Auricular Therapy and Ear Seeds
Auricular Therapy (AT) is the stimulation of pressure points on the outer portion of the ear. Upon stimulation these points encourage the body's self-healing mechanisms to act by sending signals to the reflex centers of the brain to examine the corresponding region of the body and send the appropriate signals to alleviate any dissonance. Rooted in the ancient tradition of acupuncture and acupressure this gentle art has been practiced over 2,500 years.
There are over 200 points on the ear that can relieve pain, anxiety, depression, allergies, dizziness, digestive complaints, menstrual issues, fibromyalgia, memory, concentration, and a host of other ailments. This therapy is regularly used during combat for soldiers coping with PTSD, pain, trauma and insomnia. Clinics for addiction also widely use Auricular Therapy to support patient recovery and diminish negative symptoms.
The activation of pressure points can be achieved via Electro Acupoint Stimulation and by the application of 1mm seeds placed on top of the skin. A clear medical-grade adhesive is used to apply the seeds that are generally left in place for five days. During this time the wearer may be encouraged to massage the seeds for a few seconds throughout the day to enhance healing, and reinforce self-care rituals. Most often 24k gold seeds are used for a tonifying effect upon the body's systems although stainless steel is available, as is the classic Vaccaria Seed.
Auricular Therapy sessions are fifteen to twenty minutes. Although the modality works well as a stand-alone session for a booster-dose between regular visits, adding this treatment to an existing appointment makes it a convenient and effective supplement to your regular sessions.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Why is Cranial Sacral Therapy needed?
Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is mainly applied to the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. There are many layers of fascia lining the entire body, enveloping everything within – muscle, bone, nerve, brain tissue, organs, cells, etc. When this tissue is compromised it may have profoundly negative effects upon the body. Optimally, fascia is free to glide about a millimetre, or two, in all directions. In the presence of adhesion or traumas this free fascial movement becomes restricted and may lead to dysfunction within the systems of the body.
An imbalance or dysfunction in the cranial sacral system may be caused by trauma to the body such as falls, accidents, medical procedures, or simply by stress and nervous tension. An imbalance can cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities leading to innumerable physical and psychological problems.
How is CST applied?
At its most superficial level, connective tissue lies just underneath the skin. Due to this it takes very little pressure to tap into the tissue. Also, since there is not much elasticity to fascia it takes very little pressure to affect change through traction, compression or various other techniques that may be applied. At its deepest level, connective tissue connects into the dural tube. The dural tube surrounds the spinal cord, lines the skull, and acts to separate the regions of the brain. This tube contains cerebral spinal fluid - the protectant for the spine and brain, and custodian of chemical waste. This cerebral spinal fluid flows from sacrum to cranium and back again, creating a rhythm much like a heart rate or respiratory rhythm.
Between it's deepest and most superficial layers fascia runs through the body enveloping all things within, all the way down to a cellular level. Due to the low level of elasticity in fascia, when it becomes damaged it will adversely affect the things it envelopes by inhibiting the function of the contained structures - organ, joint, nerve, muscle, etc.
The application of CST is very gentle yet it's far reaching effects can facilitate profound changes to the deepest levels of the body, mind and spirit. Cranial Sacral Therapy is an ideal compliment to other alternative or allopathic modalities as its goal is to support the self-correcting mechanisms of the body. Treatment for this all-encompassing system truly can bring relief to any malady.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses finger pressure applied to specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural self-correcting abilities. When the points are held healing is promoted by the release of muscle tension, built up toxins, and by the promotion of circulation in the systems of the body.
Acupuncture and acupressure use the same pressure points and meridians, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses finger pressure to activate the points.
Acupressure can be used to enhance general well-being or can be applied to specific issues of concern. Almost any situation can be improved or enhanced through the use of acupressure.
Acupressure is ideal for self treatment as the therapy can easily be practiced on oneself. Your therapist can show you key points to benefit your specific needs for spot treatments and to support your healing between sessions.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique that utilizes an ancient knowledge of healing based on the flow of energy that permeates all living things. This energy (Chi, Ki, Prana) flows within the physical body through pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. These pathways carry information for all of our organs and emotions as they affect our physiology.
The free and balanced flow of this energy is the cause of health. When the flow is disrupted it interferes with the healthy functioning of the body. It is the disruption in the flow of this energy that is the main cause of illness.
Reiki works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy, and has demonstrated a positive affect on most all forms of illness. Studies have shown it to renew and restore tissues and cells, eliminating disease.
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit. The results of treatment can be dramatic or more gradual but Reiki Therapy is always beneficial.
Massage
Massage is a multifaceted form of therapy with benefits ranging from pure relaxation to very specific therapeutic application. It enhances general health and vitality, by coaxing tension from muscles, easing stiff joints, and promoting healthy circulation of the body systems. With regular massage the tissues are kept pliable and patterns of stress can be resolved. Additionally, therapeutic massage can stimulate weak, inactive muscles, and thus partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury.
Injury, poor posture and chemical imbalances can cause the body’s connective tissue to distort and bind to other tissues. With regular massage the tissues are kept pliable and patterns of stress can be resolved. When muscles are overused they can lose the ability to relax. As a result, the tissues become overly rigid. Often times they will create trigger points, stress other muscles, and negatively affect any joints they are related to.
Modern scientific research is now catching up with what healers have known for millennia – touch is healing. Experiencing a massage does more than just relax your mind and body. There are specific physiological and chemical changes happening throughout the body, creating profound and positive effects.