What is acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine is a whole-person healing modality that has been in continuous practice for over 2000 years.  Although it is commonly referred to in the US as ‘acupuncture’, acupuncture is merely one of the most widely-used of many treatments based on the Chinese medical theoretical system.  These other treatments include Chinese herbal therapy, Shiatsu or Tui Na bodywork, acupuressure, moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, dietary and lifestyle advice, and various forms of movement therapy like Qi Gong or Tai Chi.  This tradition regards human beings as complex energetic systems, from which spring both the physical body and the mind and spirit-- so diseases and disorders of any one of these might affect any of the others, and treatment of any of these might influence symptoms of any of the others.  Chinese medicine addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual diseases and disorders by encouraging the patient’s energetic systems to balance the production and flow of qi (roughly, the energy or life-force), blood, and essence, and strengthening the systems to withstand the influence of external pernicious influences.

What is acupuncture and Chinese medicine good for?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that acupuncture has been conclusively proven to help the following.  It is not considered a comprehensive list, but is a good indicator of the breadth of applicability of this medicine.

፨    Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

፨    Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) [allergies]

፨    Biliary colic [gallstones]   ፨    Renal colic [kidney stones]

፨    Depression (including depressive neurosis, depression following stroke)

፨    Dysentery, acute bacillary [bacterial intestinal infection and inflammation]

፨    Dysmenorrhoea, primary [painful periods]

፨    Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm) [spastic stomach pain]

፨    Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)

፨    Headache    ፨    Knee pain    ፨    Neck pain   ፨    Low back pain

፨    Post-operative pain   ፨    Sprain   ፨    Tennis elbow

፨    Hypertension, essential [high blood pressure]

፨    Hypotension, primary [low blood pressure]

፨    Induction of labor [triggering childbirth]

፨    Leukopenia [decreased number of white blood cells, infection risks]

፨    Malposition of fetus [turning breech babies]

፨    Morning sickness [in pregnancy]    ፨    Nausea, vomiting

፨    Pain in dentistry (incl. dental pain, TMJD)

፨    Periarthritis of shoulder [tendon or bursa inflammation]

፨    Rheumatoid arthritis [autoimmune disorder initially affecting the joints]

፨    Sciatica [nerve pain from low back to leg]

፨    Stroke

What can I expect from a treatment?  What do I need to do to prepare for it?
During an initial acupuncture treatment, the licensed acupuncturist will ask you about your chief complaint, as well as your health history and general health.  The acupuncture is performed on a massage table, and you will usually remain fully-dressed; make sure your clothing will allow access to your legs to above the knee and your arms to your elbows.  Most patients feel very little needle sensation, though other sensations are often experienced-- most of which patients experience as pleasant and interesting.  You will typically be left to rest with the needles in for 15-25 minutes.  Other modalities, including bodywork, moxibustion, cupping, etc., may be used as well, and you can also be evaluated for herbal treatment during the same session.  You should leave feeling relaxed and energized, although some patients report some fatigue after their first session.

Group acupuncture is performed in a larger space with several other patients present.  The interview and treatment are abbreviated, but the treatments are still very effective.  Points on the head, arms and legs below the elbows and knees, and hands and feet are employed, so clothes can remain on and in-place.

Shiatsu treatments begin with a brief interview about goals and symptoms, followed by a diagnosis made with abdominal palpation. The bodywork is performed on a massage table or on a cushioned mat on the floor.  Patients should wear stretchy, soft, comfortable clothing, like sweats or yoga clothes, which fully cover them, including clean socks.

None of these treatments are expected to fully resolve your problem during one session, though we aim to have you feel better each time.  Your prognosis and treatment plan will vary by what issue you’re trying to address, how severe it is, how long you’ve had it, and your age and general health.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscle and other soft tissues of the body, for general relaxation or specific therapeutic purposes. Massage techniques can vary widely, for example: pressure can be applied with smooth, gliding strokes of the practitioner’s hands or forearms, while fingers and elbows can be utilized for static pressure or concentrated friction. The amount of pressure that a massage therapist uses can range from very gentle to quite deep. A Licensed Massage Therapist will tailor their treatments to each client’s individual needs and goals.

