In my healing practice, I use a wide variety of massage techniques to help clients achieve their health and wellness goals. According to the needs, preferences, and intentions of my client, sessions can combine aspects of bodywork (massage), energy healing, breath-work, visualization, guided somatic awareness, wellness education & other modalities. Every session is unique.

A session may or may not feel like a "traditional massage." In any case, clients usually experience deep stillness and calm, and leave with new insights, renewed energy, and a sense of regeneration.

Here's some information on the different massage techniques I use:

Swedish / Relaxation / Wellness Massage:
This is what people classically think of when they think of massage. It uses a variety of pleasant, often flowing massage techniques to bring about relaxation and a deep state of rest that allows the body to restore and heal itself. Massage of this kind provides profound systemic benefits for the whole body and energetic system. It has been found to be very effective for relieving depression and anxiety.

Lomi Lomi / Hawaiian Massage:
Lomi lomi massage is a Hawaiian form of body-centered, "hands-on" energywork, also sometimes called "loving hands" massage. It is flowing, loving, nurturing, and dance-like. It feels wonderful; nurtures body, mind, heart, and spirit; promotes physical healing; and has a powerful energetic impact as well. My massage style includes many elements of lomi lomi. Learn more about Hawaiian massage here.

Lymphatic Massage:
This form of bodywork works with the lymphatic system, rather than the muscles. The feather-light strokes stimulate lymphatic flow, with powerful results both for general immune system health and specific conditions including inflammation, traumatic injuries such as strains and sprains, headaches, sinus issues, healing from surgery, osteoarthritis, skin conditions, and swelling from unresolved injuries such as ankle sprains. You can learn more about lymphatic massage here.

Treatment / Injury / Deep Tissue Massage:
A treatment massage focuses on helping you reduce or eliminate pain and heal from specific injuries or conditions. My treatment massage techniques include deep tissue massage, trigger point massage, positional release, lymphatic facilitation, myofascial release, and reflexive work with the muscles. Many of my techniques are very gentle and can be used even in the acute stages of injury.

Trigger Point Therapy:
In my opinion, trigger point massage is an incredibly valuable but hugely under-used technique for relieving stubborn muscle pain. Trigger points are basically muscle knots. They're usually extremely tender to the touch, and they most often refer pain to somewhere else in the same muscle. Whenever you have a muscle pain that nothing seems to help, it's always worthwhile to explore and see if there's a trigger point that's causing all the trouble. Trigger point work is uncomfortable, but I always work within your tolerance range. You can learn to do it yourself, too (I'll teach you.)

Here are some other techniques I may also use:

Energy Healing:
Energy healing works with a different model of the body than conventional medicine. Most conventional medicine views the body basically as just physical matter, organized into a machine. Energy healing sees the body as consciousness, information, and energy. It recognizes much more to you than just your physical body. When I do energy healing I work with your energy--the part of you that you can't see or touch--to support and amplify your health, healing, and personal growth. You can learn more about energy healing here.

Visualization:
Guided visualization uses the power of mind, imagination, and intention to increase wellbeing. Results can include the release of chronically tense muscles, profound relaxation, improved immune function, and insights into stubborn problems.

Breathwork
Breath can be one of our most powerful tools for health. Breathing is meant to do much more than supply us with oxygen. Optimal breathing can increase physical energy and mental clarity; support a state of serenity; improve immune function; assist in managing chronic pain; and help resolve chronic back and neck pain. Breathwork can involve bodywork focused on the breathing muscles, somatic education about optimal breathing, breath coaching, and guided visualization.

Scent/Aromatherapy
The sense of smell is our oldest and one of our most powerful senses. Various aromatherapy scents can help to balance us physically and energetically and evoke deep healing responses. (Of course, for those with allergies, scent-free treatment is an option.)

Sound
Sound -- vibration -- can play a powerful role in supporting our energetic health and balance. Music (recorded), voice, percussive instruments, and singing bowls are some of the instruments I use as healing tools.

Of course, not every session includes all of these massage techniques! Together, we decide what will serve your needs best.