Bodywork
Bodywork
Bodywork is a term used to describe a variety of modalities that don’t fit the description of massage therapy. My modalities include biodynamic craniosacral work, myofascial/structural bodywork, lymphatic drainage, visceral work, and Somatic Experiencing™. Elements of massage therapy are also included to help integrate the other modalities. Details described below.
Craniosacral Biodynamics
Craniosacral Biodynamics
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a subtle touch approach that works with the energies that create and maintain health in the human system. It has its roots in osteopathy and has evolved to include influences from human development, pre- and perinatal psychology, trauma resolution, and recent advances in neuroscience.
BCST supports nervous system regulation, and allows the resolution of conditions resulting from stress and trauma. It assists the body’s natural healing processes, increasing physical vitality and well-being. BSCST aids in pain relief and encourages the nervous system, organs, and musculoskeletal system to balance and heal. Practitioners use an educated, gentle, and non-invasive touch to engage with the expression of health in the body.
BCST is used to treat a variety of issues such as:
- headaches (including migraines)
- spine-related issues (neck and/or back pain)
- fascial adhesions
- temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD)
- endocrine/hormonal dysfunction
- digestive and immune system issues
- neurodegenerative diseases
- post-concussion syndrome
- stress and trauma
Myofascial/Structural Bodywork
Myofascial/Structural Bodywork
Myofascial/structural bodywork treats the connective tissue (myofascia) of the body, the strong “scaffolding” that holds everything in the body together. This tissue can become tough, dehydrated and fixed anywhere in the body, inhibiting free movement. Hands-on work can open up restrictions in the myofascia, improving circulation, moving lymphatic fluid, and restoring fluid movement to muscles and joints. A structural perspective of myofascial work includes alignment of the joints of the body and their relationship to gravity. The more aligned the body structure is in gravity, the greater the ease and efficiency of movement, and less wear and tear on the joints. The touch in myofascial work ranges from light to deep depending on personal pain tolerances and the unique needs of the body.
Myofascial work is used to help issues such as
- joint dysfunction and inflammation
- headaches
- neck and back pain
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD)
- sciatica
- numbness/tingling in the extremities
- plantar fasciitis
- scar tissue
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage moves lymphatic fluid with a light touch. Working with the lymphatic drainage pathways in a specific order assists fluid movement and eases fluid congestion anywhere in the body. Detoxification, reduction in swelling, faster healing, improved immune function, and aesthetic enhancement are some of the many benefits of lymphatic work.
Visceral Work
Visceral Work
Visceral work seeks to bring the movement and function of the internal organs into balance. Each organ has its own signature movement and relationship with the other organs. Healthy visceral movement can be obstructed by injury, surgery, incorrect posture, and poor nutrition. Mobilizing and balancing the organs can facilitate improvement in all systems of the body, including:
- respiratory
- digestive/elimination
- cardiac
- urinary
- reproductive
- endocrine
Freeing the organs also allows the musculoskeletal system to return to its natural alignment more easily.
Somatic Experiencing™
Somatic Experiencing™ (SE) is a body of work that helps reconnect a person to their “felt sense.” It supports the nervous system in doing what it was designed to do, which is to regulate and heal itself.
Somatic Experiencing addresses the symptoms of nervous system overwhelm. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disruptions, digestive disorders can arise from overactivation of the centers of the brain. SE uses touch and relational dialogue to gently deactive these brain centers and restore balance to the nervous system. For more information visit Somatic Experiencing International.
All of these approaches can be employed exclusively or in combination to address overall goals and specific needs at the time of the session. Our work is collaborative and informed by our inquiry.