What is Massage Therapy good for?
Massage therapy is widely recognized for reducing stress and helping clients to achieve deep relaxation. The Mayo Clinic reports that massage may also be helpful for:

anxiety
digestive disorders
fibromyalgia
insomnia related to stress
myofascial pain syndrome
soft tissue strains or injuries
sports injuries
TMJ pain
What can I expect from a treatment? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

When you arrive for your first appointment, your therapist will take a few minutes to ask you about your general health, specific conditions that may affect your treatment, and goals for your treatment. Your therapist will also answer any questions that you may have. We recommend that you schedule a 60 or 90 minute session for your first visit.

Massage therapy is often performed on a massage table. You will privately undress to your level of comfort – some clients wear no clothing, some prefer to keep on undergarments or other clothing. You will be covered by a sheet at all times; your therapist will uncover only the part of your body that they are working on (i.e.: back, one leg, or one arm). Your comfort is your therapist’s main priority – please feel free to voice any concerns or preferences you may have before or during your massage.

Depending on the type of treatment plan you create with your massage therapist, you may leave your appointment feeling energized, or relaxed and sleepy. It is common for clients to fall asleep during a relaxation massage.

What is Craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a form of gentle bodywork designed to access the central nervous system and monitor the cranial rhythm. Originated in American Indian medicine, the modality was incorporated by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of Osteopathy, and further popularized by Dr’s William Sutherland and John Upledger. Listening with our hands the practitioner can assess the craniosacral rhythm and feel for restrictions throughout the body.

What is Craniosacral good for:

Encouraging the body to heal itself, the objective of the treatment is to bring the body to a state of homeostasis, healing and deep relaxation. Treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, TBI, TMJ dysfunction, digestive issues, back and neck pain, pre and post natal pain, sinus issues, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, headaches, migraines, PTSD, ADHD.

How do I prepare for a treatment? What can I expect from a session?

You will be asked about your chief complaint and what issues you would like addressed .Laying on a treatment table fully dressed in comfortable clothing such as sweat or stretch pants while practitioner applies a series of gentle hand placements throughout body including head and sacrum (base of spine). Typical outcomes of an initial session include but are not limited to, deep sense of relaxation and or calm feeling, improved focus and mental clarity, better, deeper sleep sometimes with vivid dreaming. A series of treatments can help with chronic issues offered in 45 and 60 min sessions.

What is reiki?

Reiki is a gentle relaxation technique that has been reported to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves the transfer of universal life energy (prana, chi) through the palms/hands of a trained and certified practitioner, who serves as a channel. The reiki practitioner usually begins by assessing your energy centers and auric fields, and then focuses on clearing and rebalancing energy pathways that flow through and from each chakra, a Sanskrit word that refers to the main energy centers or energy wheels of the body. Reiki is usually completed on a massage table while the client is fully clothed. Light, non-invasive touch or no touch at all may be involved, based on the client’s preferences. Reiki is not intended for use in diagnosing, treating, or preventing dis-ease.

What can reiki help with?

- reducing stress
- improving sleep and focus
- improving digestion
- supporting recovery from injury or surgery
- anxiety
- depression
- fertility
- acute and chronic pain

What can I expect from a reiki session? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

Before the session, reserve space in your schedule for yourself so that you are not rushing to another commitment right away. Wear loose, comfortable clothes to the session. Avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, large meals before the session. Take time to share with the practitioner about any injuries, scars, sensitivities, and specific needs. The practitioner will walk you through a brief client history and consent form during your first visit.

During the session, the practitioner will move her hands around you using light, non-invasive touch and/or hovering above the physical body. You may experience sensations in your body such as heat or tingling, visualize colors or images, or notice old memories appear/resurface. Emotional release may also come up through crying/tearfulness or laughing. Some people fall asleep or enter a sleep-like state and experience deep relaxation. You are encouraged to keep an open mind and open heart, as people’s first time experiencing reiki can range from subtle/uneventful to intense. Don’t put expectations on yourself or force yourself to relax; allow the reiki to relax you.

