This Web Directory is sponsored by: Massage Therapy Associates of the New River Valley NRVMassage.com

Southwest Virginia
Massage Therapist’s Association

2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060

president@swvmta.org

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Upcoming meetings (UPDATED 3/28/10)

  • March 28 5:45 at BRSMY

  • July 11 2pm - ? Embers Day potluck, meeting and tubing at New River Junction - fees for entrance for members will be covered by the organization!

  • October 10 6pm Victoria's house in Newport - meeting and potluck

  • January 16 5:45 BRSMY meeting and elections

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DIRECTORY
2008 - 2009

    CONTENTS:


WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Southwest Virginia Massage Therapists’ Association (SWVAMTA) is a non-profit group of professional massage therapy practitioners and students in Southwestern Virginia.  Our organizational purposes include:

  • Increasing information about massage therapy to the public and to medical professionals in our area by publishing this brochure and by coordinating speakers for group presentations.

  • Professional enrichment, continuing education programs, networking and information-sharing among therapists.

  • Monitoring and responding to legislative and state board regulatory actions that affect the practice of massage therapy in our area.  This includes sponsoring a member to serve on the advisory board to the state nursing board, the regulating body under which massage therapists are certified in Virginia.

 

For information about individual therapists, contact them directly at the phone numbers shown in their listings.

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    MASSAGE TRAINING

    Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga 
    2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060
    (540) 552-2177
    http://blueridgemassage.org/

    A state & NCTMBA certified program focusing on medical massage and combined therapeutic modalities: Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques including neuromuscular an Travell trigger point therapies, Myofascial release, Counterstrain, Shiatsu, Thai yoga massage, Pregnancy and Infant massage, and Reiki. Anatomy, Physiology, business practices, and Pathology round out the curriculum. Yoga, Tai chi or chi kung at the beginning of most classes assist with the school's focus on effective body mechanics and self-care. Classes are small and students receive personal attention from instructors. Call 552-2177 or e-mail info@blueridgemassage.org.

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    PRACTITIONERS

    Korena Anderson, CMT  
    641-0152
    Pampered Healing Massage Therapy                          
    285 Tanglewood Dr. Christiansburg, VA
    www.pamperedhealing.com
    Korena is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and a graduate of the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga. Korena has experience working in both Chiropractic and Salon settings. She combines several modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Myofascial release, Hot Stone Therapy and neuromuscular based upon the individual needs of the client. Seated Chair massage, Outcalls, and Gift Certificates Available. Member ABMP.

    Valerie Beasley, B.S., CMT 
    651-4499            
    The Sunrise Center– Valerie 

    Valerie specializes in working with women at her peaceful country home in Floyd County. Valerie works closely with other professionals dealing with serious women’s issues. She combines several modalities including Swedish, Oriental acupressure, deep tissue, sports, and Seichim for a transformative massage. ABMP certified.

    Ini Beckman, CMT
    413 Dunton Drive Blacksburg VA 24060
    540-552-2873
    email: ini.massage@yahoo.com
    Ini graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Washington DC in February 2007. She received her National Certificate from the NCTMB in March of that year. In June 2008, Ini and her husband moved to Blacksburg, VA, where she is now certified to practice massage by the Virginia Board of Nursing. She loves to give Full Body Swedish Massage and, where needed, knows how to give Deep Tissue Massage, to relieve pain in tired and taut muscles and joints. She has experience with Pranic Healing and Cranio-Sacral work as well.

