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CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a soft tissue release therapy that targets the central nervous system.  It is a light-touch manual treatment that manipulates the membranes and fluid which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. 

The name refers to the hydraulic system that extends from the cranium, down the spine to the sacrum or tailbone.  The healthy circulation of spinal and lymphatic fluids is vital to the proper function of the entire body.

Trained at the Upledger Institute, Sharon is certified by the Institute and has experienced multiple layers of classes, examinations and practice since 2000.  The sensitivity and palpation skills that she has developed through learning and doing this work inform and enhance all her other hands-on therapies.

Swedish massage is also known as the Western or classic style of massage.  It is a scientific system of manipulations on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance.

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.  It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through the use of slow strokes and deep pressure applied to contracted areas.

The purpose is to loosen up the muscle fibers while releasing deeply-held tension patterns and remove toxic metabolic waste products while relaxing and soothing the muscles.  It is therefore therapeutic and enjoyable. 

Trigger points are described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with tiny nodules in tight bands of muscle fibers.  These nodules are often referred to as “knots” and are a common cause of pain.

The term Trigger point was coined by Dr. Janet Travell in the 1940’s. Her treatment was credited for keeping President John F. Kennedy on his feet and functioning in spite of often debilitating back pain.

Trigger Point massage is not a “fluff and buff” technique.  Although it can result in relief of chronic pain patterns, there is some discomfort, which is produced initially in the process of resolving the cause of the problem.  The recipient and the therapist actually work in partnership and communication between the two is essential to the success of this treatment.

The word Lomi Lomi simply means massage in the Hawaiian Language.  It is a unique, healing type of bodywork derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii.  An alternate name for Lomi Lomi is “Loving Hands” Massage.

While technique is an important part of the massage and associated healing, much of the work is done by love, with the focus of the therapist on the client being deep and complete, using loving hands and a loving heart.
 

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.   The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s wisdom” or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”.  So, Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy”. Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize.