What is Energy Medicine?

We all have an energy body connected to our physical body, whether we realize it or not, it’s working for us. The energy body collects information from all our experiences like a filter, whether the underlining causes are from ancestral, past or present issues. The energy body contains the blueprint that informs our physical body, emotional or mental well being.

There are many modalities that address such energy imbalances. All of them stem from the same premise of clearing the field, releasing held limiting belief systems, and re-writing stories that have held us back in our lives. Peruvian shamanic healing techniques are ancient traditions of healing, having been utilized for thousands of years. The energy medicine practitioner or shaman, tracks information back to the original source and clears or shifts the obtrusive energy blocks. It is very focused and intentional work unique to each session.

Do I have to believe it will work?

Since energy works at the quantum energy level, beyond the conscious or even the subconscious levels of the mind, the success of a session is unaffected by either the practitioner or the client’s beliefs or skepticism. If the client is attending a session under duress it is possible for them to willfully block the flow of energy.  It is important to know that the healer in this case is the client. The practitioner’s role is to guide the session by holding a safe healing space and a mastery of techniques to quickly clear or discharge unwanted energy effectively. Once energies are cleared, your vibrational frequency is recalibrated and you become protected from energies returning. The more open you are to the work, the more it will enhance your experience and the more attuned you will be to your body's response to energy movement.

What will I feel in an energy session?

Every session is unique to the healing concerns of a client. You will usually experience deep relaxation that will begin a self-healing process in your body. May report a peaceful buzzing as a result of clearing energy. You may feel heat or tingling, or even twitching as a way the body readjusts the energy field.

Occasionally there maybe emotional release that occurs, but this is neither a focus, nor necessary to the success of a session. Emotions can be a cleansing process, and the intent is to move through what has held you back in order to find your new alignment and strength. All this is work is done with creating a compassionate and nurturing space.

How many sessions do you recommend?

This depends on the level of healing that is needed. Some may only require one session to address their concerns, while others may benefit from several sessions. I do recommend three sessions to explore the full possibilities of healing renewal.

What is the standard tipping procedure for energy work?

It is not necessary to tip for an energy medicine session.

What are the benefits to massage therapy?

Massage has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Therapeutic touch is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. As a society, we are touch deprived and this can lead to disease or emotional dysfunction. All stages of life from babies to elders, the emotional assurance of caring touch can bring about a sense of well-being and security. Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage and bodywork is there to ease stress and remind us what it means to relax and connect with our bodies. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations.

Here are more specific benefits of massage:

• Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic elements.
• Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin.
• Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
• Reduces spasms and cramping
• Increases joint flexibility.
• Reduces recovery time from strenuous workouts and eliminates recurrent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is used for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to mitigate and relieve pain.
• Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Improves range-of-motion and eases discomfort for clients with low back pain.
• Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
• Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety.

It is my first time, what happens during a massage?

When you first arrive you'll be asked to fill out a client intake form. This provides the personal information about you that will guide the style of massage most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything which you're unsure, or any concerns you might have. If you have a specific focus for the massage, make sure to express this. Letting the therapist know ahead of time about these problem areas, allows them prepare to tailor the session for you. During the massage the therapist will discover your tight and sore area and will prioritize the time spent on these areas, and may do less work on areas that don't need as much attention.

You will be given some privacy to get undressed to your comfort level and get on the massage table between the sheets provided. You will be advised usually to start the massage lying on your stomach or on your back. If you're to start on your stomach, there will be a cushioned doughnut-shaped device at one end of the table. This is a face rest, and you should place your face in there. This allows you to be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. If you lay your head on the table and turn it to one side, the muscles in your neck and shoulders won't be in their relaxed state and won't be able to receive the best benefits of the massage.

There may also be a pillow or bolster on the table. A bolster is a padded, cylindrical device. These are to be used for your ankles and knees. If you're lying face down, the pillow or bolster goes under your ankles, so you're not hyperextending your feet. If you're lying on your back, it goes under the knees to release the spine and prevent any hyperextension of your knee joint.

Once you're under the drape, the therapist will come back into the room to begin the session. The therapist will undrape only the section of the body that they will work on. At all times you will be conservatively draped. A variety of strokes maybe used, some rubbing, kneading, vibration, percussion; whatever will work best for your muscles. Stretching, rocking, or pressure point work may all be added. If the therapist gives you directions for slow exhales, just follow along. If they stretch or rotate any joint, don't try to help. Just stay as relaxed and limp as you can and let the therapist move that part of your body.

When the therapist finishes with one area of the body, they will put the drape back over that part, and undrape the next section to be massaged. At some point, you may be asked to roll over under the drape, and the therapist will continue with the other side of the body. When the massage is over, you'll be left in private to get dressed again. The therapist will return, and this is a good time to tell them how you feel, if you have any concerns, settle the bill, and make your next appointment.

Can I talk during my session?

Sure, if you'd like to talk go right ahead. It’s important to remember that a massage is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss. In many instances, people may feel more relaxed to start off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation. Know there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should them know immediately. Also, let them know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed, i.e. lighter or deeper. If something is not working for you, please speak up! It's all right to do so!

Can I suggest the type of music played during my massage?

Many therapists play slower, quieter, 'new age' type music that has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience. However, if you have music you like to listen to that allows you to relax, I’m open to providing it for you during your session. For example, I work with a client who prefers listening to ocean waves as it reminds her of a vacation break from the normal routine.

What if I am sensitive to certain massage oils used?

I strive to use the highest-grade hypoallergenic massage, essential aromatherapy oils and lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain nuts or oils please bring it to my attention asap and I’ll be sure to accommodate to your sensitivity.

How often should I get a massage?

This depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If a client comes for some injury relief, or to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with their daily lives, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement and to provide relief and healing.

For those who use massage as preventive care and managing daily stress, once a month is usually recommended. They may shorten the time between massages during stressful periods. Some come in more often just because they enjoy it that much.

What is the standard tipping procedure for massage?

Tipping is optional and usually about 20% of the service charge. Although tipping is appreciated, it is not expected. I’d rather a client return often than feel obliged to tip each session. There are several packages available that provide discounts to encourage clients to become regulars.

Do you offer a referral program?

Yes! For every three new client referrals who book sessions you earn one free 60 min massage therapy session as a thank you.