Healing Modalities
www.vickimartinoriginals.com
I am, what I like to call a “workshop junkie”. I love to learn new massage and bodywork techniques and keep current with new information in the alternative health care field. Below is a list of the workshops I have taken over the years with descriptions of each technique, so you may have an understanding of my knowledge base.
a I have been a Reiki practitioner since 2000 and Reiki Master Teacher since August 07′. Reiki is universal healing energy that anyone (not just massage therapists) can learn and be attuned in by a Reiki Master. It only does good in the body and works on all levels of being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. As a Reiki practitioner, I act as a vessel for the energy to flow through me – it does not come from me. I use it in most if not every bodywork session I give. Clients notice how deeply they can relax and tune into their bodies with the added use of Reiki to their massage. It makes each massage more holistic, since the Reiki is working on many levels, but I also highly recommend it as a stand-alone modality. I also use Reiki in distance healing sessions, for those who cannot make it to my office and/or live out of town. It is truly an effective, incredible healing gift – I use it in my daily life on myself, my cat, and plants. It is my pleasure to teach Reiki and pass attunements – please inquire if you would like to learn from me. Class times will be posted on this website, but I am also available for private instruction. It gives each person more empowerment to be in charge of their own health care in an easy, feel-good way which is a concept I strive to advance in this age of high insurance premiums and prescription drug overload. Visit www.reiki.org for more info.
Aroma Touch Technique: Now offered as a free add-on to your session until May 1st! (usually $10 extra) This modality is a great way to rebalance and rejuvenate your body in a deeply relaxing and healthy way. I use eight different doTERRA brand essential oils applied in a specific way along the spine and feet to affect the body physiologically. It promotes homeostasis, anti-inflammation, immune support, and relaxation. Each oil’s unique components go to work the second they touch your skin. When I received Aroma Touch, I immediately went into a deep state of relaxation and alpha brain wave state. It felt amazing and I smelled wonderful! It is great to receive an Aroma Touch session every so often, like at the beginning of a new season to balance and renew yourself. Visit www.mydoterra.com/meghanquinn or www.quinnessentialdoterra.com to learn more about the oils, or visit the essential oil page of this website.
Swedish Massage: The basis of my massages. This is the general technique that was taught in the massage program I attended at Lane Community College Sept 01′-June 03′. It encompasses five classic massage strokes to increase circulation in the body and relax, rejuvenate, and soften muscle tissue.
Therapeutic Deep Tissue: completed July 05′, taught by Bill Musser, focus on full body palpation skills. This method is not merely deep pressure applied to the body using swedish styles. True deep tissue massage is extremely deep and extremely slow to physiologically effectively lengthen and smooth out muscle fibers. It restores normal circulation and irons out knots. Great for athletes (I have achieved positive results on long distance runners and pro basketball players) and/or people with chronically tight muscles . Because deep tissue massage strokes are very slow, generally sessions with this focus are geared towards relieving one specific issue and/or area of the body at a time.
Soft Tissue Release (STR): completed June 06′, taught by Stuart Taws of British Sports Therapy. A revolutionary, easy, and painless method of repetitive stretching of muscles to re-program the communication between the central nervous system and muscle fibers. This resets the muscle memory from discomfort and pain whether chronic or acute, to a pain free, relaxed, lengthened state. Great for issues from past injuries, car accidents, whip lash, headaches, low back pain, carpal tunnel, etc. Noticeable progress can be achieved in 1-2 sessions. To simply address one issue, a 30 minute session is adequate, but can be incorporated into a normal bodywork appointment as well for a more holistic, relaxing session. To be most effective, STR requires the client to actively participate in at-home stretching exercises which I instruct you in.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST): completed CST Level 1 September 08′, taught by Signey Erickson of the Upledger Institute. CST is a gentle technique, which aids in balancing the subtle pulse of the little known craniosacral system of the body. With light pressure, holding specific points from the sacrum and torso to the neck, head, and face, CST releases blocks and manipulates the faint movement of the the cranial bones. Here is the description of CST from http://upledger.com/content.asp?id=26.
CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Body Optimization: completed Nov. 09′ in San Rafael, CA. This technique was developed by Physical Therapist Alco Chan who is certified by the AMA as a low-back pain specialist. This technique is a synthesis of Thai Massage, Acupressure, Traction, and Anti-Gravity Massage.
Lomi’ili’ili (Hawaiian Hot Stone Massage): Completed November 04′, taught by Marcia York through the Hawaiian Healing Institute. Traditional Hawaiian Hot Stone massage – consists of using smooth stones heated to a therapeutic temperature to massage the muscles with. While massaging with the stones, others stay stationary on the hands, feet and sacrum. This full body massage is deeply warming and relaxing. The heat helps soften the muscle tissue by increasing blood flow. Very grounding and great in the wintertime to balance the chill in the air! This modality is not currently offered.