Bodywork - The Boulder Mandala Community Center
Bodywork is a term for a vast array of techniques that are used to release tension in the mind and body. Massage releases the mental stress and physical stress, and realigns the structure of the body and energy field in a harmonious way. Massage is very intuitive process specific to each individual. This allows the possibilities to arise for unique healing, in letting go into deep relaxation for the body, mind, and spirit. Miracles happen in massage sessions by keeping the client feeling safe, secure, and supported so that deep tensions can be released and soothed.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a healing system that allows the patient to get in touch with their own healing abilities. It is a balance - an interactive relationship - between practitioner and patient, in which the healing power of both build upon each other to clear and balance the vital life force energy - known as Qi. Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Incorporating the therapeutic massage of Japan, and more recently embracing its original focus of meditation and self healing.
The word Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" ('Shi' means 'finger' and 'atsu' means 'pressure'). Shiatsu is more than pressure. It utilizes a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching tecniques. It is a combination of many different techniques, including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing, and, in one school developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, barefoot shiatsu, it includes walking on the person's back, legs, and feet.
Shiatsu can be done with the patient lying on a mat on the floor - or on a table. The patient remains fully clothed wearing loose fitting clothing. The atmosphere in the area should be calm - light music can be used if desired - soft lighting. The practioners hands are placed at various points of the body sending the energies to the more than 300 acupoints.
Neuromuscular Therapy
The St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy is a system of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) with the structure of the musculoskeletal system.
A unique aspect of NeuroMuscular Therapy is the focus upon six factors that create or intensify pain. Briefly, these factors are ischemia (diminished blood flow), trigger points, nerve entrapment or compression, postural distortion, nutrition, and emotional well-being or stress.
Some common problems addressed by this therapy include TMJ, dizziness from a soft-tissue origin, neck pain with or without weak discs, shoulder pain (rotator cuff), arm pain (thoracic outlet syndrome), carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain with or without weak discs (piriformis syndrome), IT bands of runners and other sports injuries, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and others.
Postural distortion - muscular imbalance resulting from the body's movement off the coronal, midsagittal, and horizontal planes in attempts to compensate for the pull of gravity
Biomechanical dysfunction - musculoskeletal imbalance caused by habitual faulty movement or repetitive strain
Soft Tissue causes of these patterns and presenting pain conditions - Ischemia - lack of blood flow to soft tissues which typically cause sensitivity to touch; Trigger points - rapid firing of nerve impulses into areas of the body which may be far from the actual site of pain; Nerve compression or entrapment - pressure on a nerve from bone, cartilage, or soft tissue. Nerve entrapment is the most common type of pain and always causes ischemia.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is the manipulation of the bones of the skull to treat any number of conditions. Cranio refers to the head or cranium, and sacral refers to the tailbone or base the spine. Recent studies have shown that the craniosacral rhythm, which increases and decreases the volume of cerebrospinal fluid within and around the craniosacral system, can be restricted if the bones of the skull or displaced. This can be caused by anything from a bump on the head, sudden jolt that effects the neck, head or spine, inflexibility of the joints of the spine and cranium, to dysfunctions in other parts of the body. Do not attempt craniosacral therapy by yourself only under medical supervision.
Craniosacral therapy strengthens the body's ability to alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction, including motor- coordination impairments, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, infantile disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, temporomandibular joint syndrome, emotional difficulties, central nervous system disorders, learning disabilities, stress and tension related problems, orthopedic problems and post-traumatic stress disorders.
The cranial therapist is trained to feel with their hands the motion of the craniosacral system in a unified, integrated movement. The touch is extremely sensitive and gentle. The therapist is able to diagnose the movement of the system as a whole by locating critical points of restriction. There are three approaches to craniosacral therapy. Sutural, which is the manipulation of the sutures or where the bones meet in the skull. Meningeal, focuses on releasing restrictions of the cranial sutures and underlying membranes and the reflex approach, which triggers the nervous system to turn off stress signals.
Prenatal Massage
The pregnant woman's body sustains an unparalleled amount of growth and transformation during the prenatal period. Many of these changes are welcomed, but some are painful, worrisome, or uncomfortable. Prenatal massage provides a necessary resource of relaxation, comfort, and pain relief for the mom-to-be. Sore muscles, aching joints, and sleeplessness are all soothed through expert touch. Prenatal massage also assists in healthy circulation of fluids through the body, relieving swelling in the hands and feet, slowing the formation of varicose veins, and assisting the transfer of nutrients to the placenta. In addition, body awareness techniques and breath work help to prepare the pregnant woman for labor. This style of massage is done safely and comfortably in a side-lying or semi-reclined position. Prenatal massage is a rich time of comfort and relaxation, and a wonderful experience for the mom-to-be to share with her growing baby.
Postpartum Massage
As the new mother adjusts to her baby, her body is also adjusting. Postpartum massage provides the new mom with emotional support and nurturance, helping her to relax into this new stage. It reduces and helps prevents neck, wrist and back pain that comes with newborn care, and realigns the pelvis and spine by sculpting the muscles around them. Postpartum massage also aids the healing of a cesarean birth incision, provides relief from the muscle fatigue of labor and delivery, and flushes toxins and excess hormones out of the tissues. Nurturing and safe touch is just the thing a new mom needs.
Breema Bodywork
Breema Bodywork is received fully clothed on a padded and carpeted floor. It is totally comfortable, enjoyable, relaxing and re-vitalizing, and amazingly effective. Breema uses firm yet gentle stretches, precise and gradual leans into the muscles, nurturing brushes and holding postures, and a wide variety of rhythmic movements both soothing and energizing. Breema treatments range from delicate to vigorous, give total comfortable support to the body, and are appropriately tailored to each recipient at each visit.
Rather than focusing on illness or imbalance, Breema supports and nurtures the recipient's innate vitality. Breema balances the energy of the mind, body, and feelings, allowing the body to heal itself.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders, legs, and midriff, as well as a pair of clean socks.
Zero Balancing
Zero Balancing is a primary health maintenance system. Based on the principles of nature, ZB promotes internal balance and harmony through the use of informed, skilled touch. Regular Zero Balancing releases stress and tensions within the body and the mind, relieves symptoms caused by energetic or structural imbalance, and encourages integration and stabilization. Aligning energy with structure enhances the body?s natural healing processes and supports optimum health. A series of three sessions is suggested to experience the lasting benefits.
