural healing circle.  For the purpose of this article we are going to call it "Quantum Touch" which seems to be the most popular and modern variation.


Quantum-Touch is described as a method of natural healing that works with the' Life Force Energy' of the body to promote optimal  health and wellness. Life Force Energy is also known as “chi” in Chinese, “prana” in Sanskrit, and has even been connected to the western "soul".  All of these terms are describing  the flow of energy that sustains all living beings. Quantum-Touch teaches us how to focus, use, and move this energy, by combining various breathing and energy awareness exercises for a wide range of benefits.  This is believed to work by facilitating the body’s own healing process. 


Before you can understand Quantum Touch, you must understand basics of combined eastern medicine and the principles of the Chakras.

Chakras are the subtle energy centers of the body.  The ancient Indian Yogis understood the nature of the subtle energy which drives all biological function.  They called these centers “Chakras” which literally means “ wheels.”   Those who see energy often perceive the chakras as spinning with a wheel-like appearance.  Below is a helpful break down of the seven chakras from www.chakraenergy.com

Root or Base Chakra
Colour Association	Red
Sanskit Name	Muladhara
Location	Base of spine, coccyx
Lesson	Survival–The right to exist. Deals with tasks related to the material and physical world. Ability to stand up for oneself and security issues.
Imbalances	Anemia, fatigue, lower back pain, sciatica, depression. Frequent colds or cold hands and cold feet.
Root Stimulants	Physical exercise and restful sleeps, gardening, pottery and clay. Red food & drink. Red gemstones, red clothing, bathing in red, etc. Using red oils such as ylang ylang or sandalwood essential oils.

Spleen Chakra
Colour Association	Orange
Sanskit Name	Svadisthana
Location	Below navel, lower abdomen
Lesson	Feelings—The right to feel. Connected to our sensing abilities and issues related to feelings. Ability to be social and intimacy issues.
Imbalances	Eating disorders. Alcohol and drug abuse. Depression. Low back pain. Asthma or allergies. Candida & yeast infections. Urinary problems. Sensuality issues as well as impotency and frigidity.
Spleen Stimulants	Hot aromatic baths, water aerobics, massage.Embracing sensation (such as different food tastes). Orange food & drink. Orange gemstones and orange clothing. Using orange oils such as melissa or orange essential oils.

Solar Plexus Chakra
Colour Association	Yellow
Sanskit Name	Manipura
Location	Above the navel, stomach area
Lesson	Personal power–The right to think. Balance of intellect, self-confidence and ego power. Ability to have self-control and humor.
Imbalances	Digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, constipation. Nervousness, toxicity, parasites, colitis, poor memory.
Solar Plexus Stimulants	Taking classes, reading informative books, doing mind puzzles. Sunshine. Detoxication programs. Yellow food & drink. Yellow gemstones and yellow clothing. Using yellow oils such as lemon or rosemary essential oils.

Heart Chakra
Colour Association	Green
Sanskit Name	Anahata
Location	Center of chest
Lesson	Relationships–The right to love. Love, forgiveness, compassion. Ability to have self-control. Acceptance of oneself.
Imbalances	Heart and breathing disorders. Heart and breast cancer. Chest pain. High blood pressure. Passivity. Immune system problems. Muscular tension.
Heart Stimulants	Nature walks, time spent with family or friends. Green food & drink. Green gemstones and green clothing. Using green oils such as eucalyptus or pine essential oils.

Throat Chakra
Colour Association	Blue
Sanskit Name	Visuddha
Location	Throat region
Lesson	Relationships–The right to speak. Learning to express oneself and one’s beliefs (truthful expression). Ability to trust. Loyalty. Organization and planning.
Imbalances	Thyroid imbalances, swollen glands. Fevers and flu. Infections. Mouth, jaw, tongue, neck and shoulders problems. Hyperactivity. Hormonal disorders such as PMS, mood swings, bloating and menopause.
Throat Stimulants	Singing (in the shower), poetry, stamp or art collecting. Meaningful conversations. Blue food & drink. Blue gemstones and blue clothing. Using blue oils such as chamomile or geranium essential oils.

Brow or Third Eye Chakra
Colour Association	Indigo
Sanskit Name	Anja
Location	Forehead, in between the eyes.
Lesson	Intuition–The right to “see.” Trusting one’s intuition and insights. Developing one’s psychic abilities. Self-realization. Releasing hidden and repressed negative thoughts.
Imbalances	Learning disabilities, co-ordination problems, sleep disorders.
Depression	Thyroid imbalances, swollen glands. Fevers and flu. Infections. Mouth, jaw, tongue, neck and shoulders problems. Hyperactivity. Hormonal disorders such as PMS, mood swings, bloating and menopause.
Brow Stimulants	Star gazing. Mediation Indigo food & drink. Indigo gemstones and indigo clothing. Using indigo oils such as patchouli or frankincense essential oils.

