Integrative Wellness and Bodywork
More and more modern research reveals the profound effect of chronic, unreleased stress on the body. Chronic stress can weigh on the body physically, mentally, and spiritually. Often, if the stress accumulates long enough, we may not even realize how broadly it has cast its web. Because our bodies are fantastic, interconnected machines, issues of stress can be complex and not fixable with just one solution, but instead, by using a blend of techniques. Though massage may not solve all your problems (especially in just one session), it can be an excellent way to get the ball rolling in a positive direction.
Our culture can keep us disconnected from our bodies by making specific topics “taboo,” making us feel ashamed of our struggles or our natural bodies, normalizing lifestyles that do not prioritize our well-being, and by releasing all control and wisdom of our bodies over to “professionals.” Of course, I value modern medicine and the countless hours of research scientists and doctors have conducted to serve the public! Modern medical research and technology are astounding, life-saving, and deserve respect! Body and energy work should not and cannot replace the gifts of conventional medicine. And still, I believe there is a significant gap in the medical wellness world.
Some may call this “Eastern” vs. “Western” Medicine or “Traditional” vs. “Modern” Medicine. I believe many ailments can be resolved by looking at the person’s lifestyle as a whole, especially looking at the role of stress in their life. While living in a hustle culture that leaves us constantly overstimulated, massage and bodywork sessions can be a time to slow down and focus on your body’s needs. When we reflect on how we spend our time and the different stress factors in our lives, combined with our temperament, it can be easy to see why certain body parts may be restricted and in pain.
My goal is to guide you in reconnecting with your body and expanding your awareness of your habits and bodily needs. In addition to physical bodywork, I want to share techniques such as self-massage, yoga, meditation, and other home practices that can support your nervous system and bring your body closer to positive alignment. I aim to empower you to take charge of your healing journey.
Benefits of Bodywork:
Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow
Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays
Exercises and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Helps athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts
Increases joint flexibility
Reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety
Enhances sleep
Improves energy, concentration, and circulation
Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion
Promotes tissue regeneration, reduces scar tissue and stretch marks
Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, which improves circulation
Relaxes and softens injured, tired, and overused muscles
Releases endorphins
Relieves migraine pain
Notes on Energy Work:
According to research published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, energy medicine is defined as “the therapeutic applications of subtle energies.” While modern medicine focuses primarily on physiology, energy healing practitioners focus more on non-physical health aspects.
If Western medicine applied the principles of modern physics, it would understand that human beings are composed of information (energy) that interacts with other energy (environment) to profoundly impact our physical and emotional health.
Several types of energy healing, such as reiki, acupressure, reflexology, sound healing, meditation, and chakra balancing, can be blended with bodywork.
Benefits of energy work include pain reduction, sleep improvement, immunity boosting, improved brain function, improved mental health, and a sense of well-being.
Here is a wonderful list of ideas on how to clear energy at home: https://www.kelseykuehl.com/post/clear-your-energy
https://www.kelseykuehl.com/post/healing-your-chakras