MASSAGE & BODYWORK
I offer massage services including Swedish massage, pre-natal massage, oncology massage, and lymphatic massage. Although massage has been reported to help fibromyalgia sufferers, improve sleep, reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, alleviate symptoms of depression, improve quality of life for people suffering from post-operative pain and chronic pain conditions, support people receiving palliative and hospice care, as well as serve as an important part of a person’s overall personal wellness planning, my focus is primarily on helping you renew the feeling of freedom in your body by reducing pain.
I also work to help you integrate your thinking into your treatment by focusing on the positive expression of your health goals. I will support you in strengthening your sense of grace by helping you cultivate a more complete sense of calm and relaxation.
The focus of your massage session and the types of techniques I use will be determined after consulting with you and determining the goals for your treatment. During the massage session, you will undress to your level of comfort. Pursuant to Wisconsin State law, you will remain fully draped, except for the area of the body on which I am working. To facilitate the massage work, whether light, medium, or firm pressure, I use a low-fragrance, nut-free and seed-free oil or cream.
Sotai is a form of bodywork designed to re-educate the body and release neuromuscular restraint through breathwork and specific movements. Sotai was developed by Dr. Keizo Hashimoto (1897-1993). Sotai is a successful therapy for chronic pain and it rebalances the body, resulting in a feeling of calm and renewal. Clients will leave with simple movements they can do at home in order to facilitate healing. I will develop your sotai session using methods learned under the tutelage of Bob Quinn, L.Ac. (Yin Sotai), Stephen Brown, L.Ac., Peter Guy Thompson, L.Ac., Akiko Thompson, Jeffrey Dann, L.Ac., and Hiroaki Komatsu.
Kinesiotaping
Kineosiotape quickens the healing of the body by enhancing flow of lymph and blood. The tape slightly lifts the skin and creates space, reducing swelling, bruising, and pain. Kinesiotape is helpful for a variety of conditions and its use will be discussed prior to application.
Written permission must be granted before kinesiotape is used and there may be an additional fee. I use orthopedic testing as part of the assessment process in accordance with my training in the Kinesio Taping Method that was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, D.C.
SHIATSU & ENERGYWORK
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork rooted in Chinese medicine. Traditionally performed on a futon mat on the floor, you can also receive a shiatsu session on a massage table or even a massage chair. During the session, you will remain fully clothed (except for your shoes and accessories). I will apply appropriate levels of relaxed pressure directionally to your body, using my thumbs, palms, and for deeper pressure, elbows, knees, or feet. Your session will include gentle stretching and joint rotations and will begin and end with gentle abdominal massage called “hara assessment”. Although the term shiatsu is often used interchangeably with “massage”, shiatsu differs significantly from massage because shiatsu is an energy medicine. Also, while both massage and shiatsu offer great benefits to people suffering from chronic pain conditions, shiatsu is an excellent therapy for rebalancing your entire system after a period of mental or emotional disruption.
I will build your shiatsu session in a manner aligned with the style and philosophies cultivated by a variety of shiatsu masters, all of whom were influenced by Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981), a student of Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905-2000). Masunaga’s style of shiatsu is called Zen Shiatsu. Other shiatsu styles that will inform the treatment are Ohashiatsu/Ohashi Method (Ohashi Wataru), “Quantum Shiatsu” (Pauline Sasaki, 1946-2010), Zenki (Michael Deagro), and New Energy Work (Cliff Andrews) and Carola Beresford-Cooke, author of Shiatsu Theory and Practice. Your session may also include seiki (Akinobu Kishi, 1949-2012), a very quiet approach to treatment that is more like “holding space so healing can happen” or sotai (Dr. Keizo Hashimoto, 1897-1993), a Japanese type of neuromuscular movement therapy. I will work with your body and verbal expressions to help me determine a course of treatment that will best strengthen and support your own body’s ability to heal.
