Each bodywork session is as unique as the individual.

However, all sessions with me are based on shiatsu and shin tai.

Variations in pressure, meridians addressed, particular releasing techniques, and 'priority of treatment' are determined by the client's needs for that session.

The exception is my newest offering of the Acupressure Facial. (See below).

Shiatsu

Shiatsu (pronounced shee ah' tsoo), literally meaning "finger pressure", is a style of bodywork with its roots in the ancient philosophies of Chinese Medicine, and with modern refinement by way of Japan. In the Eastern tradition, maintaining wellness is related to balancing the body's energy system, called "ki" (or 'qi' or 'chi' in Chinese.. pronounced "chee").

Many centuries ago, the Chinese intuited that energy, or ki, circulates around the body along well-defined passageways, known as meridians or channels. As it moves through the body, the ki feeds the organs, muscles, and senses, and therefore vitalizes all of the body's functions. If the flow of energy is balanced, then the person feels well physically and emotionally. If the energy becomes overactive or deficient, then conditions and symptoms begin to arise (this knowledge become the basis for acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine).

During a shiatsu session, the practitioner will assess the condition of the receiver through questioning, observation, and the treatment itself. The process of giving a shiatsu treatment involves palpation, pressure-both general and specific, rocking, stretching, massaging and holding.. all the while with the practitioner's awareness on the quality of balance within the meridian system, and attention paid to areas of "stuckness" or emptiness. The receiver may be invited to bring an awareness to their breathing, as well as any sensations they may be feeling in response to the practitioner's touch.

Shin Tai

Shin Tai is a more recent evolution of bodywork, building on shiatsu, as well as incorporating Western modalities such as craniosacral, fascial, and structural alignment techniques. Specific attention is paid to the energetic and structural components of the spine, as it is the physical manifestation of the Governing Vessel (GV), one of the two primary information channels from which all of the other 12 meridians emanate from. Developed by Saul Goodman, the intention of shin tai (or Life Force Recovery), is to free up the spinal column and its surrounding tissues- muscles and fascia- as Governing Vessel flow is intimately affected by spinal alignment. As coordination of the dense and softer tissues of the spine returns to the body, the self-healing and self-regulatory capacity of the body/mind increases, resulting in higher energy and more productive living.

These are but brief descriptions.. more in-depth discussion of these powerful modalities will be upcoming.

For simpler explanations, see the FAQ page

Ginger Compress

A traditional macrobiotic "remedy", ginger compresses involve soaking cotton towels in a hot potful of fresh ginger water and placing them on stiff areas of the body.

Ginger has a penetrating yet dispersing action that, with the heat, increases deep circulation, and breaks up stagnation that takes the form of stiffness, muscle aches, cysts, stones (like in kidneys) lung congestion, arthritis, and cramps. Great for most areas, though contraindicated for cancer and malignant tumors. Also, a great regular treatment to administer over the kidney area on the back to promote overall vitality.

This is a treatment that can be done yourself (directions here) but can also been done in my office alone (so you can relax) or as part of an overall shiatsu session.

Acupressure Facial

An acupressure facial is a session focusing just on meridians and points on the face and head.  This treatment has been traditionally used not only to smooth out lines, firm up sagginess  and bring a radiant glow to the skin, but can also help relieve headaches, congestion and tired strained eyes.

What does this have to do with grace? When you know your face simply glows, your inner beauty shines forth and your spirit is uplifted.

This is also a treatment that you can be taught to give yourself... that is, when you're not wanting that extra bit of pampering from having it done in my office!

(NEW!) Shiatsu 101 Class for Partners

And partners can mean couples, friends, relatives, random bodies you're willing to bring in to work with...

A private/semi-private class to learn how to give a general, but very effective shiatsu treatment.

No prior experience in bodywork is necessary... just a willingness to learn a skill set that you can offer to friends and family, as well as carry forth into other areas of your life.

If you are a bodyworker already, this class can reconnect you with your manual listening abilities, working from your center, and provide you with another set of tools to use with your clients.

This class focuses more on the foundations of how to see your receiver through a shiatsu lens, without any specific meridians or points to learn.

And, of course, you will be getting a full-body treatment in the process! It's a win/win!