    Vanessa Best NCMT, ERYT-500
    Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 2nd Dan Black Belt
    Best Bodywork & Yoga
    cell:  540-815-YOGA (9642)
    email: Vanessabest@me.com  url:  www.bestbodyworkandyoga.com
    An associate member of Massage Therapy Associates of the New River Valley, and Officer of Southwest Virginia Massage Therapists' Association, Vanessa is a graduate of the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga. She is nationally certified, and the bodywork modalities she practices include Thai yoga massage, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger point therapy, Hot stone massage, Shiatsu, Myofascial release, Neuromuscular therapy, and Reiki. Vanessa has a background in Martial Arts, Education, and is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Instructor. Vanessa teaches an eclectic style of yoga; specializing in flow-style/Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, & individual sessions of therapeutic yoga, which adapts yoga to the needs of the individual with chronic pain, injury, or disabilities. Vanessa is especially interested in working with athletes and those in need of therapeutic massage and/or yoga to address common areas of pain and dysfunction. She welcomes all wellness massage and yoga clients in Roanoke, and the New River Valley.

    Miriam J. Brancato, BIS, CMT
    Vital Touch Massage
    540-763-2685 or 540-250-1959
    vitaltouchmassage@i-plus.net

    Miriam has practiced therapeutic massage since 1989. She is proficient in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Sports and Medical Massage. Movement Therapy, Craniosacral, Reflexology, Polarity, are also modalities incorporated in her practice. Miriam teaches and lectures on massage and health realated issues and coaches individuals who are seeking lifestyle changes in wellness and fitness. Available for appointments in Radford and Floyd .

    Kelly Capuzello
    Email:kelcap3@gmail.com
    843-816-4943
    1154 Main St. Radford, VA, 24141
    http://omkarrayoga.com/
    Kelly graduated the top of her class from South Carolina Massage and Esthetics in 2008. She moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in October of the same year and completed her national and state certifications. Her technique combines a mixture of modalities from Swedish to Deep Tissue while concentrating on Myofacial Release and stretching the soft tissues to relieve pain from chronically shortened muscles. She also practices Reiki and incorporates energy work into her massage. Kelly is available by appointment and has studio hours at Omkarra Yoga on in downtown Radford and Annie Kay’s in Blacksburg.

    Brenda Clark, BS, CMT 
    (540) 449-8558
    DBA/Norwood Massage
    209 Roanoke St., Suite #7, Christiansburg, VA   24073      
    Email: blcstar13@cs.com
    Brenda's private practice, Norwood Massage offers relaxing Aroma Steam Therapy and Massage in 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions. Certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue & Myofacial release from Virginia School of Massages Medical Massage program; Brenda also holds certification in Pregnancy Massage, Reiki I & II, and is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) through the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM-US). Brenda has completed Deepfeet One-Barefoot Basics CEU credits in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (AOBT), the"deepest most luxurious form of barefoot effleurage on the planet." Gift Certificates are available, along with Seated Chair outcalls and group demonstrations. Member ABMP & AMTA

    D. Michael Denbow, Ph.D., CMT, AOBTA
    953-2683
    231-6843

    Specializing in oriental bodywork, he is a certified practitioner through the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia. He practices tuina, craniosacral therapy, and Thai massage. Thai massage was learned at both Wat Po in Bangkok, and the Institute of Thai Massage located in Chiang Mai, Thailand where he received his instructor certification in Thai massage.

    Carrie Ferguson
    5278 Glenvar Heights Blvd.
    Salem, VA 24153
    Phone: (540) 380-3301

    Background: Occupational Therapist since 1991, Certified Massage Therapist, VA School of Massage in Charlottesville, 1999. Certified Lymphedema Therapist through Academy of Lymphatic Studies, 1999. Currently practice as an occupational therapist With Carilion Medical Services in both Roanoke and Radford locations. Take Private Clients by appointment. Areas of specialty: lymphatic
    drainage, swedish massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue, and myofascial release.

    Judy Flickinger CMT
    jgflickinger@gmail.com
    540-731-3270 or 540 577-1915 (cell)
    West Radford Massage Therapy 
    601 Forest Avenue
    Radford VA 24141

    Escape Your Day! Judy tailors massages to the stress relief and pain relief needs of her clients. Among the modalities she uses are Swedish, Reflexology, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Reiki, and Quantum Touch.