After the session, you may feel refreshed and energized, becoming more grounded and focused; however, you may also feel more tired in the evening than usual, an indication of the body’s natural healing response. Pay attention to what your body needs and prioritize rest and sleep as much as possible. If certain thoughts or memories repeat themselves, consider journaling or meditating on them without judgment. In order for buried emotional/mental/spiritual wounds to heal, they must first come to the surface and this often feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable for most people. For further insight or guidance, always feel free to contact the reiki practitioner with any questions or comments as you move through your process.

What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is individualized medicine built on the foundation of scientific research and clinical experience. It employs the least intrusive treatment required by the body and mind to promote healing and optimal wellness. To that end, Naturopathic Doctors (aka: NDs or Naturopaths) choose from many tools to optimize your health: lifestyle coaching, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, counselling, functional lab testing, biofeedback, and more.

What is naturopathy good for?
Naturopathy is good for anyone looking for an integrative approach to their health, whether they have a chronic disease or are looking for preventative health care.
Please schedule a free 15-minute consult so that we can discuss if you are a good fit!

What can I expect from a naturopathic medicine appointment? What do I need to do to prepare for it?
You don’t need to do anything specific to prepare for the appointment.

If you are considering making an appointment with me, it is important that you know the following:
*I address the whole person, not just the symptom
*I provide recommendations that are specific to your needs and lifestyle
*I address all aspects of your health including the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of health
*I provide consultation for chronic and acute diseases as well as preventative health recommendations to achieve long-term health, longevity, and happiness

What to expect during the first visit:
*Complete and thorough history, including health, personal, diet, habits, hobbies, etc.
*Opportunity for you to share your concerns
*High degree of patient responsibility
*Compassionate, supportive, and respectful medical care

The Akashic Records are a sweet energetic space for you to reconnect back to your own truth and inner compass. In this reading you are welcome to bring anything and everything that’s on your mind or you're experiencing, and the records will offer insight and guidance for you to gain better understanding and perspective on what you’re moving through.

In short, Akasha is the wisdom filled energetic space we are interconnected with and a place where love lives. The Records are metaphorically also the place where our Souls, or essence (or whatever term fits for you), wisdom and experiences live. In a reading, I act as a bridge or channel between your human self and Soul/Higher Self, and you get to have an open conversation with your Higher Self with me as your guide.

The beautiful thing about this type of reading and how I personally work with the Akashic, is that you can literally bring anything you want to ask or talk about and we can address it! People leave with much more clarity, direction, confidence, hope, healing, peace, and feel lighter. It’s like an energy work session for your mind, body, and Soul–offering alignment and leaving you feeling great as you step back into your life.

Ah-ha moments, affirmation, unknown paths revealed, understanding life events and relationships, connecting to passed loved ones, and much more are just a few things that you may receive in a reading. You are in the driver's seat, and I am your copilot guiding your session.

Please feel free to visit www.soulfullynourishing.com to learn more. These are also offered virtually, and group readings are available.

Have you ever wished you had a life manual? Your astrological birth, or natal chart, is exactly your very own manual tailored specifically to you and how you operate. I will take your time of birth, place of birth, and location of birth to cast your natal chart so we can see what the layout of the cosmos says about your blueprint: where you’ve come from (past/other lives), who you are in this life, and where you have potential to expand into. Please note: if you do not have access to your birth information, there’s something we can do called chart rectification to get as close as possible:)

Your natal chart is the greatest gift from your Highest Self to help guide you and give you permission to be exactly who you are. Your chart allows you to fully embody your whole self, inspire you, and help you feel healthier in all ways by living how you are designed.

I find that people understand themselves so much better, that they feel like everything about themselves and their life starts to make sense, offering a feeling of freedom and empowerment to truly live their lives as to how they’ve been inclined to but were conditioned otherwise.

What is Integrative Acupressure?

