The Wellspring Therapy Group offers a variety of assessment skills, protocols and therapies to meet your needs including:
Acupressure
Acupressure is based on the same points and meridians as in Acupuncture. In acupressure, however, these areas are stimulated with finger, thumb pressure, and circular massage friction rather than needles. Acupressure is non-invasive, simple, and one session usually lasts an hour. Acupressure is focused on different reflex points on the surface of the body that may relate to a persisting symptom.
Acupressure (has many benefits):
- It relieves stress and tension,
- Relaxes the mind and body
- Increases blood circulation
- Aids in removal of septic wastes
- Provides relief from such aches in the head, neck, or shoulders
- Aids in healing of injuries
- Increases energy levels
- Enhances overall feeling of well being
- Diminishes labor pains
Many East Asian martial arts use acupressure for self-defense and health purposes. These same points used to relieve stress or pain, can be used against an oncoming attacker or opponent. Applying pressure to these points can be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Martial artists regularly massage their own acu-points to remove blockages, thereby enhancing their circulation and flexibility. Keeping their pressure points "soft" makes them less vulnerable to an attack.
For more information: www.acupressureshiatsuschool.com
Jin Shin Jyutsu / Jin Shin Do (tm) - A Bodymind acupressure -
Jin Shin Jyutsu –
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient healing art that helps to balance the vital energy of the whole person's body, mind, and spirit. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro Murai in Japan. Our revitalizing energy that flows up our back and down our front can become blocked in 26 different places. According to its theory, fatigue, tension, or illness can trap "energy" in these "safety energy locks." The purported design of Jin Shin Jyutsu is to harmonize the flow of energy through the body. In order to clear these energy locks, Jin Shin Jyutsu uses fingertips over clothing in certain areas, or the simple holding of a toe to act as jumper cables to relieve pain and/or reduce muscle tension, thus bringing release and calmness. It also brings balance to the body's energies, which promotes optimal health and wellbeing, and facilitates our own profound healing capacity.
Jin Shin Do –
Jin Shin Do ("The Way of the Compassionate Spirit") is a therapeutic massage technique developed in the 1970s by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden derived from Jin Shin Jyutsu. It combines elements of Japanese acupressure, Chinese acupuncture, of Wilhelm Reich, Qigong, principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, and Taoist philosophy, but uses its own specialized terminology. The technique uses verbal guidance, light exercise, and fully-clothed massage. The major goal is to release chronic tension, referred to as "armoring", and to rebalance the flow of energy or life force based on the traditional Chinese concept of Qi. Neither qi, nor the meridians along which it is said to flow, have any physiological or histological basis.
To read more on Jin Shin Jyutsu and Jin Shin Do, visit www.jinshindo.org
Cranio-Sacral
A natural rhythm is created in each of us by the ebb and flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. A trained Cranio-Sacral practitioner works with this rhythmic flow by applying gentle pressure on and around the head and neck. Headaches, earaches, blockages and sinus problems may be relieved by this therapy.
From 1975 to 1983, after extensive research and observations of cranial activity, physician John E. Upledger pioneered and developed Cranio-Sacral therapies and procedures. His procedure includes using a soft touch, about the weight of a nickel (5 grams), a practitioner will release restriction in the Cranio-Sacral system to improve the flow and activity of the central nervous system stemming from the brain.
Cranio-Sacral therapy is used as a preventative health measure against diseases and a wide range of medical discomforts associated with pain and dysfunction. Some of which include migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, colic, autism, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, chronic fatigue, and stress and tension-related problems.
For further information on Cranio-Sacral, go to www.upledger.com and click on Therapies.
Energy Balancing
An energy balancer redirects or unblocks a person's "Qi". This allows us to restore our energy pattern. Bodyworkers may work towards balancing energy over the course of a treatment. Others may use their intuition, pendulums, or other devices to locate any blocked areas. Massage therapists and exercise instructors claim to be able to balance the inner energy inside the body by simple movements and self control exercises. Pilates and Yoga are the most widely used exercise programs to balance the inner energy flowing throughout the body system. The inner "chi" is balanced and control is achieved when exercises and other methods of energy balancing are conducted properly.
Integrative Manual Therapy (tm)
IMT includes:
- Cranial therapy (including bone bruise techniques)
- Muscle energy techniques
- Visceral manipulation (including disruption of membrane techniques)
- Neural tissue tension techniques
- Strain Counter-strain techniques for blood vessels
The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy, is the developer and provider of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), a unique compilation of diagnostic and treatment modalities that assess and treat pain, dysfunction, disease and disability. IMT practitioners specialize in treating complex patients.
IMT treatment techniques are manual (hands-on), and generally involve gentle manipulative techniques to promote tissue repair, normalize structure and restore function. More specifically, IMT techniques generally put specific forces or torques into the tissues in order to create an environment within those tissues which is conducive for tissue repair to occur. An example of an IMT treatment technique for fascia or connective tissue dysfunction is IMT's Myofasical Release Technique. The technique involves testing tissue glides on multiple planes and then manipulating those tissues on three planes, following the direction of least resistance. The practitioner then holds the fulcrum that these manipulations have created and monitors the tissues as they unwind under their hands. This technique attains an elongation of the fibers within the connective tissue as well as a normalization of the density and viscosity from within the surrounding connective tissue.
IMT addresses both anatomy and physiology. The treatment of anatomy includes manual techniques for bones, ligaments, discs, nerves, arteries, veins, organs and more. To date, Sharon Giammatteo, Ph.D., I.M.T.,C., Dr. Thomas Giammatteo and their colleagues have developed thousands of techniques to improve these structures. Treatment plans incorporate these techniques as necessary based on diagnostic indications. The treatment of physiology, to promote normalization of biochemistry, uses both manual therapy and nutritional wellness programs. This may include treatments targeting hormones, sleep cycles, metabolism, stress responses, etc. IMT's body based psychotherapeutic approach involves specific techniques such as manual techniques, dialogue, and visualization to decrease emotional and mental stress in the body.
