You sit clothed in a chair or lie on a bed (wheelchairs and hospital beds are fine!) and after a friendly introduction, you enjoy skilled touch. The massage is meant to soothe emotional stress and agitation, reduce pain, and be a time of simple reassuring pleasure. After obtaining a health history, I check to see your current mood and physical state. Depending on the medical condition I use different strokes. Sometimes I include acupressure to enhance alertness, swallowing, and urinary health. I usually include very gentle movement to loosen stiff joints and circulation. Lotion is used on dry skin, either your own, or unscented cream which I bring.
Geriatric massage meets the specific needs of people with illness, mobility restrictions, cognitive impairments, and emotional challenges. It provides stability and a peaceful time in an unpredictable world. It helps everyone, no matter what condition they are in, feel safe and respected. It is deep comfort for patients with speech or vision issues. Very specific techniques protect fragile skin, spastic muscles, and vulnerable areas. I consistently observe nonverbal feedback. Everything I do is pain free.
It is excellent for conditions such as Alzheimer's, Aphasia, Anxiety, Arthritis, Dementia, Depression, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Strokes, high stress, caregiving burnout, and healing from trauma. It is a way to cope with grief and relocation shock. It can improve ADL's and reduce agitation and sundowning. It can temporarily calm tremors. It is a resource of drug free pain management.
For patients with injuries or recent surgeries, I include Orthopedic Massage. This is gentle focus on the bones and joints and all the tendons and muscles attaching to them. It often speeds recovery from surgery and falls. It is great for increasing flexibility after joint implants, sprains and fractures. It helps to free up adhesions (scar tissue). Techniques include lymphatic drainage, soothing focused myofascial work, positional release and moderate passive range of motion. I only apply light pressure.
Palliative massage is offered as relief for symptoms of serious illness at any stage. Hospice massage is offered to patients as end-of-life care. It provides emotional comfort without making any demands of attention or movement. Both are a simple way to relieve anxiety and depression, especially with nonverbal patients.
Acupressure is based on the principle that touching a specific point on the body releases actual and energetic blocks in your body. This allows your energy to flow, and creates physical and emotional balance.
Clients tell me the massage feels wonderful! They show me how their fingers and feet move better. I see their faces become more serene and they often they close their eyes. They feel like they finally had a good rest!
And a massage session is a wonderful gift. Gift Certificates are available.
You sit in a chair or lie on a bed while I rub, press, and stroke your hands or your feet. I also gently rotate and move your fingers and wrists (or toes and ankles) only as much as you like. Clothing doesn't have to be removed, not even socks, if that is preferred. Lotion is optional, either your own, or unscented which I bring.
It feels wonderful, and often brings flexibility to hands and feet. It can reduce pain in arthritic joints and swelling in ankle areas. It can bring a sense of feeling grounded and being in harmony with your entire body. Balance and gait issues can improve with consistent sessions.
Traditional reflexology is based on the concept that everything in your feet (or hands) is linked to other areas of your body. An example is that your big toe and your thumb represent your head and neck. I can spend the whole time on your arms and hands or on your feet and legs. It feels super amazing and brings real benefits!
A Reflexology session is a wonderful gift. Gift Certificates are available.
A very gentle form of Thai Massage, you lie in comfortable clothing on a soft futon (mattress), which I bring to you. I connect energy from the top of your head down to your toes to balance your energy, with soft touch and no discomfort.
I assess your hara (belly) which shows which areas of your body need attention. There are 14 meridians which travel like little rivers or electric lines in a network along your arms, legs, head and torso. I gently press acupressure (acupuncture) points in a sequence along your back or front, and over your limbs to open the flow of energy. Sometimes I gently guide you into mild stretches which bring harmony and flexibility to your mind, body, and spirit.
People usually say they feel deeply relaxed yet also energized after Shiatsu.
Each basic meridian is the pathway for a specific organ and emotion. During therapy I usually activate the associated pathway. If an issue is longstanding I can stimulate or sedate other elements to overcome chronic patterns.
Some Meridian Examples -
The Stomach meridian deals with digestive issues, and feeling strong, nurtured and connected to earth, a sense of belonging. I focus on it if someone feels lonely or overwhelmed.
The Heart meridian deals with feeling happy, feeling calm, and safe. I focus on it to help recover from profound shock, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
The Bladder and Kidney meridian organize the nervous system and fluids in the body. I focus on them if someone is tired or has brain fog. This helps restore a sense of vitality.
Shiatsu is a great gift for someone who has experienced many types of bodywork and want to try a gentle approach.
Corporate Massage is available for Residents and Staff at a facility. Each person receives a 10 minute seated session.
People stay fully dressed and sit on any type of chair, including recliners and wheelchairs, or my professional massage chair which has a face cradle and knee rests. It's immediate therapy for sore necks, shoulders and backs. Headaches can be soothed with head massage. Sore hands can be softly massaged with lotion. Touch is focused where it is needed. It can be a social time of talking or a quiet time of rest. People look forward to it because it's easy and enjoyable.
This activity can be done in a community room as a Mini Spa Party or in private in any space of choice. It's so popular that I suggest posting a sign up sheet a week before the event, so that everyone gets their time.
A two hour booking offers appointments for up to 10 people.