    Kathleen A. Gilbert LPN CMT
    kgashtanga@hotmail.com
    540-552-3001
    Blacksburg, VA 24060

    Kathleen is a nationally certified massage therapist, licensed practical nurse and certified yoga instructor. She is a graduate of Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga and a member of ABMP. She offers therapeutic massage (including deep tissue, trigger point work) and yoga instruction.

    Jennifer Grover, BA, CMT 
    961-2563
    Blue Ridge School of Massage & Yoga 
    2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060

    Jennifer is a Nationally Certified (NCBTMB) Massage Therapist and instructor at Blue Ridge School of Massage & Yoga. She is also a practitioner of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, rhythmic movement therapy, Medical Massage and Reiki III which are used to create an individualized holistic treatment. Member of AMTA.

    Beth P. Johnson CMT
    (540)449-2432
    BODYWORKS Massage Therapy
    www.bodyworksmassagetherapy.com
    600 E. Main Street Suite B, Radford
    E-mail: hokiebster@cs.com

    Beth is Nationally Certified and graduated from the Medical Massage Therapy program at the Virginia School of Massage in Blacksburg.Through the 610 hour program, Beth studied Swedish, Deep Tissue and Myofascial release. She also does Hot Stone Therapy & Paraffin Wax treatments. Along with fellow classmate, Susan Sawyer, in December of 1999 they opened Norwood Massage in Radford. In June 2000, Beth went off on her own & opened BODYWORKS Massage Therapy. BODYWORKS is now located in the office of Keats Family & Sports Chiropractic at 600 E. Main St, Suite B, Radford. Gift Certificates, Gift Baskets, and Massage Products are also available. Member of ABMP.

    Lynn Mace
    540-745-7773
    lcmace@gmail.com

    Lynn Mace has been practicing massage and bodywork since1988. She has been licensed in Florida since that time and has national certification [NCTMB] as well as certification in Virginia.The main body of her work focuses on cranoisacral therapy,myofascial work [both direct and indirect] lymphatic drainage and visceral work. Her touch can range from light to deep in order to access these body systems and enhance their functions. The result is an easier posture, more energy and relief from pain. Lynn also practices foot and hand reflexology. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, former long time member of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association and the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners. She is available for appointments in Floyd.

    Dr. Jennifer W. Makin
    540-382-6510
    540-382-2802
    Wellspring at CPC
    175 West Main Street
    Christiansburg , Virginia 24073
    E-mail: ringbearer01@hotmail.com
    Jennifer Makin is the founder of Wellspring at CPC - A Center for Spiritual Development and Wholeness; a ministry of Christiansburg Presbyterian Church. In her ministry, Jennifer actively integrates her training as a Doctor of Psychology, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Spirtual Director, and Healing Touch Practitioner in a comprehensive approach to the alleviation of suffering in mind, body and spirit.

    Massage Therapy Associates of the New River Valley
    544-3057 office 392-3723 cell
    2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060
    Website: nrvmassage.com
    We employ therapists who are dedicated to providing relaxing and therapeutic bodywork sessions. We make appropriate use of heat and warm water. We coordinate our work with your other healthcare providers and will do medical massage by prescription from your PCP. We will help bill your own health insurance carrier or will directly submit invoices approved for worker's compensation and automobile accident claims. Also see Victoria Stone, Tod Whitehurst, Lucy Lamanna, Marilyn Welch, Deb Henthorn & Chris Pohowsky.

    Luci Merlo,  BSN, RN,CMT 
    953- 0326
    Background in dance, yoga and tai chi. Independent study in massage since 1982 Graduate, Va, School of Massage, 1997. Private practice 1995-1997. Medical massage in rehabilitation and pain management through Carilion Rehabilitation since 1998. Currently working as a registered nurse and massage therapist for Carilion Rehabilitation in Radford. Accepting a limited number of private clients, especially those interested in Trager Approach.

