Jin Shin Do®

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind® Acupressure™ is a unique blend of an ancient Japanese healing art (acupressure), Chinese acu- puncture theory, Taoist Yogic philosophy and Western psychology which was developed by psychotherapist Iona Teeguarden. It focuses on how mental stress affects us physically and provides many of the beneficial effects of acupuncture by using gentle, yet deep supportive touch rather than needles.

This bodymind approach facilitates the release of chronic tension and emotional stress promoting muscle relaxation, a state of deep relaxation and diminished pain.

In Chinese medicine any illness or symptom is associated with an imbalance in a person’s energy. The body’s vital energy travels through specific pathways or meridians. When an imbalance or blockage in the flow of energy occurs, physical and psychological symptoms such as headaches, backaches and depression occur. The Jin Shin Do therapist identifies and treats the imbalance by applying deep, yet gentle, finger pressure to various acupoints that lie along these meridians, allowing you, the client, to release physical and emotional tension. The natural balance of energy is restored and pain diminishes.

A typical Jin Shin Do session is one to one-and-a-half hours long. Clients lie fully clothed on their back on a massage table, while the practitioner holds local pressure points in tense areas along with related distal points, which aid the tense areas to release more easily. Clients are invited to breathe into the tense areas and the client always determines the depth of pressure. As the practitioner, I will assess your energic condition and administer treatment that is geared toward restoring your body’s natural balance. Acupressure can alleviate tension and stress, fatigue, as well as stress-related problems such as headaches, backaches, sinus pain, gastro-intestinal distress, and allergies.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which includes membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It taps into a motion called the craniosacral rhythm that may be felt most strongly at the head (cranium) and base of the spine (sacrum). This rhythm is created by a “wave” of fluid, which continuously ebbs and flows in the space around the brain and spinal cord. Tension anywhere in your body can restrict the flow of this rhythm. With gentle touch, often less than then weight of a nickel that rhythm can be subtly corrected. During this process, tension spontaneously releases, allowing for positive change throughout the body.

By complementing the body’s natural healing process, CST is also used as a preventative health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction including:

In addition to the physical healing benefits, CST also has an emotional component. During treatment when the body relaxes, feelings may surface. Becoming aware of your emotions can be a very effective aid in relieving tension and pain and may lead to long lasting improvements in overall health and psychological well being.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a hands-on bodywork technique that can help in reducing chronic pain and the physical limitations it causes. “Myo” refers to muscle and “fascia” to the elastic web of connective tissue that ties your body together. Muscles and fascia work together to support your body and facilitate movement. What this therapy does is relieve tension and pain by releasing and lengthening both muscles and fascia. Tight, inflexible fascia can pull on muscles and other structures, caus- ing tension, pain and limited mobility. With myofascial release, you may find relief not only from temporary tightness, but also from long-held tension as well. Without the pull of tight fascia, muscles can stay lengthened and in balance with each other. As a result, people often notice long lasting increased comfort and mobility. Myofascial release promotes flexibility, balance and relaxation. It is particularly effective in relieving stiff necks, chronic headaches, plantar fascitis and low back and shoulder pain.

Your session will begin with a discussion and evaluation of your injury, pain or limitation. Then I will begin working with your outermost layer of tissue and, like uncovering the layers of an onion, gradually move deeper. As you relax, long, smooth and deliberate strokes and extended stretches will be applied to your tissues. Releasing fascia requires a sensitive and slow ap- proach. Your first session may be quite gentle and you will wonder if anything is really happening. However, it is over the next few days where you will need to watch for changes such as reduced tension and ease of movement. Over time, as outer lay- ers become more pliable, your therapist will be able to work more deeply. It is not uncommon to feel some soreness after your first treatment. This is similar to the temporary soreness that may result from exercise or a deep tissue massage. However, this soreness may be eased by simply increasing your water intake.