TECHNIQUES AND MODALITIES

To follow are modalities and massage techniques Kathy has studied and uses extensively in her work:

 

Acupressure/Trigger Point Therapy – 4,000 year old Chinese system stimulating specific points along the meridians, using thumb, finger, or knuckle pressure.

Compression/Kneading – Pressure and manipulation of the musculature to provide optimum circulation, release of toxins, and pain reduction.

Connective Tissue Massage – Developed in Germany in 1929, this is a hands-on system that works on the fascia, the membranous sheath surrounding muscles and organs to treat many illnesses and organic imbalances.

CranioSacral Therapy® - A gentle manipulation which locates and corrects sensory, motor, and/or intellectual dysfunctional imbalances of the craniosacral system.

Deep Tissue Massage – Bodywork systems that work deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains.

Geriatric Massage - A massage system that emphasizes treating specific physiological and psychological conditions associated with the aging process with the expectation of improving the condition.

Hydrotherapy - The use of water in any of its three forms – solid, liquid, or vapor – internally or externally, to treat disease, injury, or trauma.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage - A connective tissue massage technique which accelerates the movement of lymphatic fluid to reduce edema - a condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive amount of fluid.

Myofascial Release  - A mild and gentle hands-on form of stretching that evaluates and treats the fascial system, that tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional network from head to toe, without interruption.

Polarity Therapy - A health system based on the concept of the human energy bio-field, recognizing an electromagnetic, energetic pattern that precedes human structure and function.  This therapy is designed to simulate and balance this field.

Pregnancy Massage – A hands-on system specifically designed to treat the discomforts of pregnancy and maintain optimum health for the expectant woman and her baby, from her nine months of pregnancy, through labor and postpartum, to the nursing period. (Kathy holds two additional certifications in Pregnancy Massage, has taught Pregnancy Massage, and is a specialist in this area.)

Reflexology – The study, science, and art of using various 5,000 year old touch techniques on specific points of the feet, hands, and/or ears to normalize body function, maintain optimum health, and restore energy throughout the body.

Shiatsu -  An ancient Japanese bodywork system that uses hand, knuckle, palm, elbow, or foot pressure on specific points, called “tsubos,” located along energy pathways, called “meridians,” to promote the free flow of ki (chi) energy.

Soma Neuromuscular Integration® - A system of body/mind therapy that changes people physically and psychologically.  By structurally balancing the body in gravity and integrating the nervous system to allow more freedom of movement and spontaneity in response to the environment, clients transform their lives into paths of greater fulfillment and creativity.

Sports Massage - A specialized form of Swedish Massage Therapy, which focuses on enhancing athletic performance and facilitating post-event recovery for the professional or amateur athlete, dancer, and exercise enthusiast.  Used pre-event, it can prevent injuries by increasing flexibility and elasticity to the joints.

Supportive Touch – An exceedingly gentle and sensitive massage for those who are dying, and at the point of passing.  As the last two senses to leave us are hearing and touch, this is a very powerful way to be present, comforting, and loving for those who are departing the earthplane.  (Kathy is a trained educator in Supportive Touch, and has even taught this technique to emergency room doctors and nurses.)

Swedish Massage (Integrating all 5 aspects of Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, and Vibration) - A scientific system of manipulations on the muscles and connective tissue of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation, and/or health maintenance. (A side note - many therapists find vibration too difficult to do, and therefore do not use it.  For some reason, Kathy is a natural at vibration work, and her clients benefit greatly from its addition to her massage.)

Therapeutic Touch - A contemporary approach to healing based on the idea that human beings are energy in the form of a field.  This is a gentle, yet powerful tool for actualizing the natural capacity within each person to heal and achieve wholeness.

Trager® - Therapy that concentrates on using motion within the muscles and joints to produce pleasurable sensory feeling, so the feedback loop between the body and mind triggers tissue changes.  Each time the feeling is recalled, the change becomes deeper and more permanent.

Trigger Point Therapy - The use of various methods to relieve or eliminate trigger points, which are hypersensitive areas in the muscle, tendon, or fascia, usually caused by direct injury, excessive stretching, or contraction.  Most often the trigger point is not in the area of pain, yet digital pressure over the trigger point will elicit pain in the referred area.

Many thanks to Elaine Stillerman, L.M.T, author of "The Encyclopedia of Bodywork From Acupressure to Zone Therapy" for these definitions.

 

"We have the body we have

because it is precisely the vehicle

in which we can best do what we came to do." 

 

~ Christiane Northrup ~