Bodywork

Thai Massage

I have studied Thai massage (Northern Style); accumulating over 100 hours of in-class instruction both as a student and as the assistant teacher, followed by several years of self-study and practice. Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor; both client and therapist are dressed in comfortable and stretchy clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. The benefits of a Thai massage can vary depending on the style and pace of the treatment. You will always feel refreshed; with energy blockages released and the free flow of energy restored. Like all massage, a Thai massage also relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and increases range of motion. Since nearly every stretch (which generally includes an element of compression) corresponds to a yoga pose, you are essentially guided thru a passive yoga session, with the therapist doing most of the hard work. When done at a slow pace it is very relaxing and centering, think of a yin yoga practice, very slow and deliberate, with focus on meditating breaths. Whereas if done at a faster pace (think vinyasa or hot yoga) it energizes your body and gets you ready to go.

Pregnancy

During this 4 day course, we studied what an expectant mother needs from massage. Far more than just how to massage, we studied: *Detailed physiology, anatomy & functional body use *How to enhance the maternity experience and healthy outcomes *The value of autonomic sedation for childbearing and how to promote it *Techniques to alleviate most prenatal, labor & postpartum complaints *Attitudes and information that encourage normalcy, well-being, and women-centered care *Assessment & adaptations for medically complicated and high-risk pregnancies *Skills to increase clients’ kinesthetic awareness and readiness for birthing and mothering *Massage therapy to facilitate relaxation, pain reduction and progress during labor *Ways to restore and rebalance a postpartum woman’s abdomen, movement, and emotions *Techniques that reduce the strain of childcare activities *Relevant research, ethics, and collaboration for integration into perinatal health care and other work environments

Intra-Oral Massage

This was a 2-day course in which I learned the anatomy and kinesiology of the face, anterior neck, cranial base, and jaw. I studied (and since practiced) techniques to balance the jaw (bite and chewing) and the anterior neck (hyoid sling and upper cervicals) as well as increased my skills for addressing TMJ disorder, headaches, whiplash, and other musculo-skeletal problems. Consideration of the psychological and emotional loading of the face and mouth was covered, along with specialized intake, charting, hygiene and client management skills that are necessary when working in such a vulnerable area.