    Nancy Mignone, MS, CMT, RYT
    nancy@shadowlakevillage.org
    951-7011

    Nancy has 10 years experience doing massage therapy and specializes in deep tissue massage, Reiki energy work, and cranio-sacral therapy. In addition, she can incorporate trigger point, meridian work (table shiatsu), and rhythmic movement (Trager-like) into your massage for deep relaxation and stress and pain relief from injury or chronic overuse. Nancy is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT) and can share beneficial postures with clients.

    Kathy Mills, CMT - President SWVMTA
    540-381-0031
    Kathy offers a relaxing and serene atmosphere where you can leave the troubles of the world outside the door while she helps your body heal itself. She is a Reiki Master and is currently studying the modalities of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Cranial Sacral. Her massage is a mixture of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and Reiki. Her office is located in Christiansburg.

    Gin Myson, CMT
    540-382-0444
    309 Miller St., Christiansburg, VA 24073
    Graduate of the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga. Using a combination of modalities for stress reduction and to ease chronic pain, Gin offers massage in Christiansburg. Workplace massage and house calls are also available. Member ABMP

    Chris Pohowsky: Certified Rolfer®
    239-7708
    chrispohowsky@hotmail.com
    Chris has lived in Blacksburg , since 1989. His bodywork incorporates a structural, functional and educational approach, balancing, centering and organizing the body in relationship to itself and to gravity, evoking a more open and integrated body with increased ease and efficiency of movement. He received his Rolfing® training at the Rolf Institute of Boulder, CO and the Australian Rolfing Association in Sydney .

    Elisha Sigle-CMT
    745-6789
    Elisha Sigle has been a massage therapist for 11 years. She currently teaches at the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga  and has a private practice in both Floyd and Radford.  She is trained in Thai Massage,  Hot Stones,  Mixed modality relaxation therapy,  Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular Deep Tissue, Polarity energy work, and most recently completed a 10 month Tuina (chinese medical massage) program. She has a rich background of internal martial art study including tai chi, chi kung, and bagua.

    Victoria Jordan Stone, MA, NCMT 
    544-3057

    Email:
    Website: nrvmassage.com

    Cranio-sacral therapy, Reiki, deep tissue and trigger point therapy, rhythmic movement and passive stretch, Thai yoga massage, hot stone therapy and Swedish techniques combined to address individuals’ specific needs for nurture, stress or pain relief, healing, childbearing, and to improve health and well-being. Instructor/Director at the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga and practitioner of Watsu Aquatic Bodywork. In practice since 1990 and has taught massage since 1997. 2007 Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage Illustrated. Partner in Massage Therpay Associates of the New River Valley.

    Victoria J. Taylor, CMT, Lic. Acupuncturist 
    953-2977
    vjt@yellowsulphursprings.com
    The Healing Arts Studio at Yellow Sulphur Springs offers massage, aromatherapy threatments, bodywraps, facials and acupuncture. Situated in a beautiful hollow conveniently located between Blacksburg and Christiansburg about one mile from Montgomery Regional Hospital . Visit our webpage at www.yellowsulphursprings.com for more information and directions.

    Jeff Tiebout, Rev, CMT 
    552-2177
    Blue Ridge School of Massage & Yoga
    2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060

    Founder & Director of the Blue Ridge School of Massage & Yoga. Jeff has been in practice for 25 years, an instructor for 16 years. He has studied Eastern and Western techniques and many forms of energy work, blending them into therapeutic sessions focused on individualized needs for pain relief, stress reduction, and athletic massage. He specializes in neck and back problems.

    Virginia Grace Abraham, LPN, CMT
    (540) 808-3216

    Three Pines Center in Christiansburg
    Customized therapy, outcalls, Swedish, Myofascial, Chair, Deep Tissue, stretching, Stress-management assistance.

    Marilyn Welch, CMT
    309-1786

    Chrysalis Massage Therapy,
    1620 Apperson Drive, Salem, VA

    Specializing in relaxation and stress reduction using therapeutic techniques to reduce pain and enhance your health and well-being. These techniques include cranio-sacral, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone therapy, myofascial release, aromatherapy and Reiki II. Graduated from Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga in 2004, NCBTMB certified and member ABMP.

