The exploration of new things has a wonderful way of expanding to new areas. To help you in your quest we have included some definitions of modalities. Our list will expand as we add new things and if there is something you wish to share, please feel free to contact us.
Craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, tuning into the craniosacral system. By gently working with the dural membrane and soft tissues, craniosacral has a beneficial effect on the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones can be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Meditation is the art of inner contemplation or relaxed awareness. Every culture has developed techniques for using the mind to examine and change personal habitual behaviors, feelings and thought patterns which impede us from experiencing our personal best in daily life. Experienced through both moving and still practices, these exercises assist us in slowing down and untangling our thoughts so we can approach chaotic situations with a clear mind. Techniques involve various body postures, breathing and visualizations which help integrate the effectiveness of our psychological, physiological and spiritual processes and help to significantly reduce the effects of Stress. Consistent practice gives the practitioner a renewed sense of inner balance and well-being.
Polarity therapy is a holistic alternative medicine system developed in the 1940s by Randolph Stone. Proponents claim healing can be achieved through manipulation of what they describe as complementary (or polarized) forces, a form of putative energy The term Stone borrowed from Chinese philosophy to describe those forces is yin and yang.
QiGong (Ch’i Kung) originated in the pre-historic era as “shamanic healing dances”. Refined over many millennia and offering hundreds if not thousands of practices suitable to every personality, these exercises consist of both moving and stationary postures using the body, breath and mind to control Qi (the body’s energies) along meridian pathways in the body and in other energy centers. The exercises which are part of a larger system of inner development called Neigong help regulate many body processes and promote deep quiet and relaxation enabling the practitioner to positively affect his/her own health and sense of well-being while increasing their basic vitality.
Reiki treatment starts with the recipient on a massage table wearing loose, comfortable clothing. The practitioner takes a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment. The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing his hands on the recipient in various positions. The hands are usually kept still for 3 to 5 minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting 45 to 90 minutes.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) is an eastern (oriental) born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (light touch),petrissage (kneading),tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (compression), and vibration. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthrits of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes.
Taijiquan
Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan) is a whole body exercise consisting of series of relaxed and flowing effortless movements which are combined with deep breathing and meditative focus techniques. Developed in China over many centuries, taiji is famous for its profound health benefits and effective martial applications. It is practiced daily by millions of people around the world. The taiji forms are appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Consistent practice gives the taiji player many benefits including balance, flexibility, strength and coordination. There is no limit to the depth of mastery one can achieve with the practice of this beautiful and non-stressful art.