What would a session look like for me?

For Shiatsu and energy work, you are fully clothed and bodywork is performed on a low massage table. The session is client-directed: your input guides and directs each session.  You can always request specific techniques or modalities.  Due the nature of our body-mind images, memories and emotions can arise as increased awareness is brought to the body and to particular bodily sensations. These are welcomed, held and worked with, as always, with your consent and direction.  Flower essences may also be used occasionally during bodywork sessions. 

A flower essence consultation involves a heart-to-heart conversation, which helps me to understand which essences may be the most helpful for you.  We may work with visuals of the flowers, drawings or simply the conversation.  I use the method of pulse-testing to find the most useful combination and dosage for you at the time. (Pulse-testing: feeling the reaction of your wrist-pulse to the medicine).

Shiatsu – Does it hurt?

I get asked this a lot!  As with Western massage, there are many ways to practice Shiatsu and each practitioner is different.  I practice Shiatsu in different ways according to symptoms present and your preferences.  The amount of pressure can vary greatly from a light, energetic pressure to a deeper, penetrating pressure.  Working on an area with energetic stagnation can be slightly uncomfortable, but should not ever cross the threshold into “pain.” This is further evoke the neurological pain pathway of “ow!” and more tension.  I can use less or more pressure at your request.  I do not believe in “forcing” knots out or in the adage “no pain, no gain”.  The session should not leave you feeling worse!   In general, my touch is more soothing and relaxing. 

What are these modalities?

Shiatsu

is a Japanese form of therapeutic bodywork grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western anatomy and physiology. Shiatsu is translated into English as finger pressure.  It is performed through clothing and incorporates kneading, stretching, pressure, and tapping techniques to assist the body’s own healing process. It is incredibly effective at moving energy, balancing and easing both physical and emotional tensions.

Nicole has training in Namikoshi Shiatsu and Shiatsu-Anma, developed by Master Namikoshi and Grandmaster Kaneko, Dr. DoAnn T. Kaneko (LAc, OMD, PhD) respectively. More info on these forms can be found HERE. 

Article remembering Master Tokujiro Namikoshi HERE.

CranioSacral therapy

is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork intended to relieve pain, tension, stress and other imbalances by gentle, passive manipulations of the skull and sacral bones thus encouraging the body’s natural rhythm and flow of craniosacral fluid through the central nervous system. The Craniosacral system was discovered by osteopathic physician William Sutherland, who noticed the sutures between the cranial bones were designed for movement.  Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was further developed through the extensive scientific studies of osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, founder of the Upledger Institute. 

Flower Essences

are herbal infusions or decoctions, made from the flowering part of the plant, which uniquely address emotional and mental aspects of wellness (FES).  I primarily use the Lily Circle created by Julia Graves and Green Tara Flower Essences, supplemented with essences from FES (Flower Essence Society) and those made by myself. More information and resources on Flower Essences, what they are, how they work, and their history can be found on the BioPsciences Institute website and the Flower Essence Society website, or by contacting me directly.

Photo by Nicole Marie: Water Lily