SOJOURN
Therapeutic Body Work
Just for a moment
…stay
…rest
…be
1995 Graduate of Utah College of Massage Therapy. Professionally trained in Swedish Massage, Russian Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Cranial Sacral, Trigger Point Therapy and Reflexology. Outside of my UCMT training, I am also a certified 2nd Degree Reiki Practitioner and practiced facilitator of Conscious Connected Breathing, Breath-Body Integration and Emotional Release Therapy.
My practice has been built on a solid foundation of Swedish Massage infused with a subtle yet dynamic blend of various techniques and modalities.
Swedish Massage is a classic European massage technique that promotes overall relaxation through gentle manipulation of the muscles. The Therapist or Practitioner generally uses oil and/or lotion to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body and to reduce friction while stimulating the skin. The massage is usually full body - head to foot, front and back and is done on a cushioned table with the client covered by a sheet - a technique called “draping”. One part of the body is uncovered, massaged and covered up before moving on to another part of the body. Additional techniques in Swedish Massage include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, soft brushing, friction, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. It is not uncommon for clients to drift off in total relaxation due to the continuous soothing, methodical movements. Massage strokes can be combined in various ways to artfully perform a deeply relaxing or invigorating massage.
Benefits are wide-ranging and include:
- Decreases symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression and generalized physical pain.
- Mental relaxation
- Improvement of length and quality of sleep
- Increased ability to concentrate
- Helps to relax and rejuvenate tired, overworked muscles by improving circulation and blood flow.
- Encourages detoxification
- Loosens joints
- Firms muscle and skin tone
- Loosens tight muscles and stretches connective tissues
- Promotes overall good health
My personal massage protocol begins with my client face down and I begin work on the back and neck then moving to the legs with minor work being done on the glutes. I then have my clients turn onto their back and begin first with one leg and then the other giving extra attention to the feet. I go then to the arm and shoulder of one side, finishing with extended hand work before moving to the other arm, shoulder and hand. I do minor work on the upper pectorals and move again to the neck before finishing with gentle attention given to the face and scalp. This protocol is interspersed with any focused/localized work that may be needed.
The intention of my work is always to help restore one’s sense of balance and connectedness and to stimulate a genuine sense of well being in my client.