Myofascial massage is a technique used to treat injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion. Myofascial massage differs from other types of massage in that it targets the fascia - the membrane surrounding muscles - rather than the muscle itself. Since fascia completely encases every muscle in the body, imbalances in the fascia can have serious effects on your range of motion and comfort level. While other forms of massage can overlook the fascia, myofascial massage focuses specifically on releasing tension in this important membrane.
Developed by Aaron Mattes, Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a dynamic system for improving your flexibility and overall well-being. As you probably know, stretching your muscles not only reduces your chance of injury, but also strengthens your tendons and improves circulation. What sets the AIS technique apart is: 1) active movement, whereby an opposing joint movement stretches the target muscle, using reciprocol inhibition -- muscles on one side of a joint have to relax in order to allow movement in the opposite direction, and 2) muscle groups or parts of a large muscle (proximal vs. distal, medial vs. lateral,) are specifically isolated with exact positioning and/or rotation of the joint(s). In order to prevent the stretch-reflex -- a spontaneous response to over-stretching, AIS holds a stretch for 2-seconds. Repeating the stretch process 6-10 times allows the fascia to heat and the stretch to deepen in the final reps. AIS emphasizes ideal posture to protect joints. While athletes will benefit greatly from AIS techniques and methods, virtually anyone who can move their joints will benefit. I set up and guide the AIS technique, while the client controls the degree of stretch.
Swedish Massage is a classic style of bodywork. Also known as Western Massage, it combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve circulation. It is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. The benefits are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, greater flexibility, and enhanced mental clarity. Swedish/Western Massage differs from Oriental/Eastern Massage in that it does not use the meridian system (healing based on energy flow and balance) or acupressure techniques.
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body's natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, I work directly with your energy field to remove blockages and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki utilizes a gentle laying on of hands to conduct the necessary energy force between us. The benefits of Reiki range from the release of mental/emotional stress, an enhanced sense of well-being, and alleviating chronic pain.
In the words of my late teacher, the esteemed Hawaiian kupuna, Auntie Margaret Machado, from Captain Cook, Hawaii: "Lomilomi is the loving touch - a connection between heart and soul with the source of all life. It is a praying work." Lomilomi is based on spiritual principles. Per Auntie Margaret, the therapist must work with Aloha (love) and practice ho'oponopono (forgiveness of self and others). The therapist must have an open mind, an open heart. In the words of instructor, Dr. Mark Lamore, "You have to make things right (pono) with yourself before you can be an instrument of healing." The month-long lomilomi class that I took, taught by Auntie Margaret Machado and Dr. Mark Lamore, was taught Ohana-style at the beachhouse school on Kealakekua Bay, in South Kona.