Bodywork

Craniosacral - is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. This manual therapy enhances the body's natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth - which make up the cranium - down to the sacrum or tailbone. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease.

Read about BonitaBonita Cassel, NCMT

Read about Diane Diane Griffin, BSA, NCTMB, GG

Read about Sheetal Sheetal Contractor, CMT, CYT

Lymphatic Drainage - is unique in that healthcare professionals learn how to palpate the lymphatic flow. As they develop their skills, they can then identify the rhythm, direction, and quality of the lymphatic flow. Advanced practitioners will be able to precisely map the lymphatic flow to find alternate pathways for drainage. Lymph Drainage Therapy evolved from years of training in traditional medicine, Oriental medicine practices, and manual therapies.

Read about Bonita Bonita Cassel, NCMT

Polarity Therapy (Five Element - Energy) - is based on universal principles of energy - attraction, repulsion, and neutrality. The inter-relation of these principles forms the basis for every aspect of life, including our experience of health, wellness, and disease. With this understanding, polarity therapy addresses the interdependence of body, mind, and spirit, the importance of relationships, and the value of creating a way of life in harmony with nature. Founded by Austrian-born naturopath Dr. Randolph Stone in the mid-1920's, polarity therapy is a clothes-on, noninvasive system complementing existing modalities with an integrated holistic model. Polarity is based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell. The body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies. In addition to physical manipulation, blockages and toxins are eliminated through a cleansing diet and simple exercises.

Read about Bonita Bonita Cassel, NCMT

Reflexology - based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used today to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.

Read about ChristineChristine Afflerbach, CMT

Read about Bonita Bonita Cassel, NCMT

Read about KellyKelly (Miller) Hertzog, PDMT, CMT

Reiki - this healing is a hands-on energy healing art. It was originated in Japan in the early 20th century by Midao Usui, who had a life-changing experience of light and energy that he recognized as reiki - sacred life force - and that awakened his innate healing abilities. He developed a system of practices that enabled other's to become effective healers. In a reiki healing session, the practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life force, places her/his hands on or just above the client's body in order to activate healing energy within receptive points on the body. The practitioner's hands move progressively with a passive touch through 12 positions on the body, remaining in each position for 3 to 5 minutes. As a harmonic flow of energy is strengthened, within the client and practitioner

Read about DianeDiane Griffin, BSA, NCTMB, GG

Read about Vera Vera Lovewell, RN, CMT

Shiatsu - developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental haling. Similar to acupuncture, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. With the client reclining, the practitioner applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow, or knee to specific zones on the skin located along the energy meridians. The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body's resistance to disease and disorder.

Read about Suzanne Suzanne Hastie, MA, ADTR, NCC, NPC

Trager® Approach - an approach to body work developed in the 1920's by American medical practitioner Dr. Milton Trager. It makes extensive use of touch-contact and encourages the client to experience the freeing-up of different parts of the body. The approach consists of simple exercises called Mentastics and deep, non-intrusive hands-on work, including fluid, gentle, rocking movements. The idea is to use motion in the muscles and joints to produce positive sensory feelings that are then fed back into the central nervous system. The result is a feeling of lightness, freedom, and flexibility. During the session, the practitioner makes touch-contact with the client in such a gentle and rhythmic way that the person lying passively on the table actually experiences the possibility of being able to move each part of the body freely, effortlessly, and gracefully on their own. Changes described have included the disappearance of specific symptoms, discomforts, or effortless posture and carriage, greater joint mobility, deeper states of relaxation than were previously possible, and a new ease in daily activities.

Read about Bonita Bonita Cassel, NCMT