Craniosacral Balancing (CSB) is based on the principles of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), developed by Dr. John Upledger (1932-2012), which is based on the work of Dr. William Garner (1873-1954). CST is a non-invasive, gentle therapy that applies a supportive, light-touch to the receiver’s cranium, spine, sacrum and other joints. CST supports the free circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, positively impacting the craniosacral system, releasing restrictions in the system, and allowing the nervous system to function in an improved manner. CST is a useful therapy for a host of physical conditions and may be beneficial for reducing anxiety. Craniosacral Balancing is a more biodynamic style, as taught by David and Misha Sol. During a CSB session, my hands are the tools I use to listen and follow rather than to lead or manipulate. Sessions are quiet and client-led.
Regular recipients of craniosacral balancing have reported reduction or total relief from pain and other types of dysfunction, improved sleep, a greater sense of relaxation, stabilized moods, and clearer thinking, among many other positive benefits. The treatment requires a great deal of listening by the practitioner and can be a very quiet, almost still session. However, sessions may also include dialoging that supports the treatment. Clients remain fully clothed and craniosacral therapy can be safely used for adults, children, infants, and the elderly.
Seiki is a very gentle form of bodywork that extends from shiatsu. It was developed by Akinobu Kishi (1949-2012) and provides a space for both the giver and the receiver to share a period of quiet expansion. Seiki is a more still treatment than massage, shiatsu, or sotai, but provides a powerful opportunity for the recipient to allow the innate healing process to begin. My seiki treatments are informed by my studies with Paul Lundberg, author of The Book of Shiatsu and Alice Whieldon, author of Sei-ki, The Secret Art of Shiatsu.
Reiki is a Japanese word that means “universal life energy”, which is the energy found in all things. I compare my role as practitioner to a charged battery that can rekindling the charge of another battery. During a reiki treatment, this “jump start” is accomplished by a gentle, light touch on specific areas of the body. The therapeutic practice of reiki promotes deep relaxation and helps open both practitioner and receiver to the power of reiki. When connected with reiki in a conscious way, an individual has the possibility of healing, awakening, and enlivening through this practice. Positive personal and life transformations are often reported by recipients of a reiki treatments.
Reiki treatments supports the whole person – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Only a 90-minute time slot is available for booking, but sessions can last anywhere from 45-90 minutes, including consultation time and post-session discussion.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, specialized therapy that promotes the movement of excess fluid and cellular metabolic waste through the lymphatic system. A well-functioning lymphatic system strengthens the immune response and promotes health by reducing excess fluid in the tissues, a cause of swelling and edema. MLD also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a state of deep relaxation (alpha state) to aid the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is excellent for stress reduction because it promotes sound, deep sleep (delta state) resulting in a refreshed mental alertness (gamma state) and an overall feeling of well-being. Although MLD is an excellent year-round health treatment, it is especially beneficial during the fall and winter months or “cold season” because of the way it enhances immune system function.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: MLD facilitates more rapid flushing of the lymphatic system and can intensify the immune response during active stages of a cold or similar illness. Therefore, it is not recommended to have an MLD treatment while you are in the active stages of a cold or similar condition. Also, there are a few absolute and relative contraindications to Manual Lymphatic Drainage, so be sure to honestly discuss your full health history with the therapist.
In 2022, I became a certified Vodder manual lymphatic drainage therapist (CMLDT). Session length is determined by need, but clients can expect a session to last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. MLD is an aspect of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), however I am not certified to provide full CDT services. If necessary, I may be able to help you locate a CCDT in the Milwaukee area. Please contact me for more information.
As a Certified Culinary Nutritionist trained by Meghan and , I can help you find practical ways to consume healthy, delicious food in accordance with your dietary preferences or restrictions and your food philosophy. These sessions can be offered in a 1:1 setting or in a group.
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As a health coach I will take a holistic approach to helping you identify and articulate your personal health and wellness goals and support your efforts to obtain them. My goal is to help you feel your very best by making food and lifestyle modifications that are tailored to your individual needs.
I also help you to obtain authoritative and well-researched information that can guide you in your decision making about what steps are best for your situation.
Heartwork™ consists of developmental activities designed to help you clarify anti-pathogenic goals for your session and continue the energetic benefits of your session long after treatment has ended. Aspects of constitutional diagnosis (Lonny Jarrett, L.Ac.) will be applied during Heartwork ™ sessions in order to create longer lasting, more significant results. Sessions can also be completed with or without bodywork. Group options may be available.
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Chokkan Shiatsu & Wellness Services