Integrative acupressure is a powerful yet gentle healing modality that combines traditional Chinese medical theory with modern medical knowledge to provide a comprehensive container for healing. The foundation of acupressure is similar to that of acupuncture and shiatsu — the energetic meridian networks. Congestion and imbalance within a meridian causes dis-ease and stress to accumulate in the associated bodily systems. Acupressure uses finger pressure to “run” or massage along the meridian network, promoting the rebalancing of healthy flowing qi, life force energy.

Integrative acupressure combines this energetic approach with a method of non-forceful musculoskeletal release. This method incorporates neurological repatterning techniques to help retain those new patterns long after the session. Coupled with this are several powerful modalities including cranial release, lymphatic release and abdominal organ release to optimize the free-flow of life force.

What is Integrative Acupressure good for?

Integrative Acupressure is beneficial for both acute and chronic health ailments. It can be particularly useful in treating: heightened nervous system stress, digestive issues, taxed kidneys and adrenal, post-chemotherapy and radiation symptoms, headache, neck pain and stiffness, nausea, anxiety, trauma, joint mis-alignment, TMJ, stagnant and swollen lymph, organ adhesions, sinus issues, autoimmune system disorders, arthritis, sleep troubles. The objective of the treatment is to bring the body into deeper relaxation, structural and energetic alignment, closer to its natural homeostatic state.

What can I expect from a treatment or series of treatments? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

Acupressure is available for people of all abilities, body-types, and many different types of ailments. Acute issues can often be addressed in just 1 or 2 sessions. The more chronic and long-term an issue is, the longer it may take to address fully. Acupressure is an extremely powerful tool for mitigating the effects of long-term stress in the body. Sessions are performed fully-clothed on a massage table. Most types of clothing are good, thinner and looser clothing is best. Before your first session begins we will discuss your symptoms and goals for treatment. As appropriate, you will be on your belly for part of the session and on your back for part. Acupressure sessions can be profoundly healing and deeply emotional. During the session your job is just to relax deeply. I will assist you, as needed, to recognize what is arising physically and emotionally, and to stay present with your body's experience.

What is Nutrition counseling?
Nutrition counseling is a supportive process in which a Registered Dietitian works with an individual to assess their eating patterns and identify areas where the individual is seeking change. Cara takes a holistic approach to health, making sure that mental and emotional health are not excluded when providing guidance around behavioral change. In nutrition counseling sessions, Cara provides consent based nutrition and health related information, educational materials, support and follow up as part of the individual’s treatment plan. Cara approaches nutrition counseling from a non diet and weight inclusive approach. She debunks myths and trends around food, body and weight, and focuses on the health conditions at hand. She firmly believes in fat positive care and challenges the ways that ableism, anti fat bias, white supremacy, and neuronormative standards find their way into the nutrition field.

What is Nutrition Counseling good for?
Nutrition counseling is helpful for individuals wanting to make peace with food and their body while honoring their individualized definition of health. Nutrition counseling may benefit those who have been diagnosed with or may suspect that they are experiencing any of the following:

-Identify as Neurodivergent and have difficulty with eating/preparation of food
-Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
-Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
-Elevated Cholesterol
-High Blood Pressure
-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
-Insulin Resistance in the form of Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes, PCOS
-Weight Concerns*

*I use this language for folks who are concerned about their weight or have received concern from others about their weight. In a culture that pathologizes and discriminates bodies based on size, it is quite easy to feel shame and internalize beliefs that weight equates to health. I support folks in gaining greater understanding around the limitations of intentional weight loss, the harm of weight cycling, and how to shift focus towards lifestyle behaviors that support health no matter of body size.

What can I expect from a nutrition counseling session? What do I need to do to prepare for it?
Our work together consists of an initial assessment that is 70 minutes and continued care through 50 minute follow up appointments. On average, I work with clients biweekly and frequency can change based on how much support you may be needing. It is common to work together for many months…I also have some clients who I have been also working with for years.

