You and your wife specialize in Kriya massage, what is it?

Kriya massage is a style of massage created by Kamala St Germain - founder of the DoveStar Institute. Kamala began teaching yoga in 1973, in 1981 she opened the first state licensed massage school in New Hampshire. In 2001 DoveStar had opened 4 school locations ending in Savannah GA in 2007. The principles of Kriya is where the practitioner maintains constant contact with the client. The massage techniques are circular and flowing in motion, similar to watching a Tai Chi master perform techniques. Both the Tai Chi master and Kriya practitioner utilize the infinity symbol (figure 8) as their guide and foundation for their style.

Kriya falls under the category of integrative because it has the ability to integrate with other therapeutic techniques such as Swedish, Deep tissue and Reflexology (to name a few) into the massage, but encompasses them all into a singular flowing massage. The most common response after a Kriya massage is a sense of feeling complete, calm and rejuvenated.

DoveStar students also receive specialized training in Mind/Body awareness. Kamala had a passion for discovering the underlying motives of the physical body and created classes to achieve higher levels of awareness to the subtle energy systems and how they interacted with each other. Her system of study was cutting edge for her time, now all of her students benefit greatly from her sharing of her experiences and perceptions. It is at this time of writing that I too share in continuing her passions and the journey of mind/body discovery, humbled to know I stand on the shoulders of giants who through times of adversity and physical challenge persevered and found a way to improving their quality of life, then sharing their experiences to help others. I am forever grateful for her passions, for they continue to inspire me every day.

What are the differences between Swedish, Deep Tissue and Integrative massages?

Swedish was originally developed for athletes in pre and post events, forms of Swedish date back to the time of the Greek Olympics, preparing athletes for their upcoming competitions. Swedish has become a standard technique for all massage therapists during their training. Experiencing this massage generally follows a specific scientific approach, somewhat mechanical in its application yet results are improved blood flow and muscle conditioning. In todays practice Swedish is designed for athletes and is considered an energizing massage.

Deep Tissue requires hundreds of hours of additional training and clinical time, therapists dedicate at least twice the mental and physical energy for this therapy. A properly trained therapist understands the pain threshold of muscle tissue. On a scale from 1 to 10, 1 represents firm pressure and 10 represents pressure that is painful and intolerable for more than a few seconds. A therapist must utilize both their knowledge and intuition to maintain pressure between 3 and 8 throughout your body. This is the therapeutic threshold and requires skill and confidence to achieve the desired results. 9 and 10 are considered counter productive, invasive and damaging to the muscle and it's surrounding tissue.

Integrative massage is the evolving art of massage, it is the forefront the industry offers described as “therapeutic”, “holistic” or a similar coined term. As the name integrative implies this massage integrates several techniques into the massage. Many therapists today combine training from several disciplines into one flowing recipe of techniques. Each therapist offers their approach and beautifully unique style. This is the heart of massage therapy as it reveals there is no competition between therapists. It simply comes down to your preference. Here in Andover we are fortunate to have a valuable resource of massage therapists all with their integrative approaches and styles.

Are you Certified to do Pregnancy massage?

Yes, in the state of Massachusetts massage therapists are trained in 500 hour programs which includes pregnancy massage as part of the criteria of being a certified massage therapist. Certification for pregnancy massage is for Continuing Education purposes for those who do not feel confident in offering pregnancy massage in their practice and/or learning of evolving techniques. Sona is a certified massage therapist in the Czech republic, a certified massage therapist here in the United States with training from two prominent schools: School For Self Healing based out of San Francisco California and DoveStar Institute in Savannah GA. She has 900 hours of training and clinical time from these two schools. Jack has been facilitating pregnancy massage for 13 years and is also a professional instructor for massage therapy for the last 7 years. Even with our advanced training and experiences we are always learning about advances in all styles of massage, including pregnancy massage. In the event you still have questions or concerns please contact us we would be happy to answer them.

My pregnancy is considered "High Risk". Can I still get a massage?
Yes, with a signed release from your Midwife or OB-GYN, High Risk moms-to-be can gain tremendous benefit from massage during their pregnancies.
 
Can I receive massage during my first trimester?
Though there is no evidence that massage during the 1st trimester will endanger your growing child, it is recommended that massage not begin until the 2nd trimester. We do offer Reiki therapy for this time period.

