Massage Therapy

Treatments

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release and Unwinding

The John Barnes Method of Myofascial Release is a safe, gentle, state-of-the-art technique that is highly effective in relieving pain, restoring mobility, and promoting overall wellness. This technique generally provides quicker, more lasting results than traditional hands-on therapy. Myofascial Release and Unwinding is a whole-body approach that focuses on relieving restrictions from all layers of the fascia.

Myofascial refers to “myo” (muscle) + “fascia” (soft tissue). The fascia is a vast web of interconnected soft tissue that extends from head to toe and envelops all muscle, bone, nerves, organs, and blood vessels in the body; its network extends from the superficial fascia just below the skin to the dural fascia covering the brain and spinal cord. It is vital for the healthy functioning of every cell within the body, and serves as a pivotal interface between the body and the mind.

Fascial restrictions impede vital transmission of information from cell to cell; this disruption of communication leads to disease and abnormal cell development as in cancer. The fascia constricts to protect the body from physical or emotional threat (e.g., surgery, injury, chronic stress, poor posture, disease); this initial response is an integral part of the body’s survival mechanism. If, however, the body forgets to “turn off the alarm” once the threat has subsided, the fascia remains stuck in emergency mode, and normal cell function is impaired. Since the fascia is one continuous circuit, a restriction in one area frequently affects distant regions of the body as well. Myofascial restrictions can cause pervasive symptoms such as pain, misalignment, stiffness, nerve impingement, impaired circulation and digestion, anxiety, agitation, and depression.

Myofascial Release Therapy involves gentle, sustained pressure and stretching to interrupt the tissues’ dysfunctional cycle and to allow release of painful holding patterns; sustained pressure is the key to achieving long-term results by, in essence, re-wiring the fascia. In the process, memories, emotions, and belief systems that had obstructed healing rise to awareness and can be released as well. Both the body and the mind are rebalanced, and healing occurs.

Additional Treatments

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle method of releasing restrictions in the central nervous system in order to enhance wellness and improve resistance to disease. The technique was developed by Dr. John Upledger, an internationally-recognized osteopathic physician and member of the Advisory Council for the National Institutes of Health, Office of Alternative Medicine. Both Daniel and Claire trained at The Upledger Institute where their mentor was Bruno Chickly, M.D., prominent lymphatic system clinician and research scientist. This hands-on approach focuses on the craniosacral system, a circuit of membranes filled with cerebrospinal fluid which envelops the brain and the entire length of the spinal cord. “Craniosacral” refers to the cranium (the structure surrounding the brain) and the sacrum (the five vertebrae which form the back wall of the pelvis). When the body is functioning optimally, cerebrospinal fluid moves continuously through this area (the dural tube) in a slow, rhythmic wave; restrictions in the flow cause disruptions in the rhythm, accumulation of toxins, and a multitude of symptoms. Craniosacral Therapy is a safe, relaxing way to relieve the restrictions, balance the rhythm, and synchronize the body and mind. It calms the central nervous system and balances emotions, strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and fatigue, and prevents disease.

Lymph Drainage Therapy

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a very precise hands-on technique developed by Bruno Chickly, M.D. of France to activate lymph circulation and cleanse the system. “Lymph” refers to the clear tissue fluid that circulates throughout the body and promotes healing. Based on anatomical science, this technique allows the therapist to detect the direction, rhythm, depth, and quality of the lymph flow. By improving lymph circulation, the therapist stimulates the immune system to flush waste such as damaged cells and inflammatory toxins; it promotes general wellness and facilitates healing. This is a very gentle, relaxing technique.

•Reduced swelling (including lymphedema), tightness, and bruising in post-operative patients.

•Improved regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds, and wrinkles.

•Detoxification of the body.

•Decreased sinus congestion and allergy symptoms

•Anti-aging effects

•Relief from chronic pain and fatigue, including symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

•Reduced cellulite formation

•Reduced stress and insomnia

For More Information

Call Daniel at 314.313.6013

Dlacroix1990@gmail.com