Philosophy

My understanding of massage has developed over twenty years of study and work with the human body. I have been deeply influenced by the holistic approach of Esalen Massage, the dynamic style of Thai, the precision of Deep Tissue/Structural Integration, and the subtlety of energetic work. Overtime I've come to believe that bodywork can have a profound effect on emotional states and the psyche-- after all, the body is where our consciousness resides.

The approach I take, and encourage my students to take, is one of patience. By varying techniques, rhythms and integrating moments of stillness into the session the body can transition into a deeper state of rest. as well as an opportunity for the practitioner to refine their quality of presence. It's in this state that the parasympathetic nervous system will calm, and the muscles and connective tissues are more receptive to change. Ultimately, the body will integrate the work in a more sustainable way and the underlying skeletal structures can be affected. Within a massage session, it is my intention to encourage the body to return to it's natural state of equilibrium- both physically and emotionally.

Thinking about a Session

"A massage session is a compilation of various textures created with hands, forearms, fists, knuckles and a variation of pressure . These distinct sensations are woven together in a dynamic choreography by the practitioner.

A seasoned Massage Practitioner will know that there's another texture, the texture of rest, that is as valuable to the healing benefit of bodywork as any massage stroke(if not more so).

The rest is the moment in which the mind of the receiver can 'drop in' to the experience, making deeper contact with themselves. The pauses cultivate energetic awareness and allows the massage to have an impact beyond the realm of the physical."

Esalen Institute, Big Sur CA

Cranio Sacral Therapy Levels I-V

Cranial Sacral Teaching Assistant Levels I, II

Core Zero Balancing levels I, II

Lymph Drainage levels I, II

Reflexology

La Stone Therapy

Table Shiatsu

Process Acupressure

Esalen Massage Teachers Training (5 yrs)

500 hr Esalen Massage Certification

Gestalt Facilitator Training

Soul Motion Mastery Teachers Training/ Movement Therapy

Annual CPR First Aid training

Chi Neit Sang Institute, Oakland CA

Chi Neit Sang

Chi Gung

Independent Study in Chang Mai, Thailand

Massage

Master Pichet Boonthumme and Master Ittidet Manalat Advanced Thai Massage with an emphasis on Sen (energy line) and Therapeutic Thai Massage.

Institute of Traditional Thai Massage (ITM), Thailand

120 hr Teachers Training Certification. 60 hrs Advanced Sen Theory and Therapeutic Applications

The Foundation of Shivago Komparpaj, Thailand

Traditional Thai Medical Massage 60 hr

Ulpotha Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

Ayurvedic Massage and Theory 50 hrs

Acrosage/ Inversion Therapy 25 hrs

International Professional School of Bodywork, San Diego

Structural Integration/Primary Principles of Rolfing

Deep Tissue Sculpting/Therapy

Sports Massage

Neuro-Muscular Therapy/ Trigger Point Therapy

Myo-fascial Release

Swedish /Circulatory Massage / Advanced Swedish Massage

Passive Joint Movement/Traeger Therapy

Thai Massage (Nuad Bo-Rarn)

Gua Sha/Chinese Friction Therapy

Tui Na/ Chinese Sports Massage

Seitai Shiatsu

Oriental Theory

Anatomy/Physiology

A Word on Esalen

Esalen Institute nestled amidst the dramatic Big Sur coast line, has been fundamental in the influence and development of massage and therapy throughout the "human potential" movement.

Esalen Massage® is renowned for its innovative and fluid style, developed in concert with pioneers of the "human potential movement" in the dramatic oceanside landscape of Big Sur, California during the 1970's. One's natural capacity to touch is discovered in the nature of the place, as is devotion to honoring the body, mind, and spirit of its clientele as a whole.

Esalen Massage

The massage approach utilizes a variety of techniques and theories working "with" the body as opposed to "on" it. Influences such as Mochet Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf, Milton Traeger, and Charlotte Selver's Sensory Awareness have impacted its development, incorporating the Esalen style of using a "soft approach" to deep tissue methods, rhythmic rocking/ joint mobilizations which address the physical holding patterns in the muscles, and somatic/ personal insight. Integrating a range of techniques as well as the trademark "long flowing strokes," pauses to emphasize the energetic body, three dimensional touch, stretching, moving the body on the table, and detailed work are coalesced in what can be called a truly unique sensory experience.

More importantly, refinement and "quality" of the practitioners' touch as well as personal presence supersedes actual "techniques." This essential foundation enables the practitioner with the ability to truly "listen" to the individual needs of the body, designing a session which not only allows the innate wisdom of the recipient to unfold but encourages personal healing.