    S. Tod Whitehurst CMT
    392-3723
    Massage Therapy Associates of the New River Valley
    2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060
    Email: Website: nrvmassage.com
    A nationally certified massage therapist and a member of ABMP. He is a past President of the Southwest Virginia Massage Therapists Association. He specialize in Medical Massage and his sessions consist of a set of combined deep therapies encompassing many different modalities including a technique of his own called “Muscle Comforting”. While traveling in northern California Tod experienced a profound form of bodywork performed in the warm waters at Harbin Hot Springs. The type of massage is called Watsu® which stands for water shiatsu. He and his partner Victoria Stone established a healing warm pool nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia where they offer clients an opportunity to experience the powerful healing combination of warm water and massage.

    Drew Williams, CMT, BS Botany
    540-230-2363
    540-389-4018 office
    Salon Dúta
    1532 Apperson Drive
    Salem , VA
    https://www.youngliving.org/DREW
    A personalized massage awaits you. With Aromatherapy, this deep-swedish style will help you relax, rejuvenate, detoxify. Elements of pressure-point, stretching, range-of-motion and energy therapies are integrated. Heated table. Raindrop Technique offered. Nationally certified since 2004. Member ABMP. Information and sales of essential oils. https://www.youngliving.org/DREW Practicing at Salon Duta, 1532 Apperson Drive, Salem, VA 24153. (540) 389-4018 Available by appointment (540) 230-2363

     

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    GLOSSARY OF TERMS

    Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curatifve abilities. When these points are pressed they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. The recipient may be fully clothed.

     

    Acupuncture uses the same points as acupressure but employs needles to stimulate the points. Electricity may also be used. A state license is required for all acupuncturists.

     

    Alexander Technique is a learning process in which the student becomes able to identify faulty habit patterns, consciously inhibit them, and then initiate action by engaging the correct head-neck-back-relationship, which Alexander called “primary control.”

     

    Aquatic Bodywork is a form of warm water hydrotherapy and massage encompassing many differing techniques. The client receives gentle movements and stretches, while held in warm water that relaxes and nurtures the body, mind and spirit. Being floated in water reduces pain, releases stress, opens the heart and quiets the mind.

     

    Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are extracted from herbs, flowers, resins, and roots for use in body and skin care treatments. After careful study, an aromatherapist massages specific essential oils combined with a base oil into the recipient to promote healing of wounds, aid relaxation, and improve circulation.

     

    ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals) is an international organization for massage therapists and other bodyworkers with strict requirements for membership. Members must adhere to a high level of professional behavior to remain members in good standing.

     

    AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) is a national organization for therapists with strict requirements for membership.

    AOBTA refers to the American Organization of Body Therapies of Asia

    Ayurveda is the oldest healing system in the world dating back 5000 years, based on the five elements of nature; Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. These elements are recognized in each body as unique thus requiring customized methodologies to maintain and reestablish health. It practices precise diagnostics, treatments, massage, diets, medicinal usage of herbs & spices and more.

    BRSMY refers to the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga - .2001 South Main Street, Suite 106
    Colony Park, Blacksburg, VA 24060 - (540) 552-2177

     

    CMT means Certified Massage Therapist. To use this designation, massage therapists must have completed at least 500 hours of training in a state-approved program or have equivalent work experience to have “grandfathered” into the designation. All massage therapists must be certified by the state of Virginia to practice massage therapy in this state.

     

    Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a gentle method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the closed, pulsing, cerebro-spinal fluid system bathing the cranium and the entire spine. It is technically a form of myofascial release bodywork, and can include releases of the various diaphragms in the body. It originated in osteopathic practice.

     

    Deep Tissue Massage uses techniques that affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and are generally integrated with other massage techniques. Deep tissue massage helps with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation and inflammation caused by arthritis and tendinitis.