Crown Chakra
Colour Association	Violet
Sanskit Name	Sahasrara
Location	Top of head
Lesson	Knowingness–The right to aspire. Dedication to the divine consciousness and trusting the universe. Learning about one’s spirituality. Our connection to the concept of “God” or a higher intelligence. Integrating one’s consciousness and subconsciousness into the superconsciousness.
Imbalances	Headaches. Photosensitivity. Mental illness. Neuralgia.Senility. Right/left brain disorders and coordination problems. Epilepsy. Varicose veins and blood vessel problems. Skin Rashes.
Crown Stimulants	Focusing on dreams. Writing down one’s visions and inventions. Violet food & drink. Violet gemstones and violet clothing. Using violet oils such as lavender or jasmine essential oils.

The Science behind Quantum Touch

 There has been Independent research  done during the 1980's investigating what happens whilst people practice therapies like Quantum touch.  Interestingly, they found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner and receiver become synchronised in the alpha state, which is the state of deep relaxation and meditation, but they pulse in unison with the earth's magnetic field.  It was recorded that durring a quatum touch session, the biomagnetic field of the practitioners' hands is at least 1000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current. Prof Paul Davies and Dr John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discuss the quantum physics view of a 'living universe' in which everything is connected in a 'living web of interdependence'. All of this supports the subjective experience of 'oneness' and 'expanded consciousness' of the philosophies that introduced us to these techniques.  The study  found evidence that  intention direction of this energy led to physical changes in the body.  You can read more about this and other scientific studies at http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/sciencemeasures.htm.


It is interesting to note that this study  was carried out on a world-wide variety of cross-cultural subjects, and no matter what their belief systems or customs, or how opposed to each other their customs were, all tested the same. Part of Quantum Touch's  growing popularity is that it does not impose a set of beliefs, and can therefore be used by people of any background and faith, or none at all. This neutrality makes it particularly appropriate to be implemented and used in a medical setting.

Hands on Healing

Massage therapy is often seen as a modern luxury, however massage is one of the oldest documented forms of healthcare. The power of touch has been used all over the world for nearly 4,000 years.  The practice of massage was even recorded by Hippocrates (the father of Medicine).   Whether you are seeking relief from stress, treating an injury or just looking for the luxury of spa services, there is no doubt that massage is a powerful part of our modern wellbeing.  Considering that nearly ninety percent of disease stems from stress, massage is one of the best ways to counteract the physical effects of our stressful, high speed lifestyle.  

'Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles.' -Associated Massage & Bodywork Professionals

Here are a few things that can be achieved by receiving professional massage regularly:

• Decreased anxiety
• Enhanced sleep quality
• Greater energy
• Improved concentration
• Increased circulation
• Reduced fatigue
• Relief of tired and aching muscles 
• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Diminished chronic pain
• Enhanced skin tone
• Strengthened the immune system
• Reduced tension/migraine headaches 
• Improved concentration

Currently the AMBP (Association of Massage & Bodywork Professionals) recognizes 250 variations of massage. A few of the most popular are:

Swedish:collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper soft tissue, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.   Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. 

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT): is a specialized form of manual therapy that uses static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. Conditions such as chronic pain, sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and migraines are helped through this technique. It is said that neuromuscular therapy is one of the most effective types of massage therapy for lower back pain. 
NMT is also used to locate and release spasms and hyper contractions in the tissue. It aids the healing process for injured tissue, assists in venous and lymphatic flow, restores postural alignment, and imparts flexibility to the tissues.  It disperses the lactic acid, so the deficient muscle can begin to accept a clean supply of oxygen and blood flow. Often clients will experience some muscle soreness following a neuromuscular therapy massage. 

Craniosacral:Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., 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 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 5 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.

Hot Stone:A unique connection with nature. Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage.

Lymph Drainage:This healing technique has become a popular massage choice. It blends soothing, gentle, rhythmical, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. Deep Tissue Massage Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion. Rolfing by Dr. Ida Rolf, aligns the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia or connective tissue. 

Myofascial Release:A three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.

Quantum Touch:This hands-on healing method offers spontaneous adjusting of proper alignment of the body. Principles behind Quantum-Touch involve resonance, intention, attention, breath, and innate body intelligence. Using various breathing techniques and meditations, a light touch is applied to activate the body's own healing process.

As part of out natural aging process, our bodies can become weaker and our muscles and joints become tighter.  Much of this is due to the physical and emotional stress we put on our bodies just by our activities of daily living.  You can slow down that aging process though regular massage and stretching exercises.  



'Massage is the study of anatomy in braille.'
-Jack Meagher