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Energy is all around us… there’s no escaping it. In fact, this energy is us—pure life force flowing ever onward.   

The intricate balance of orchestrated movement our muscular system uses to create even the smallest action is amazing. One muscle never works alone. All muscles have partners—some hold the skeleton steady while they contract and lengthen. Some assist in the movement, and some perform the opposite movement—and they all work together. When tension and knots are added to the equation, these movements can become restricted and less flowing. Muscular relationships become strained, causing some muscles to be almost constantly contracted and others to be pulled too long—and none of them ever have an opportunity to rest and relax.

shiatsu
The word shiatsu means “finger pressure,” and this type of massage uses a combination of gentle rocking, stretching, compression, and percussion to relax the body. It also opens the way for the body’s energy to flow through the medians described in Traditional Chinese Medicine—the same channels used in acupuncture.

In addition, shiatsu massage has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to disengage the body from the stress cycle that’s common in today’s culture. When the body is given a chance to relax, a memory is created in the body of that calm state. With practice and awareness, that calmness can be called upon even in times of great stress. This helps the body deal with some of the destructive effects of stress, such as increased hormones in the bloodstream that raise blood pressure and sugar levels. These hormones help to boost our body’s energy and effectiveness, but used for long periods of time without rest, they can cause extreme wear and tear of each system. This can allow other diseases to step in and take hold.

Muscle tension is also addressed in shiatsu with gentle stretches that can help increase range of motion. All of this work is done slowly and at your own pace so the body can let go of muscle contractions with ease and comfort. During the session, I will ask you to pair your breath with some of the movements and techniques. This can help your body let go of tension as well as give you a chance to practice the connection between body and breath.

Communication is essential—both your words and body language will be attended to with care.

Shiatsu is performed fully clothed; please dress in loose comfortable clothing. Feel free to bring a set of clothes to change into before your session.

reiki
Originally from Japan, Reiki is a form of bodywork that reduces stress and brings the energy of the body into flowing balance. It is a non-invasive therapy that can help one experience a deep meditative state. It is in this place of stillness that our hearts begin to open and speak—life flows and creativity awakens.

A Reiki session consists of hands being placed on specific positions on the body in a particular sequence called a kata, which includes 9 positions for the front and 6 for the back of the body. Some of the locations include the eyes, the temples, the solar plexus, the shoulders and the lumbar region. There is no rocking or motion, just a chance for the body to experience stillness and tranquility. During this time, the mind may quiet, increasing your ability to listen to the inner wisdom of your heart. Naturally, your body may shift on the table as muscles release tension and your breath becomes deeper and calmer.

This practice is helpful when other types of massage are inadvisable, yet the benefits of massage, such stress reduction are necessary.

Reiki is performed fully clothed; please dress in loose comfortable clothing. Feel free to bring a set of clothes to change into before your session.

 

massage rates:
60 minute massage session: $65
90 minute massage session: $90
sliding scale rates are available, please inquire.

90 minute combined coaching and bodywork session: $125
Please wear comfortable clothes, such as cotton workout pants and t-shirt.
Each appointment is held at my office and includes:
• Discussion of where the body is holding tension and how this relates to
current life intentions
• Consideration of overall body posture
• A combination of stretching, shiatsu massage, reiki, and simple holding
directly on body
• Practice of breath work and grounding exercises to do at home
• A follow-up email

policies
late arrivals:
Your massage appointment is a time to relax. Arriving early will help you get settled and quiet down. Arriving late takes time away from this process as well as time from your massage. If you arrive late, appointments will still end at the scheduled time and full price for the session will be charged.

no shows:
Missing an appointment will result in a charge for a full session.

changes and cancelations:
To change or cancel without charge, please make sure to do so at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Failure to cancel without 24 hour notice will result in a charge for the full session. If the cancellation is due to an emergency, call as soon as possible to reschedule. One emergency reschedule, without charge, is allowed for each client.

massage for children and minors:
A parent/guardian of any child under 18 must provide written permission via the client intake form prior to the minor receiving either a massage, bodywork or coaching.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the entire session.

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nourish and flow  ::  portland, oregon  ::  503.984.1056
yancey@nourishandflow.com