In our initial appointment, my hopes are to learn about your goals around eating and nutrition, challenges that come up and what kind of support you may be needing to make these goals come to life. You will have completed an intake form prior to our first session, which is what we will use to guide our conversation. I will ask about current eating patterns, challenges with eating, thoughts/beliefs around food and eating, current and past relationship with food and your body, social and emotional components of eating, and how mental and physical health may impact eating patterns. If there is specific guidance, resources, or education you are looking for from the first session, I save time in the middle to end of the initial session for that to be addressed. We will discuss frequency of sessions and what you may need from me as a provider as we start our work together (ie: meal ideas, accountability, collaboration with other providers, etc.)

In follow up sessions, we will discuss how the time in between sessions has been in terms of our work’s focus. You may notice that our work may feel a little like therapy, as I am curious about you as a whole person and how that also pertains to your eating patterns/relationship with food. There may be shifts in focus in our work together as you may feel more comfortable navigating certain eating related situations in time and needing more support in others. It is common for me to provide provider referrals if we agree that having additional support around mental, physical or medical health may be helpful.

To prepare for our work together, I will walk you through the intake process, which includes completion of forms and registration on the client portal I use, Practice Better. For folks who are using their insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield), I ask that you verify your benefits prior to working together. I have some forms that can help you with that process. Once we start working together, many clients find it helpful to write down questions that have come up between sessions or take note of situations that they’d like to bring into session. There is nothing you need to prepare for in our sessions otherwise. If you are ever in a rush before our session or find it helpful to have a therapeutic meal or snack in our session, that is always welcome. If you are ever looking for support outside of the office space, we can always use our time together exploring a grocery/convenience store/cafe in downtown Northampton. I am always open to applying the “talking” work to the food environment around us.

What is somatic hypnotherapy and sound healing?
Somatic means to relate to the body and its sensory experiences. Hypnotherapy is a meditative state that allows us to bring attention and observe a bit more objectively the subconscious thought patterns we experience that might not have been the most favorable for us. Sound healing is utilizing the vibrational frequencies from sound instruments as well as the voice to balance the body’s energetic systems, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Think of the body as a giant instrument and having the ability to tune it with these instruments!

What is somatic hypnotherapy and sound healing good for?
Somatic hypnotherapy and sound healing is a gentle yet powerful way to help process traumatic experiences. It helps with grieving, anxiety, depression and even physical pain that has felt like an enigma. People also experience relief or eradication of unwanted habits and addictions.

What can I expect from a somatic hypnotherapy and sound healing session?
During a somatic hypnotherapy and sound healing session you can expect to feel deeply relaxed. You may also experience emotional release depending on what the mind and body needs to work through and process. With each treatment you can expect to walk away feeling possibly a touch groggy, serene and many report a boost of energy shortly after once the body has the ability to reorient to the space we are in. After a day to a week of the mind/nervous system processing, people have said they experience profound insights about their lives, a lighter feeling in mind and body as well as habits shifting from unfavorable to more beneficial and loving!

What is Autoimmune- & Chronic Illness- Specific Personal Training & Corrective Exercise?

Personalized exercise training designed to build strength, energy and wellbeing without flare-ups & exhaustion. People living with autoimmune conditions and chronic illness experience exercise intolerance as a side effect of their conditions. Autoimmune- & Chronic Illness- Specific Personal Training & Corrective Exercise is designed to help these people learn to exercise in a way that is safe and effective for their bodies, helping them to increase their tolerance to exercise slowly and methodically, without flare-ups and setbacks. Using a variety of exercise modalities such as gentle strength training, yoga and Pilates, Autoimmune- & Chronic Illness- Specific Personal Training & Corrective Exercise will help clients build strength, flexibility and endurance so they can increase their energy and live more comfortably in their bodies.

What is Autoimmune- & Chronic Illness- Specific Personal Training & Corrective Exercise good for?