How often should I receive massage during pregnancy?
It is recommended that your massage appointments follow the same schedule as your checkups with your doctor or midwife; as your pregnancy progresses and the stress and strain on your body increases, the added visits assist in relieving your discomfort and preparing you for the birth of your child.

Will any of this be useful at home/birth?
During your sessions we will review some stretches and postural guidance that can be done at home to alleviate common aches and pains associated with your pregnancy.  Also, prior to giving birth you are invited to bring your partner or spouse to part of your session where they can learn specific techniques to aid your day-to-day aches as well as help support you during your labor.
 
How will I be positioned?
After the 1st Trimester you will be placed on your side and/or in a semi-reclining position (partially sitting up) surrounded and supported by a cloud of soft pillows.  In these positions we'll be able to access any muscles that can normally be accessed for a massage.  You will be fully draped and covered except for the area that is being worked on.
 
I have been put on full bed rest, can I still get a massage?
Most likely, yes!  If you have been placed on bed rest and are unable to leave your home, Outcall appointments can be made.  I will arrive with everything necessary for you to receive your massage in your home or apartment.   Since most women placed on bed rest are experiencing some complications or high-risk factors, a signed consent form from your Midwife or OB-GYN will be required.  Any specific requests or restrictions made by your Midwife or OB-GYN will be honored completely and I am more than happy to speak with them prior to your appointment if they wish.

BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE THERAPY

~ Reduces stress & promotes relaxation through emotional support and physical nurturing.
~ Reduces edema & high blood pressure, relieves varicose veins, and increases blood and lymph circulation.
~ Facilitates hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and other prenatal physiological processes.
~ Reduces musculoskeletal pain and strain.
~ Contributes to developing the kinesthetic awareness, flexibility, & preparation necessary for active birthing.
~ Contributes to shorter, less painful labor & reduces labor complications, medications, and interventions.
~ Improves infant well-being.
~ Fosters nurturing maternal touch.
~ Facilitates postpartum recovery, including structural & abdominal restoration, healing from Cesarean birth, & relief of muscle strain of childcare activities.
by Carole Osborne-Sheets

BENEFITS OF POSTNATAL MASSAGE THERAPY

After birth, it is important to continue to care for yourself.  Massage can not only speed your physical recovery, but it can help a new mother handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Your body will begin to shift from pregnancy posture into the "newborn mother huddle" which comes from endless hours hovering over your beautiful baby, exploring each curve and wrinkle of their skin and for many mothers, more than 40 hours a week holding their baby for breastfeeding.   Hours shuffling an ever-heavier car seat (or just the baby alone) in one arm while running errands, cooking and talking on the phone.   Taking the time to support yourself through this huge life transition can have tremendous benefit for your body and mind.   When you are at your own best, you will have your very best to give to your child/children.

After the delivery process, new mothers are just plain tired. In addition, having to breastfeed and nurse a newborn several times a night can be exhausting.
The new mother today does not have much time to rest and relax during her confinement period at home. She needs to get back to work pretty quickly and that means, facing added pressure to lose weight so that she can fit back to her office wear.
Post-natal massage therapy may just be the solution to her needs. Here are 6 top benefits of post-natal massage therapy:

1. Relaxation

2. Stress Relief

3. Relieves aches on shoulders or neck

4. Hasten the reduction of fluid retention

5. Help uterus to shrink to original size

6. Reduce cellulite and help to tone up the body.

In many parts of Asia, many women before delivery would in fact, prebook sessions with an Indonesian massage therapist for post-natal massage. The treatment is a traditional one which has been handed down several generations and even practiced today. This treatment involves the use of a massage oil applied to the stomach and a tummy wrap (bengkung), essentially a cotton cloth of several metres. The bengkung is used to wrap the body so as to push up the uterus, clear water retention, wind, spasm, shrinks the tummy and helps to reduce weight. Post-natal massage is usually done in the privacy of one’s own home.

For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally pretty safe to go for a post-natal massage. For those that delivered by caesarian, be sure to consult your professional massage therapist or your doctor first. Most in fact, would recommend that you wait a few more weeks before proceeding with a post-natal massage.
Post-natal massage provides a sense of continuing comfort for the new mother. The aim of this massage is to give nurturing and emotional support as well as alleviate the muscle strain of labor and childbirth. Some post natal massage therapies also come with a detoxification ritual that rids the midriff of post birth bagginess.
In some instances, post-natal massage can bring about a much shapelier silhouette, compared to the one just before pregnancy!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Colby

What is your philosophy? 

