Frequently Asked Questions            

CranioSacral Therapy (CST)

  • Traditional Massage Therapy is primarily concerned with manipulating muscles. A wonderful side effect of these manipulations is a more relaxed nervous system.

    CranioSacral Therapy is primarily concerned with manipulating the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, which directly supports a relaxed nervous system. A wonderful side effect of these manipulations is more relaxed muscles. It could be thought of as an inside-out massage.

    I find that CranioSacral Therapy tends to get to the root of chronic pain issues on a deeper level than massage, especially as old emotional tensions are gently cleared away from the body.

    Please note that this is a very oversimplified description of traditional massage and craniosacral therapy- it is just to illustrate the differences in the targeted structures.

  • CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is different from traditional massage.

    During a stand-alone CST session, you will remain fully clothed. You will likely be lying face-up on a warm massage table for the session, but this can be adapted to a semi-reclined or seated position if needed. As your CranioSacral therapist, I will "listen" to the subtle rhythms of your body with my hands and follow them to areas that might be restricted. Using a very light touch I follow the restricted areas and wait for them to release and open.

    Keep in mind that every CST session will be a little different. Many people experience a very deep sense of relaxation during and after the session. Some people will fall asleep or drift into a state of almost falling asleep. Some people will notice shifts in their bodies as old tension patterns are released. This can be experienced as softening, heat, tingling, a feeling of giddiness, crying, laughing, and countless other ways. It is also quite normal to feel a little more anxious during your first couple of craniosacral sessions if there are old emotions coming up to the surface to be released.

    Some CST sessions are just soothing, relaxing, and quiet. Some sessions may include gentle work on the bones inside your mouth if needed. Some sessions may begin to use Therapeutic Imagery and Dialogue when appropriate. These sessions allow you to have a verbal conversation with your own Inner Wisdom to see what you need for self-healing. Some sessions will give you incredible insights into your Inner Wisdom without verbalization.

  • It depends. For any chronic issue, please give CranioSacral Therapy at least 3-5 sessions to see if it will be an effective treatment for you. Many people notice some changes after one visit, but CST works with your body to stimulate your own self-healing process. This means that it may take some time for long-standing symptoms to resolve. Once symptoms have subsided, many people enjoy coming in because it is so relaxing, and it is a great way to maintain balance while surrounded by the daily stresses of life.

  • Not exactly…

    SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a very important component of CST, but it happens organically during the CST session if and when your “Inner Wisdom/ Inner Physician” is ready to address it.

    I pay attention to the changes in your tissues during every CST session, and I will ask questions if I notice certain qualities in your body tissues. This conversation with your body may lead to an SER, but it is not something that can be forced to happen (nor should it be). Very often, an SER will occur silently as well.

    My best advice to “prepare” for a craniosacral session is to arrive with a totally open mind. Invite your curiosity and your self-compassion to come along for the ride, and let’s see what happens!

  • Yes! Absolutely. Working inside the mouth is part of CranioSacral Therapy.

    The most obvious reason to incorporate it is to help support people with TMJ dysfunction. However, it is also a vital part of releasing the cranial bones for everyone, as well as releasing fascial restrictions and energetic blockages that may impact the body as a whole.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is different from traditional massage because it is focused on lymphatic fluid, not muscles.

    For people with a generally healthy Lymphatic System, MLD gently supports what it does naturally. Like massage, it also has soothing effects on the nervous system and can have an analgesic (pain-relief) effect.

    For people with a compromised Lymphatic System or lymphedema, MLD re-directs lymphatic fluid out of congested areas towards functioning lymph nodes.

  • Like traditional massage, MLD is performed directly on the skin, so you will be undressed and properly draped on a warm massage table for the treatment.

    No oil is used. With the Vodder Technique, the contact made onto your skin is with the whole hand (NOT a “tickling” light touch or brushing).

    The majority of lymphatic structures in the body are located just beneath the skin. Therefore, the technique used during MLD is a rhythmic and light “skin-stretch” motion that nudges fluid along the proper route. The pressure must be appropriately light in order to move fluid without compressing the structures. If indicated, we will also be working on the deeper lymphatic structures in the abdomen and around the spine, sternum, and ribs.

  • It depends. For relaxation and general wellness, many people enjoy monthly sessions and may notice stress-reducing benefits after one session.

    For any chronic issue, such as fibromyalgia or migraine, please give MLD at least 3-5 sessions to see if it will be an effective treatment for you. Many people notice some changes after one visit, but MLD works with your body and can have cumulative effects.

    People with lymphedema will need regular treatment to manage the symptoms for life. For people with regular edema, it will depend on the underlying cause and other lifestyle factors.

  • MLD is most widely researched for the treatment of lymphedema (a chronic condition caused by a damaged or compromised Lymphatic System), and for post-operative edema management.

