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
(UPDATED 4/22/09) Next meetings
Sunday, April 26th 3 – 5pm Drew – Aromatherapy presentation - ½ hour Wellspring Center 175 W. main St., Christiansburg, VA
DIRECTIONS: Wellspring is located on Main Street in Christiansburg just opposite the Dollar General Market (you may park in their lot if you wish). If you are coming from Blacksburg take the 460 bypass to the Christiansburg Business exit. This will be the one just past Pepper's Ferry. As you exit continue straight. This will put you on Franklin Road. Continue on past Christiansburg Highschool, CVS Pahrmacy etc. You will come to a light at the intersection of Depot and Franklin continue straight. The next light will be at the intersection of Franklin and Main. You will see a bank on your right and a Post office on your left. TURN RIGHT HERE. Continue for about two blocks. Go past the Presbyterian Church on your right. You will see a white house and then an alleyway. You may turn down this alleyway and park in the church parking lot if you wish. I am in the next white building on the right hand side. You will see a blue sign in the window marked Wellspring.
Sunday, July 19th Embers Day 1 – 5pm ( location – TBA)
Sunday October 18th 3 – 5pm RRSMY Ethics 12 – 3 (Tod)
Sunday January 17 2010 3 – 5pm BRSMY
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.
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.
PRACTITIONERS
Adagio Massage Therapy, LLC
Deborah R. Henthorn, M.A., CMT
540-818-5258
E-mail: deborah@adagiomassagetherapy.com
Website: http://www.adagiomassagetherapy.com
Individualized, therapeutic massage techniques: Swedish, deep tissue, Shiatsu, hot stone therapy, massage for two, Thai massage, and trigger point modalities. Certified Spa Specialist offering body exfoliation, mud wraps, aromatherapy, and paraffin treatments. Licensed Esthetician Sept. '07 offering facials, waxing, and cosmetic application. Nationally certified. Member ABMP.
Korena Anderson, CMT, LE Spa Owner
641-0152
Pampered Healing Massage and Day Spa
207 West Main Street Suite 3, Christiansburg, VA 24073
www.pamperedhealing.com
Korena is a Nationally
Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Esthetician and owner of Pampered Healing Massage and Day Spa in downtown Christiansburg. Pampered Healing offers relaxing, therapeutic and medical Massage Therapy, Hot Stones, couples massage, facials, body scrubs, mud wraps, Spa hand, foot and back treatments, paraffin treatments and more. Spa Packages and Gift Certificates Available. Offering an elegant, relaxing spa setting. Flexible hours available. Last minute calls welcome. Member ABMP.
Drake Anderson, CMT, Spa Co-owner
641-0152 or 641-0153
Pampered Healing Massage and Day Spa
207 West Main Street Suite 3, Christiansburg, VA 24073
www.pamperedhealing.com
Drake is a Nationally
Certified Massage Therapist specializing in pre and post event sports massage, deep tissue and treatment of migraines and related headaches. Also stress relief and pain management. Graduate of the Blue Ridge School of Massage and 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.
Vanessa Best, BS, ERYT-500, Certified Thai Yoga Bodywork Practitioner, 2nd Dan Blackbelt
Yoga, Reflexology, Thai Yoga massage, Raindrop Therapy
cell: 540-815-YOGA (9642)
email: Vanessa@thespinalspace.com url: www.TheSpinalSpace.com
An associate member of Massage Therapy Associates of the New River Valley, and current Vice-President of Southwest Virginia Massage Therapist Association and is currently completing her training at the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga. Vanessa has a background in Martial Arts, and Education, and is a certified practitioner of Thai Yoga massage and a 500-hour Experience 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, a cancer survivor, is especially interested in working with individuals with illness and/or disabilities, and 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 Saturdays in downtown Radford.
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 ABMP.
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
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