TBA

What can I expect from a treatment or a series of sessions? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

Autoimmune & Chronic Illness Specific Personal Training & Corrective Exercise works best when it’s done consistently and repeatedly over time.
At our first appointment, we will conduct an assessment (where we discuss your health history, your previous exercise experience and your personal exercise goals) and then together, we will set a plan of action.
At our next appointment, we will begin our exercise together. We will start slowly and I will always discuss what we are doing before we do it (and get your permission), so you can feel comfortable and safe at all times.
Each session lasts 50 minutes and includes a warm up and cool down.
I work with all bodies and all levels of fitness.
I recommend that we meet once a week at the minimum (at least at the beginning) so we can find our groove together. (However, if this isn’t sustainable for you, don’t worry, we can make anything work).
To prepare for our sessions, please wear comfortable clothes and be ready to move. You don’t have to wear “exercise” clothes, as long as it’s comfortable and you can move it’s fine. A water bottle is encouraged.
If you have any questions about whether Nutritional Therapy Counseling is right for you, please don’t hesitate to email Andrea at andrea@getautoimmunestrong.com.

What is Functional Nutritional Therapy?

Helping your body feel better with food. Functional Nutritional Therapy focuses on helping people nourish their bodies with food, so they can feel better in their bodies. Through nutritional therapy counseling, clients can learn how to eat food that makes their bodies thrive, as well as improve their sleep, reduce their physical pain and inflammation, increase their energy levels, lose weight and gain muscle.

What is Functional Nutritional Therapy good for?

TBA

What can I expect from a treatment or a series of treatments? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

To prepare for our first appointment, Andrea will send you a questionnaire and a 3 day food journal to complete. This will inform our work together at our first appointment.
At our first appointment, we start with an assessment, where we review your paperwork, your goals and your current food preferences and habits. From there, together, we will set a plan of action for our work together.
At each follow-up session, we review the changes that were recommended and we troubleshoot to figure out what worked, what didn’t work, what felt good and what didn’t, so we can create a more personalized and bio-individual nutrition plan just for you.
Each session is 50 minutes long.
This is a no judgment space. I will never judge you for your food choices and habits. I want my clients to feel comfortable being honest with me about their food desires and needs, so I can best serve them.
Please expect that food transitions can take time. I like to start with small changes, so that these new habits can take hold and become changes you can keep for a lifetime.
If you have any questions about whether Nutritional Therapy Counseling is right for you, please don’t hesitate to email Andrea at andrea@getautoimmunestrong.com.

What is it?

Dynamic Manual Interface: DMI is an advanced comprehensive form of assessment and manual therapy that embodies some of the most current research in the dynamics of the human body.
DMI was developed by Frank Lowen, drawing from skills he had developed from his training and teaching with Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, PT (Visceral Manipulation) and Dr. John Upledger, DO (Myofascial Release). It is distinct from, though complementary to, Visceral Manipulation and Myofascial Release.
DMI requires a precise interface which has both physical and energetic components.
DMI utilizes the body’s self corrective mechanisms to improve tissue mobility, biomechanics and system balance.
Practitioners of DMI feel, interpret and facilitate specific subtle rhythms within the body, which are vehicles for communication and regulation.
The focus is highly specific, but orchestrated by the tissues and their rhythms. With DMI’s unique method of hand usage combined with a thorough understanding of the organization and relationships of the body, a skilled practitioner can interact specifically with many different tissues of the body for assessment and treatment purposes.

Visceral Manipulation: This specialized manual therapy addresses the fascia surrounding internal organs, improving overall biomechanics and contributing to enhanced function.
Developed by Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, PT, it incorporates General and Local Listening as part of the assessment, which leads the practitioners to areas which are key treatment areas (convergence of tensions).
Included in this approach is the interrelationship between the physical tissues and cognitive/emotional state, as well as complex biomechanical relationships.
This work is based on the study of detailed anatomy and has been developed based on years of medical study and research.

Myofascial Release: A gentle form of manual therapy focused on the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds your muscles, bones and organs.
Unlike deep tissue massage, MFR uses light, sustained pressure and subtle movements to address restrictions and tensions within the fascial system.
This technique aims to release tension, improving mobility and reducing pain throughout the body.
It is recognized that tightness in the fascia can create a ripple effect of dysfunction in seemingly unrelated areas.
Performed properly, MFR does not actually break-up tissue, but allows for the fascia to accommodate to a new length and position based on the input of the practitioner through their hands.

