Certified Massage Therapist and a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist since 2004 and practicing massage proffesionally ever since.

The certifications were received from
Alive & Well Institute of Conscious BodyWork

I work by appointment only from my studio, located near
Folsom & 9th St. in San Francisco's Western SOMA district.

I have received a total of 325 hours of training in the following modalities, which are described in more detail below:
Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Prenatal Massage, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, Face & Head Massage, Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Strain Injuries, Trigger Points Release, Chair/Onsite Massage, Brain Function Fascilitation, Unwinding, Quantum Touch

Member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals since 2004.

I believe that massage therapy as an invaluable tool for achieving a state of deep relaxation, piece of mind, and expanded awareness of our bodies. The body, as our vehicle on this life journey, holds the key to lasting fulfillment. It is through the body that we can experience directly the unity of all things and see our place as a part of the whole of being. Developing such energetic awareness in myself has been immensely helpful in my own path of healing. It is my purpose to share this awareness through hands on bodywork with anyone who may benefit from it in their own healing process.

Below is a more detailed description of each employed modality:

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a style of bodywork designed to relax the muscles, increase oxygen flow in the blood, and release of toxins from the tissue. It accomplishes that by a variety of techniques including gliding, circular and kneading movements with palms, fingers, fists, forearm, or elbows, percussion, vibration, bending, stretching, and others. Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic systems, and the body as a whole. It is effective with keeping the tendons and ligaments supple. Most importantly, Swedish massage helps reduce stress, which is the main cause of most modern chronic health problems.

Myofascial Release

The fascia, also known as the connective tissue, affects the entire body. Distortions in one place can have symptomatic results elsewhere. Myofascial work can release adhesions and restrictions no matter how long those restrictions have been part of the body's patterns. This fascial work technique is gentle but extremely effective.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of therapeutic treatment applied to the foot, hand, or ear. It is based on the idea that the foot/hand/ear, with its reflex points, is a map of the whole body. Applying pressure to the specific areas can affect the corresponding organ and can assist in restoring health to that part of the system. Reflexology feels good. It soothes and relaxes the body. It can be helpful with relieving variety of problems including breathing, digestive, and circulatory problems, as well as tension and stress.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure on certain points on the body. It is based on the principles of Qi and Balance. There are forteen meridians or energy/qi channels within the human body. By applying pressure on certain points, the flow of the corresponding meridian is affected and so are the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects associated with that meridian. Acupressure is gentler technique than acupuncture (which uses needles) but could be more effective for relieving chronic conditions. Acupressure stimulates the body's energy to help with fighting illness and restoring balance.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese style of bodywork. It involves applying pressure on different parts of the body as well as stretching. The pressure can be either gentle or deep depending on the needs of the person and is applied along the ki (energy) meridians. The fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet can be used. Shiatsu can help aliviate pain and assist the individual in their process of self-healing and self-development. It strengthens the body, promotes health, increases vitality and relaxation.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is specifically designed for the needs of women throughout all phases of pregnancy. It can facilitate structural changes of the pregnant body and support the transition into motherhood. The techniques used are based on the work of Looyen Work. They include structural patterns that help align the body, while relieving and correcting sciatic and psoas problems from expanded growth discomfort. The work is gentle but very effective. It is performed in sidelying and semi-reclined positions.
Perinatal massage helps reduce episiotomies, second and third degree tears and instrumental deliveries (British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 104:787-791, July 1997)

Brain Function Fascilitation

The way the human brain organizes itself can have a profound effect on our coordination, our movement patterns, and the way we approach life. Imbalances can result in an extremely tight musculature, uneven muscle development between the right and left sides, inability to focus/organize/communicate, a sense of having "something missing", or having to "try" too hard. By using certain muscle tests and releases, as well as movements and exercises, these imbalances can be addressed to help maintain higher functionality, as well as to feel more at ease physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Strain Injuries

Carpal Tunnel and Repetitive Strain injuries are considered a leading cause of pain, lost work, and disability in today's workforce. Most of these problems can be resolved without invasive surgery by using variety of techniques, depending on the specific needs of the client, as well as postural and movement reeducation.

Chair Massage

Chair Massage is performed on a chair. It can be very effective with relieving stress and tension within short time and variety of conditions. Various techniques are used: pressure, patting, vibration, rolling, rotation, and others. It relieves muscle tensions and stiffness, improves flexibility and range of motion, promotes deeper and easier breathing, relieves eyestrain headaches, promotes relaxation and stress reduction.

Face & Head Massage

The expression of tension is as much in the face as anywhere else. Face and head massage feels great and is deeply soothing and relaxing. It is the ultimate natural face lift.

Quantum Touch

Quantum Touch is a method of hands-on healing that uses breath and body awareness to facilitate the body's own healing response. This method can help with structural realignment, reduction of pain and inflamation, balancing of the organs, systems, and glands.

Trigger Points Release

Trigger Points Release is an effective pain management technique. Trigger points are areas in muscles that cause muscular pain and can refer pain to other areas of the body. Trigger points are believed to cause stiff joints and restricted range of motion. They are associated with myofascial pain symptoms or fibromyalgia. They are also referred to as muscle knots. Trigger points have variety of causes: past injuries, poor posture, overexertion, birth trauma, emotional stress, and others. The purpose of this therapy is to eliminate the pain and to reeducate the muscles into better habits. It helps reduce swelling and stiffness, increase range of motion, relieve tension, and improve flexibility and coordination.

Unwinding

Unwinding is what the nervous system does to release the energy of unfinished expression. Unwinding movements assist the body in releasing everyday and trauma-related stress that have accumulated as chronic tension in the muscles. The movements are initiated in the connective tissue by the body's innate self-healing intelligence. Allowing and facilitating these expressions will help the body restore its natural function and balance.