I offer therapeutic massage and relief from accidents or injuries. Since I live and work in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains I’ve become acquainted with the chinook winds that we experience here. These winds change the barometric pressure causing pain and discomfort in some individuals. I’ve learned the patterning and holding which happens with those who suffer from the pain of headaches. Namely, a lot of neck, shoulder and jaw massage is required. These methods seem to work fairly well in releasing the triggering muscles. Here are some types of massage which I offer, although many may also be combined.

I don’t offer sports massage or relaxation massage at this time, feeling that my strengths should be focused on where I’ve had extensive practice and training. I offer Cranio Sacral Therapy and Energy Treatments, which are both very relaxing.

Trigger points are areas of soft tissue in the body characterized by local pain, tightness, and tenderness. I first seek to identify trigger points, then apply steady, appropriate pressure to the point to “release” it. This is usually followed by massage to the surrounding area to help treat the cause of the trigger point

Fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body, and actually helps support the body’s very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotion trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and/or restricted range of motion. The aim is to release the fascia and return it to a state of normalcy by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas.

TMJ Massage

The major symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Popping, clicking, or grating sounds with jaw movement, which may or may not be painful
• Locking of the jaw that makes it difficult to open or close the mouth.

People may also experience symptoms that appear to be totally unrelated to the jaw. These symptoms can include:

• TMJ headaches (over the eye, in the temples, behind the eyes, and at the base of the skull)
• Facial pain and swelling
• Migraines
• TMJ ear pain and other symptoms, including ringing, buzzing, and congestion
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Tired facial muscles
• Trouble chewing or pain while chewing
• Top and bottom teeth not fitting together properly

While you may experience multiple signs or symptoms of TMJ, it’s not uncommon to exhibit a single symptom like earache or headaches.

What to expect?

Having someone massage the inside of your mouth is probably not something that has crossed your mind….EVER.

However, it does provide you with a sense of space, freedom, or openness in the jaw, and oftentimes gets rid of the headaches.

This type of treatment is done with you lying supine (face up, on your back) on the table. There is usually some focus on the neck, shoulder and facial muscles as tension in these areas can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. The treatment may extend to the face, jaw and cheekbones, over the sinuses as well as the temple and hairline.

After these areas are relaxed we continue inside the mouth where I wear non latex gloves. These muscles can be quite tender and you may even have difficulty opening your mouth very well. Some of this tightness extends into the teeth and oftentimes they too get worked.

Many folks with TMJ have been clenching or grinding for quite some time. Oftentimes, this is due to emotional stress, which continues into the sleep time. Once the muscles are tight they don’t tend to loosen by themselves. Releasing the muscles may bring about emotions such as laughing, crying or a combination. We carry a lot of unresolved emotions in our jaw and inside our mouth. Each time we clench or grind due to stress these emotions are oftentimes stuck within.

Mayan Abdominal Massage

Maya Abdominal Therapy is an ancient technique that has been known and practised by healers for thousands of years. It represents an unbroken chain of knowledge handed down from generation to generation of midwives, healers and shamans. The techniques incorporate a holistic approach to wellness including massage, herbs, nutrition and emotional and spiritual healing.

Maya Abdominal Massage is an external, non-invasive and nurturing treatment of the abdominal area. The treatment assists in improving the vital flow of fluids and energy to nourish and repair the reproductive and digestive organs and systems. Treatments help to reposition internal organs that have shifted, restricting the body’s natural vital flow of fluids and energy. The placement of the uterus is a primary focus of Maya Abdominal Massage, as the Mayan belief was that the uterus was a woman’s center, and controlled her internal health.

The organs of the abdomen and pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, and intestines, may have shifted, or become swollen or inflamed, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and chi. Blockage of the flow of fluids and energy through the pelvis can be a primary cause for a long list of symptoms. These may include but are not limited to; pelvic floor pain, digestive issues, poor circulation in legs, low back pain, frequent urination and incontinence, bladder infections, fertility challenges, painful periods, irregular periods, PMS, endometriosis, painful intercourse, varicose veins, endocrine (hormonal) issues, and aching legs.

What can cause this?

Poor pelvic alignment, car accidents, chronic constipation and straining and other stresses to the ligaments that support the abdominal and reproductive organs, falls to the sacrum, running on cement surfaces, repeated pregnancies close together and extended pushing during childbirth, to name a few.

What to expect?

Gentle massage on the abdomen from below the ribs and sternum to above the pubic bone. Much focus is also spent on the low back and glute areas. You will be modestly draped at all times during your session. The first session is two hours long, follow up sessions are one hour each.

Mayan massage for fertility

Abdominal Massage helps to free & diminish old adhesions from invasive treatments or traumas to the pelvic and abdominal area, including fibroid tumours, endometriosis, cesarean delivery, abdominal surgery, infection or trauma. It corrects uterine malposition and promotes ligament healing, improves the blood flow to the pelvic organs and can improve the uterine lining.

After a hysterectomy..

Women who have had a hysterectomy also benefit greatly from Maya Abdominal Therapy.  The techniques improve circulation in and around scars and assists proper flow of lymph, which often becomes blocked after surgery and results in swelling, burning, and deep aching pain in the pelvis.  By utilizing uterine massage techniques on a regular basis, scar tissue can be prevented from forming in the pelvis after surgery.  Ligaments and other remaining organs also benefit from improving circulatory flow to the pelvis.