Mind Body fitness is a passion of mine and my wife's. Not just from an academic point of view or pure interest. Our passion is directed by our lifestyle to always commit to our Mind Body awareness through five key factors:

Proper nutrition
Yoga
Mental development
Emotional orchestration
Spiritual Awareness in our day to day living.

Proper Nutrition, you are what you eat. If there is any other simply profound statement this is it.

Americans have been recovering from a nutrition crisis since the 50's.  That is when the baby boomer generation began to put pressure on the U.S. agricultural industry to offer more without the cost of foods increasing. Farms looked for various ways to lower costs and began consulting with firms on how this could be done. The logical result was to increase the conversion rates of plant products to the end user. This was accomplished by means of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Later livestock such as cattle and chickens were given antibiotics and growth hormones to also increase their size and growth in a shorter period of time. All of these ideas seemed to solve the supply and demand issue, however as consumers doing what we do best which is to consume, side effects were being discovered and documented.

Although there is no direct evidence to link these practices contributing to the failing health of Americans, it does suggest to us the question are there repercussions for altering the natural path of any organism in nature? Science observes the give and take scenario. The give is higher supply of food products, the take is not every one's physiological state benefits from it.

In the late 80's small groups in the farm industry started to talk about how they could return to a natural way of creating more product without the use of artificial chemicals. Farmers turned to their mentors from Europe and asked how they were doing it. This practice led to the Organic food act of 1990. Which states that all food and animal products being grown are to be done in a way that nature intended. This gave farmers the ability to grow their crops and livestock in humane and respectful approach. 

Millions of consumers have begun switching to Organic products at an exponential rate. Why? Because we feel better physically, have more energy and vitality. Second we are contributing to a practice of farming that recycles the land, rather than depleting it. For those who agree to pass Mother Earth to our children in the same or better state, you then are advocating Organic practices.

Yoga, among all the practices for health and fitness in our society Yoga in all its styles offers the ability of core strengthening and improved flexibility. Both walk hand in hand in maintaining optimum health and vitality. You can even practice Yoga in the comfort of your home, receive private classes or better yet participate in group classes. I have my home routine, but there is great value in participating in a group setting. As an instructor of Massage Therapy I advocate to all massage students the major benefits of practicing Yoga. As a former weight trainer and Nautilus Instructor, Yoga supersedes them both for the ability to maintain your health well into your golden years.

Mental development is a key factor in understanding our nature so much so that I started a project www.consciouscommunication.net that explores what we think, say, feel and take action upon is our responsibility. This is a day to day practice.

Do we live our lives from our conscious choosing or do we sometimes unconsciously react utilizing conditioned responses we inherited from our life experiences?

Do you have the ability to quiet your mind or is it always "chattering" with passing thoughts that influence you from your life's purpose?

Do you make decisions from only a logical point of view or do you utilize your intuition as well in your decision making?

Are you aware of what a belief is and if so is your identity as a human being based upon your collection of beliefs or is there another knowledge or wisdom that you are that defines who I AM?

Emotional orchestration is the practice to be the conductor of your feelings and practice the art of allowing emotions to move through you when they are evoked. Revisit ones that have remained unresolved and as we revisit stored emotions we learn to create the environment to begin the unwinding of stored emotions.

Have you habituated patterns of suppressing your "true" feelings towards yourself?

Have you habituated patterns of suppressing your "true" feelings towards others?

Do you still carry emotional wounds that you have deemed to never heal?

When you feel emotions do you become so overwhelmed that you "shut down" and no longer feel anything?

Spiritual Awareness is the understanding of all the above pillars are interrelated, that all of our relationships are interrelated, that our environment, plants, animals, mammals, Earth, Solar system and Universe are intimately connected to each other in ways that are mysterious and full of wonder.

Do you practice and personalize this awareness everyday? 

Native Americans agree to walk in prayer in every moment of their lives.
Every relationship is sacred, especially the challenging ones.
Every experience has an opportunity for growth in learning to Love ourselves more deeply and to Love one another without conditions.