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Here are some of the modalities offered at Hands Are For Healing:
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Swedish and Esalen Massage
Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Pir Henrik Ling, and is deeply relaxing while also increasing oxygen flow in the blood, releasing toxins from the muscles, and shortening recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Esalen massage is a marriage between classical Swedish, with its precise manner of working with muscles and circulatory system, and the use of long, lengthening strokes - a style of massage brought from Germany by Charlotte Selver. The fluid technique of both styles increases circulation without increasing heart load and stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple and pliable. Stress is reduced, both emotional and physical, thus making it an important element in a regular program for stress management. We integrate acupressure and reflexology techniques into our massages and, as with all modalities performed, focus on spiritual healing as well as the physical. Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point exists when over stimulated sacromeres (the place where contraction actually occurs in the muscle fiber) become unable to release their contracted state. The trigger point responds to this emergency by sending out pain signals until the brain tells the muscle to rest. You stop using the muscle, which then begins to shorten and tighten up. Trigger points can exist in the midpoint of muscle fibers, and at or near where the muscle attaches to bone, and can be exquisitely painful because the muscles that have been shortened and enlarged by trigger points frequently squeeze nerves and send pain referral patterns to other areas of the body. The pain referral patterns often leads to a mis-diagnosis of the condition. For instance, carpel tunnel syndrome may be due to trigger points in the upper arm, shoulder, or neck. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are often diagnosed, yet trigger points are often the culprit! These conditions can be significantly relieved through a protocol of trigger point therapy. Additionally, muscle strains, overwork, accidents, falls, immobility, tension, and fatigue are causes of trigger points. Shari, certified in Trigger Point Therapy, offers 7 years of experience and has successfully assisted clients with relief such that invasive procedures like surgery have been avoided. Client testimonials are available upon request. |  Myoskeletal Alignment
This highly specialized technique has proven effective in relieving client complaints such as head, neck, low back, and hip pain through the release of myofascial or skeletal restrictions. Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body as well as every muscle and fiber within each muscle. All muscle stretching, then, is actually stretching of the fascia and the muscle; both together are the myofascial unit. When the muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia surrounding it become short and tight. This uneven stress can cause skeletal restrictions, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms in areas you wouldn't think of. Therapists treat these symptoms by releasing uneven tightness in the injured fascia with gentle pulling and stretching of the affected skeletal area. Shari is certified in Dr. Erik Dalton, PhD's, Myoskeletal Method and uses these deep tissue routines in her treatments.
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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue and usually focuses on more specific areas. We incorporate Trigger Point Therapy in all our deep tissue work. |  Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic Touch works with the interaction between the energy fields of the therapist and client, and was conceived in the early 1970s by Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N., a faculty member at New York University's Division of Nursing. She understood that the chakras in the palms could channel healing energy (more information about the chakras is available at the office). Practitioners, primarily nurses, are trained to feel or sense energy imbalances in the client and to use "laying on" of hands to disperse blocks and channel healing forces to the client's body. The therapist uses a light touch or holds the hand above the body, using meditation to center him/herself and strengthen the connection to the client's energy system. Therapeutic Touch has been applied in an assortment of medical situations, including the care of premature infants and emergency room patients, and is accepted worldwide as a non-invasive technique for pain management and patient care. Shari is certified in Therapeutic Touch through the Institute for Invigorative Health Care Studies, and uses this technique during energy work sessions.
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Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) was developed by the Danish physiotherapist Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s. Lymph is present in the tissue throughout the body and its function is to carry nutrients to the cells as well as collect any waste, cell debris, bacteria and foreign material present in the tissue spaces. The technique is a very light, gentle, rhythmical form of massage that is particularly effective in detoxifying the body and helping cleanse the immune system. MLD allows the lymph to flow more freely around the body, renewing and strengthening cells and tissues while allowing them to be cleansed. Where the lymphatic system is insufficient or the pathway blocked, a buildup of fluid can result and specific techniques are then used that allow the fluid to drain via a different route. This technique also relieves swelling and fluid retention, improves scars and stretch marks, helps heal injuries and reduce bruising. Shari is certified in MLD through Elaine Agee, N.D. and offers several years of experience in this area. Biosonics
Biosonics uses sound to bring the nervous system, muscle tone and organs into harmonic balance. Tuning forks are used, which are specially tuned to sacred proportions. This modality is used during energy work and to enhance massage, and awakens the life energy within the cells. It can provide a deep state of relaxation, improved mental clarity by bringing your nervous system into balance while opening the flow of the charkas. The tuning forks can also be successfully used with or without Crystal Therapy to release trigger points or particularly dense muscle mass. Polarity Therapy
Polarity Therapy is a holistic healing art based on balancing life energy and was founded by Dr. Randolph Stone, D.O., D.C., N.D., (1890-1981) who traveled around the world studying and integrating many healing arts. Dr. Stone believed that life was much more than chemistry and that healing was greater than freedom from symptoms. Imbalances in the circulation of life energy lead to mental and emotional distress and physical illness. We work closely with the client to encourage his or her own inner healing response to emerge, and may include Crystal Therapy, chakra work, Biosonics, energy and bodywork with the intention of restoring balance, clarity of thought and emotion. Hot Stone & Aromatherapy Massage
One of the newer offerings at Hands Are For Healing, this ultimate massage is known widely for its deeply relaxing benefits. We use heated basalt (volcanic) and river stones on the body to melt away knots, tension, and stress. We also incorporate Aromatherapy (also known as EOT, Essential Oil Therapy) by using warm essential oils to promote the health of body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy utilizes naturally extracted aromatic essences from flowers and plants and seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts, while enhancing the client's innate healing process. Our Hot Stone & Aromatherapy Massage is an unforgettable experience that relieves pain while promoting harmony, balance and peace. |  Prenatal//Pregnancy Massage
We also provide pregnancy massage, which is a wonderful way of preparing a woman for childbirth. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns, as well as enhance the psychological and emotional well being of both mother and fetus. Additionally, during childbirth appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortens labor time, and eases pain and anxiety. At the postpartum period, it is recommended that the structure of the mother's body be rebalanced, physiologically and emotionally which also assists her in bonding and caring for the new infant. In some cases, specialized advanced training in anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications are highly recommended and many practitioners require referrals prior to this type of skilled approach. Shari has helped bring 7 little angels into this world, and is available upon request to help you with the birthing of your little angel. We'll be happy to provide you with more information. Just give us a call.
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Networking
We can promote your business. Contact us to discuss displaying your business card in our office and/or on our website.
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