Customized services offered

Cancer/Oncology Massage

It used to be assumed that massage during cancer treatment was dangerous and could encourage the  spread of  cancer throughout the body. Cancer patients do have unique needs which MUST be addressed to make sure that your treatment is done safely.  It has been discovered that massage provided by a therapist with advanced training is very beneficial physically and emotionally during any stage of disease from the time of diagnosis, through treatments, into survivorship, and even for advanced stage disease and end of life. Even years after treament alterations in protocol often need to be observed to prevent lympedema and other complications. As a cancer survivor myself I find that adequately trained therapists in this specialty are a rarity. I focus my attention on creating a gentle, nurturing environment for you to relax into.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy and postpartum massage is my passion. My training and experience in the realm of childbirth is vast, including a 3 month course in the specialty of prenatal massage. Experience with childbearing families began back in 1997 when I became a certified birth doula. Further education in: lactation, postpartum doula services, infant massage and perinatal mood disorders followed. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to poor body mechanics, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to ensure your comfort. 

Acupressure

Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing - that touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply pressure directly to these "points" on your body, which balances energy flow. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to be very effective in treating headaches, backaches, insomnia and much more.

Energy Work

Reiki, which originated in Japan, is a natural therapy that uses healing energy to increase well-being and support healing. Healing life force energy exists in the body, but is depleted when you are sick or stressed. Reiki helps to increase your healing energy supply. This increased flow of healing energy sets the stage for your body, mind and spirit to heal itself. 

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. It does this by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This technique can be briefly uncomfortable for a minute or so, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to small specific areas of your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. 

Self care techniques instruction

I am pleased to share techniques that you might like to use between visits to enhance wellness. Breathing techniques, self acupressure, meditation techniques and other simple energy self care practices can make a big difference in your wellbeing.

Palliative care

Palliative care can begin as soon as someone receives a life-limiting diagnosis and hospice care is an option when the life expectancy is six months or less.  

Patients in hospice and palliative care settings are likely dealing with a variety of issues—some that are physical and some that are more emotional and customized care can help manage many of them. It has been shown to help decrease anxiety, agitation, pain and joint stiffness and significantly boosts overall relaxation.

There is research to back up these claims. A 2014 study focused on integrating massage therapy into palliative care found statistically significant changes in pain, anxiety, relaxation and inner peace of patients, decreasing both pain intensity and anxiety while increasing the patients’ sense of relaxation and inner peace.

Cranial Sacral

Cranial Sacral Therapy is an extremely gentle yet powerful technique that eases pain, depression, grief and anxiety, and supports immune system function, digestion and sleep. Very light touch is exerted on the cranial bones, sutures and sacrum allowing release of fascial restrictions for optimal movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. This can be a 15 min part of a bodywork session, or can be expanded to be a longer session on its own and can be done fully clothed.