     

    Esalen Massage is based on a combination of Swedish and Oriental massage. Esalen is light and gentle in nature and emphasizes nurturing and empathy. It lessens pain, improves sleep, aids digestion, reduces stress, aids in healing, and is deeply relaxing.

     

    Jin Shin Do® combines gentle yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. It promotes a gentle, trance-like state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access emotions related to physical conditions. As with other acupressure modalities, the client is fully clothed.

     

    NCBTMB refers to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

     

    Myofascial Release is a positioning and stroke intent system applied to soft tissues. It can be direct, as in Rolfing, or indirect, as in techniques such as strain-counterstrain and muscle energy. Techniques vary from the use of very light touch (Barnes) to very deep, as in Rolfing. The underlying similarities in the work come from the manipulation of fascia, or connective tissue, within the body, with the goal of increasing mobility of the tissue.

     

    Pilates involves stretching exercises that can be done on the floor or with a Reformer which is a trundle with weighted springs. Also, all the joints are rotated with these exercises.

     

    Polarity Therapy emphasizes energy flow in the body; emotional tension and/or pain is released when the flow of energy is restored. Polarity is based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell. The body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies. Training to become a practitioner is 430 hours.

     

    Reflexology is based on the theory that there are reflex areas, or specific points in the feet and hands, that correspond to all the parts of the body. Pressure on such points improves circulation, relieves stress, and helps stimulate the body’s healing process.

     

    Reiki is based on the principles of Chi, or universal life energy. Reiki promotes healing through methods that are rooted in spiritual tradition. A practitioner’s hands are placed on the fully clothed body of a person in various positions on the head, chest, abdomen, back, legs and feet. The recipient generally feels a sense of deep relaxation and well-being.

     

    Rolfing (Structural Integration) is a holistic and scientifically validated system of body restructuring and movement education. Rolfing frees fascial adhesions (unhealthy binding of tissues), allowing the muscles and bones to return to balanced relationships. When the fascial system is organized through the Rolfing process, the body's major segments are freed to align themselves properly.

     

    Shiatsu is a form of acupressure. It focuses on the efficient flow of energy throughout the energy meridians and the body’s autonomic nervous system. Meridians and organs lacking in sufficient energy are balanced and strengthened. Stretching and movement may also be employed. The recipient is fully clothed.

     

    Sports Massage is designed to reduce injuries, alleviate inflammation, provide warmup, etc. for amateur or professional athletes before, during, and after their training regimens.

     

    Swedish Massage uses a variety of strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the soft tissues of the body. Stroking and kneading the bare skin with essential oil stimulates metabolic processes, loosens tight muscles, promotes healing, and enhances one’s sense of vitality.

     

    Trager is an approach to movement education. There are two aspects of Trager; one in which the client is passive and the other, active. Utilizing gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements, Trager helps release unhealthy and deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.

     

    Trigger Point Therapy finds and deactivates trigger points, which are tender points in taut muscle bands which can affect muscle soreness, contracture, and other physiologic malfunction both adjacent to the points and at referred, or distant points. The goal is to restore mobility and facilitate relief of pain in affected areas.


    Watsu, aquatic shiatsu, began at Harbin Hot Springs where Harold Dull brought his knowledge of Zen shiatsu into a warm pool. Zen shiatsu incorporates stretches that release blockages along the meridians — the channels through which chi or life force flows. Dull found the effects of Zen shiatsu could be amplified and made more profound by stretching someone while having them float in warm water. By supporting, rocking, and moving the whole body while stretching a leg or arm, Watsu lessens the resistance there is when a limb is worked in isolation. When the whole body is in continual movement, each move flowing gracefully into the next, there is no way to resistantly anticipate what's coming next. Warm water and the continuous support it provides are ideal for freeing the spine.

    The information above is condensed from ABMP materials.  If you have further questions about any modality, feel free to contact the SWVMTA (address and e-mail at the top of this directory) or contact the practitioners directly.

     

This Web Directory is sponsored by NRVMassage.com

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This Website was last updated on July 6, 2006