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Free 15-minute seated massage sessions at the Ellensburg Adult Activity Center on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Call the Adult Activity Center at 509-962-7242.
NOTE: beginning 2011, the Activity Center charges a $20/year, or $4 per day user fee.
At GAIA CENTER, massage and bodywork techniques/modalities include
Swedish-based massage,
Neuro structural Integration Technique (NST Bowen),
Myofascial Release and
Reiki.Swedish-based massage refers to the classical techniques typically using long strokes directly on the skin with an oil or lotion for lubrication. Healing modalities that combine well with Swedish-based massage are aromatherapy, heated stones, traction, counterstrain, myofascial release, passive stretching and range of motion exercises.
Swedish-based massage therapy deeply relaxes the bodymind, facilitating recovery from stress-related effects. These effects include:
- Releasing tight muscles which in turn release metabolic wastes from the body's soft tissues.
- Resetting the body's "stress thermostat" to a lower level which has been shown to have a positive effect on the biochemistry and help the bodymind manage stress better.
- Releases endorphins, amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
- Reduce pain and therefore reduce medication dependence.
- Increase range of motion.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph and blood flow.
- Stretch weak, tight or atrophied muscles.
- Relieves depression and anxiety.
- Improves circulation, pumps oxygen, water and nutrients to soft tissues and vital organs.
These techniques help release structural holding patterns, soften tissues, free the flow of energy and deepen the relaxation experience, all resulting in the sensation of feeling cleaner, lighter and relaxed, yet invigorated.
Please feel free to ask for further explanation of the listed techniques or their benefits.
Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) is a systematic method to treat the bodymind through releasing unbalanced structural tensions. The method, developed by Tom Bowen, an Australian osteopath (1916-1982), involves a series of plucking or strumming moves over tendons and muscles.
NST is a deeply relaxing intervention returning the body to structural, biochemical and energetic balance.
My clients report common experiences of a profound relaxation (integral to healing), a release of chronic pain, an easy natural posture, improved elimination and sleep patterns.
NST may be used to successfully affect the following conditions (among others):
Asthma, arthritis, kidney and bladder problems, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, fertility problems, digestive problems, depression, tmj syndrome, etc.
See the NST web page for more information.
Reiki
A healing tool developed by Miako Usui in the mid 19th century, the practice of Reiki moves Universal Life Force Energy through the practitioner to the bodymind of the recipient. A wonderful tool for healing the physical, mental and emotional state, Reiki is used alone or in concert with Western medicine. Reiki seeks to restore balance and order to the bodymind where vital energy has become unbalanced through stress, injury or thought patterns. Reiki treatments have several basic effects; they bring about deep relaxation, released energy blockages, system detoxification, renewed vitality, and raised vibrational frequency of the bodymind. Reiki can easily be experienced on its own or combined with Swedish massage or NST.
Click here for a YouTube video on Reiki in the UK.
Having used healing energy techniques for many years, I was attuned to the Reiki Master level with Marie Manuchehri in 2007.
Myofascial Release is a technique specifically used to release fascial holding patterns in the body. Fascia, present everywhere in the body, is designed to aid the structure and to facilitate easy movement. When movement or stress-related holding patterns are repeated excessively, the fascia becomes restrictive to both physical movement and the movement of fluids in the body. Myofascial Release resets the fascia to allow freer movement and greater health.