The number of treatments required depends on the severity and amount of time the condition has existed, along with goals set for rehabilitation. Treatment may include coaching on lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques and nutrition.
Cotton clothing is recommended for treatment sessions.
Common ailments resolved/recovered through IMT:
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Allergies Arthritis Asthma Athletic performance enhancement Autism Autoimmune disorders Back pain Birth Injuries Bladder Problems (Urgency, Frequency, Incontinence, Overactive Bladder, Leakage) Brittle bone disease Bulging Disc Bursitis Candida Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cellulitis Cerebral Palsy Cervical and Lumbar Injuries Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic Pain Conception difficulties Congestive heart disease Cystic breasts disease Degenerative disc or joint disease Endometriosis Emotional Trauma Epstein Barr Virus Fatigue Fibromyalgia Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Headaches or Migraines Heartburn/peptic Ulcers Herniated Disc Hip pain Inflammation Insomnia Interstitial Cystitis |
Lupus Lymphatic congestion Menstrual Problems Migraines Multiple Sclerosis Myofascial Pain Syndrome Neck pain Numbness/tingling Organ post transplant/removal Organ prolapses Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Ovarian cysts Para/quadriplegia ambulation rehabilitation Pelvic Pain Plantar fasciitis/achilles tendonitis Premenstrual syndrome Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Renal cysts Restless leg syndrome Scars (hypertrophic, hypersensitive, painful, burn scars, mastectomy scars) Sciatica Scoliosis Shin splints Shock (toxic/incidental) Sinusitis Strains and sprains Surgical rehabilitation Tennis/Golfers elbow Tinnitus (Ringing of the ears) Tooth pain Toxemia/septicemia Trigeminal neuralgia TMJ Syndrome Whiplash |
To read more about Integrative Manual Therapy, visit instituteofimt.com
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a process of manual manipulation of the body's muscular and soft tissue structure. Depending on the purpose for the massage, a variety of techniques can be used, either for relaxation, or for clinical and therapeutic benefit. Massage therapy involves the healing art of touch. Benefits may include: increasing blood circulation and metabolism, expelling waste products from the cells, reducing stress by releasing tension, easing pain from an injury, and relaxing the muscles. Traditional healthcare systems throughout the world recognize that therapeutic massage can play an important role in treating illness or chronic ailments, and contribute to a higher sense of general well-being. With ever-expanding research on the beneficial effects of massage, more professionals are advising patients to include therapeutic massage in their health care treatment plans. Massage therapy has become an important part of general health care for many people living in today's stressful world. Massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.
Myofascial Release (tm)
Myofascial Release Techniques for:
- Evaluation Procedures
- Lower Extremity Problems
- Sacral Float
- Lumbar-Pelvic Problems
- Anterior and Posterior Thoracic Areas
- Transverse Fascial Planes (Thoracic Inlet, Diaphragm & Pelvic)
- Upper Extremity Problems
- Cervical Spine, Atlas and Axis, Occipital Condyle Release, Dural Tube Mobility
Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension. Myofascial Release is a manual therapy technique that is utilized to help relieve pain and tension that is due to injury or stress. It involves releasing and unwinding the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds each muscle and interconnects all of the other internal parts of the body. This tissue layer, which connects every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and organ in our bodies, can store memories of physical trauma. Releasing these restrictions allows us to discharge recurring emotional and physical pain. Sessions can include craniosacral work, stretching techniques, and deep touch.
To read more about Myofascial Release , visit www.myofascialrelease.com
Reflexology
Simply put, reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The science of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. It is based on the premise that there are reflexes in our hands, feet and ears that relate to every organ and part of our body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems. Reflexology is based on the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the hands and feet. Stimulating specific reflex points in the feet can bring needed nutrients to poorly functioning areas of the body. This can help restore balance throughout the body.
According to reflexology, by applying pressure to a specific part (the foot is broken up into different points which, if stimulated correctly, directly correlate to another body system or organ) the body will naturally begin to heal itself. Reflexology has also been called "Zone therapy."
Eunice Ingham developed Reflexology in the 1930s, based on earlier theory by Dr. William Fitzgerald known as "Zone Therapy". Dr. Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another area. He then later divided the body into ten equal vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.
Desired long-term effects of reflexology include reduced stress and induced relaxation, feeling of increased energy, relief from acute and chronic conditions, relief from stress-related conditions, cure for sleeping disorders, sports injuries, preventative therapy, improvement of mental alertness, stimulation of creativity and productivity, and improving inner-relationships between body systems.
Thai Massage
Thai massage originated in India over 2500 years ago. The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the energy body, which includes 72,000 "sen" or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. Thai Massage is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. No oil or lotion is used in the treatment. The client wears comfortable clothing for the duration of the massage, and lies on a soft futon-style mat on the floor. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress. Thai massage is known in Thailand as Nuat phaen boran, correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy. The therapist applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. It appears that most muscular pains have a trigger point that causes the muscle to go into spasms. Trigger Point Therapy involves placing pressure on that trigger point so that the muscle can relax and the pain can be lessened. Pressure is generally applied with fingers, knuckles, and elbows. This form of therapy is often followed by stretching the muscles. The basic idea is that the trigger point that is the source of the pain is not always where the patient feels the pain. The trigger point could be several inches away from the place where they feel the discomfort or pain. It is said that, by applying pressure to the actual point of the source, the practitioner in turn may be able to control the pain experienced.