    However, people with generally healthy Lymphatic Systems may enjoy the benefits of MLD for:

    • Stress and anxiety relief

    • Pain relief, especially fibromyalgia, headaches, and migraines

    • Edema, “puffiness” of the face and body, “bloating”

    • Sluggish digestion and IBS

    • Sinus and head congestion

    • Rheumatoid arthritis

    • General lymphatic support (waste removal, fluid balance, immune function)

    • And more

    My philosophy as a body worker is that all healing is actually self-healing. The treatments that I offer are simply resources for your body to heal itself, and MLD is one of those tools.

  • It depends.

    As a Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist, I am trained to use MLD for people with mild, medically uncomplicated lymphedema. Even in those cases, it is advisable for you to find a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to assist you with compression garments and exercise instruction, and I can provide MLD to redirect fluid as needed. I am not trained to work with complicated or advanced lymphedema.

    Following certain cosmetic surgery procedures, it is generally advised that the patient receive multiple sessions per week, and with specific protocols. I do not offer this type of MLD and would advise to seek a specialized post-op MLD therapist for these services.

    I can work with edema from regular surgeries.

  • Many people report feeling very relaxed, refreshed, and “lighter” following an MLD session. Increased bathroom visits are to be expected.

    Due to the increased processing of waste and fluid in the body, some people might feel temporary side effects including headache, nausea, and fatigue. Staying well hydrated and avoiding strenuous tasks right after your session may help your body process the work and minimize those potential side-effects.

    It is also suggested that you consider avoiding alcohol, heavy/greasy foods, and excessive caffeine for the rest of the day in order to feel your best.

Energy Healing                      

  • The style of energy healing that I use in my practice feels similar to Reiki in many ways, but my training was through The Healing Touch Program.

    The Healing Touch Program uses a Heart-Centered approach to holding a healing space and is based heavily on the work of Barbara Brennan (Hands of Light).

    The program itself features a standardized curriculum and longer classroom hours than other programs, with a focus on the “anatomy” of the subtle body. Additionally, there is a heavy focus on practitioner preparation and development in order to become a vessel for healing energy. It was developed by nurses to integrate into conventional medical settings.

    Both Healing Touch and Reiki help to support self-healing, pain relief, and deep relaxation.

  • The Energy Healing that I do is most commonly incorporated into your CranioSacral Therapy or massage session by request. However, I am happy to provide a stand-alone Energy Healing session if you like, and you would remain fully clothed.

    The majority of the treatment will be performed while you are lying face up on a comfortable massage table (or propped up on a wedge if you cannot lay flat), but there are certain techniques for clearing the spine that may be done face down.

    Your energy field and your concerns will guide me for which particular techniques to use each session, and my touch will either be very light on the body or off of the body altogether.

    Many people find this work to be soothing and relaxing and will fall asleep or nearly asleep. It is possible that some emotions will come into your awareness during the session, and this is completely normal. Some people notice shifts in their bodies as old tension patterns are released, and this may be experienced in many different ways.

Massage

  • I strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your massage, and I encourage you to ask any questions you may have before or during your session. After we discuss your goals, I will leave the room so that you can undress. You will be under a sheet and blanket, and you will be properly draped during the entire session.

    My treatment table and room are usually warmed, but can be modified for your comfort. I like to play soft relaxing music, and I follow your lead for talking (my default is to be quiet and let you enjoy a relaxing session, but you are welcome to talk if you like). I will ask about your preference for pressure and I encourage you to let me know if it should be more or less at any time. I absolutely do not believe that massage needs to be painful to be effective!

  • Consider your specific goals before choosing the length of your massage session. A relaxing full body massage can certainly be done in 60 minutes, but that will not allow time for focused massage. Remember that focused work (or deep tissue work) is slower work. If you have pain in your neck and shoulders, we can do an upper body massage in 60 minutes, or we can do focused work plus a full body massage in 90 minutes.

  • Everyone is a little different and this will depend on your goals and any specific conditions you are working with. If you have a long term issue with tension or pain, it can be helpful to get a massage frequently at first (once every week or two). Once the condition has resolved, coming in less frequently is just fine.

    Most people find that coming in for a maintenance massage at least once a month is beneficial to their overall sense of well-being. I try to provide self-care strategies to help you stay relaxed between sessions.

  • I am no longer accepting new clients for prenatal massage, but I am happy to point you in the direction of some great LMTs who are.

    Established clients who become pregnant may schedule prenatal massage with me directly.

  • No. My pressure range includes light, medium, firm, and “plain old deep” when appropriate.

    I am not the best fit for anyone looking for very deep or extremely deep pressure.

    I incorporate focused deep tissue work that is not equivalent to an extremely deep pressure massage. Please read my approach before deciding if I am the right fit for you.