The individualized Healing Sessions that I give in my studio have been developed over thirty years of working with clients with a wide range of issues such as: muscular-skeletal problems (such as neck, shoulder, and back pain), sports and work related injuries, vertigo, IBS, headaches, cancer, and many others. It is a valuable compliment to western medical treatment in that it relaxes the individual, promotes the natural balance of energies in the body, and facilitates the healing process. The work I do is rooted in traditional Shiatsu (Japanese acupressure techniques), and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). I no longer call the work I do Shiatsu but Dynamic Acupressure. This reflects the metamorphosis of my healing style; starting with Shiatsu, then learning from my clients and molded with the influence of my Tai Chi Chuan training. Throughout the treatment I follow and work with the movement, or lack of movement, of the energies in the body and adjust what I do in response. My healing work is unique and effective. Let me help you.
Principles of the Work
In the Asian system of medical treatment, it is a given, that the natural state of the individual is to be in good health. All illnesses are the result of patterns that pull the individual away from the natural healthy state, so the goal of the treatment is to bring the body back into balance and it’s natural healthy pattern. You will feel much better after each treatment, but it may take as long as 3 to 4 days for the treatment to take full effect. The length of time varies with the individual, the time required is based on how long the individual takes to re-equilibrate with the new pattern. Interval between treatments is determined by individual needs; how acute are the symptoms and how quickly your body starts to revert back to the old pattern. Ideally, the treatments should be spaced to reinforce the good pattern so the old pattern does not get re-established. As the pattern gets re-enforced the length of time between treatments increases to the point where the treatments are spaced as routine maintenance, or as needed. Generally long term chronic problems take longer than acute traumatic injuries; depending of course on their nature.
The healing process is a cooperative effort. The person being treated is an active participant. Although the sole job of the individual is to “relax” during a healing session, that is a very difficult thing to achieve. Relaxation in the Asian modalities is an active process where-in the energies in the individual move freely. Where the energy is blocked, that is tension. In western terms relaxation is more equated to “vacation” where nothing is happening – this is collapsed in the Asian system. The more the client puts into it the quicker the healing process. This is true both during the healing session, where one is fully aware of the work and actively allowing it to happen (as opposed to fighting it), and between sessions, doing the assigned homework.
Note:
Only doctors can legally diagnose and prescribe for treatment of diseases. Please confirm that you have consulted a medical doctor for all the conditions you are aware of and have received authorization to try alternative/ complimentary modalities.
I do not work on pregnant women; this is not an area of treatment that I have specialized in.
What to Expect
The Healing Sessions are done while you are fully clothed.
The treatments are done on a raised platform with mats & cushions. This has the benefits of working on a table for people that have difficulty getting up and down from the floor, and it allows me to work on people as if they were on the floor which allows for the most efficient use of body weight and leverage.
This is energy work, in the Asian context of the concept of energy. In the Asian medical system, everything is energy; the physical being the coarsest form of energy and the spirit being the most subtle or refined. The techniques range from elbow pressure with body weight, to stretches, to finger pressure on acupuncture points (tsubos), to just laying on of hands. Whatever technique is used is dictated by the needs and condition of the client. It appears to be a very physical process, but memories and emotions are stored in the body, so as the physical work progresses there is work being done on other levels.
Feedback from the client is important. Aside from letting me know the goals you have for the treatment, you should clearly state if you have any areas on your body that are contraindicated for massage techniques and the reasons why. Also as the session progresses, you should always let me know if you are uncomfortable FOR ANY REASON. There should never be any sharp pain involved with the process or excessive discomfort. If you are uncomfortable and resisting the treatment you cannot expect a positive outcome. There is often a level of discomfort, since adhesions are often being loosened up; in the Asia system it is called “pleasureful pain” i.e. it hurts so good. This discomfort stops when the pressure or the stretch is released.
Also, if you have changes in your medications or physical activities, injuries, or changes in life situation (e. g. loss of a loved one, problems at work, etc.) between sessions please let me know. These can significantly influence the course of the treatment and require a change in approach.
Preparing for your Treatment
Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, cloths you would exercise in. Remove belts, jewelry or any clothing accessory that would inhibit movement, or poke into you if you laid on it, or in any way be uncomfortable .
If you have a treatment near a meal time, have something light to eat so you are not uncomfortably hungry during the session. Eating a heavy meal just before a treatment is not a good idea; allow at least an hour between finishing a meal and your treatment.
After the Treatment
Everybody responds differently to the treatments. Most people in this culture push themselves, and the treatment allows them to relax, so after the treatment they are very tired and feel the need to rest. Some people have energy blockages that have been holding them back, these people feel like they want to go out dancing all night. Basically, follow what your body is telling you – Just don’t overdo it. Strenuous exercise or work just after a treatment is not a good idea. Your body is adapting to a new energetic pattern so you need to take some time to get used to it. Do the activities that you would normally would do, for the duration that you would normally do them. You might feel like you can do much more than usually can do, but you are stabilizing to a new healthier pattern in your normal life. After about 3 – 4 days if you feel like increasing your levels of activity – go ahead.
Some soreness may occur if you have a lot of adhesions or some very old deep adhesions, but not always. Since adhesions are where the muscles are continuously in the “on” position lactic acid is trapped in the tissues in those areas; tense muscles restrict circulation. The work relaxes the muscles and releases the lactic acid to the surrounding tissue; this results in a feeling like you have over-exercised. This can be prevented by taking an aspirin , drinking a lot of water, and taking a hot bath or shower. All of these things improve the circulation and wash away the lactic acid. If this soreness occurs, it will only last a day or so after the treatment. The good news is that the adhesions will not return for a long time, and if you take care of yourself they never will.
In extremely rare cases, symptoms rebound and persist after a treatment. It is important to contact me if this occurs; although confusing, it may be a healing pattern where the energy is coming into focus, ready for resolution. In a way, it can be viewed as an agreement between you, me and the old energy pattern; only the three of us can resolve it. In these cases, it is characteristic that no medication or other treatment will have any significant affect on the symptoms. If you are involved deeply in self development through practices like Tai Chi or Yoga; I have seen where people have resolved it on their own, but it is a longer, more difficult process. Even so, I can help guide you and give you some reassurance as to the process.
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Cost
$135 for the first session – This session is longer than the subsequent treatments. Introduction, detailed explanation of the process, assessment and a review of the client’s medical history and concerns take additional time. The first session generally lasts approximately 2hrs.
Subsequent treatments –
1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hr. – $100
1 3/4 – 2hr – $135
Please pay by cash (not checks). Insurance companies do not cover this treatment since it does not fall into their table of codes for standardize treatments.
Please give 24 hour notification for any change or cancellation – you are responsible for any missed appointments