Who can benefit from Light Touch Manual Therapies?

Light Touch Manual Therapy can help virtually any condition, regardless of age group, and although it is not curative, many situations that have not responded well to other forms of treatment or therapy often respond favorably to this work.
Pain in spine and extremities, digestive issues, over-use symptoms, headaches, stiffness, numbness are frequent complaints that are treated with high success.

What to expect, and how to prepare for your session.

Treatment is performed with the client fully clothed, although access to skin may be optimal for some techniques.
Hydration is important, and having a water bottle with you is recommended so you can continue to hydrate during the day.
The initial physical assessment will involve checking alignment in standing, and sitting. Most of the treatment is usually performed lying on back or stomach, although seated is common for upper extremity issues, at least for part of the session. The evaluation often includes listening or cranial mapping, in which the practitioner places a hand on your head and tracks tension patterns in the body. This might be repeated at the end of the session to see if this has changed with treatment.
There is often a brief movement integration to help with transition from lying on the table to sitting and moving, which helps the body adapt to tensional changes.
The therapist might ask questions regarding history that might not have been shared, if some of the findings suggest that this was significant.
Although treatment might feel very subtle, there are often large changes that are registered. Sometimes a client might feel a bit “off” for a few days or might remember some things that have been forgotten. This is a good sign and nothing to worry about. It is typical that positive changes occur in the following days and continue in the days and weeks after sessions.

What is Integrative Movement?

Total Motion Release (TMR) focuses on using simple movements in one part of the body to release pain and tension in another. It is based on the philosophy that the body protects injured tissues and moving into restrictions causes more damage and compensations. TMR identifies which movements place the damaged tissue completely off tension and helps the tissues go back to a healthy alignment creating increased mobility and function which can be sustained.
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a research-driven therapy approach using individualized, hands-on techniques to analyze movement patterns and help those with neurological involvement regain function and participate in daily life.
Nutritional Movement recognizes the body's inherent need for movement and emphasizes that different movement-based approaches, ranging from everyday activities to specialized therapies, have the potential to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Who can benefit from Integrative Movement?

Anyone who has had some manual therapy should have some form of movement integration to maximize the benefits and prevent further injury.
Clients with pain with movement, postural issues, pain created by repetitive activity, clients who have experienced a decline in ability to walk or sit comfortably.
Clients who are motivated to achieve greater flexibility and health.

What to expect and how to prepare for an appointment.

Dress comfortably in clothes allowing for movement.
Your therapist will review your sitting, standing posture and might watch you perform movements or exercises that you are already doing.
Movement will be adapted to where you are at the moment. If there has been a long history of pain, you might start with visualizing the movement.
Often the movement program will focus on parts of the body away from the pain or injury initially.
If there is some neurological involvement, the therapist might guide the movement to help your body learn more balanced posture and movements.
Movement practice will be progressed according to ability and motivation.
We will always stay in a comfortable zone, but some new movements or postures might feel awkward initially.

What is Frequency Specific Microcurrent?

Developed by Carol McMakin, DC, who revived some of the works of her predecessors in energy medicine, Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses very low intensity electrical current to help tissues become more energetic and revitalized.
There are two frequencies applied simultaneously via leads to conductive pads or damp towels- the hydrated client is the semiconductor.
One frequency resonates to the specific tissue to be addressed, and the other dictates the process needed.
The right pairing results in an immediate relaxation in the tissues around the area treated.
This can assist with treatment of numerous conditions but is most clearly documented in its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, since inflammatory markers can be measured from blood drawers.
FSM is being utilized by trained therapists, Naturopaths, and Medical Doctors in leading clinics to treat conditions within their respective scopes of practices.
Frequencies may also be applied via Pulsed Electromagnetic devices, sound, and light.
It is important to discover the systems and factors which are causing the pain for the most effective treatment.

Who can benefit from Frequency Specific Microcurrent?

FSM is well documented for use in pain including fibromyalgia. Any tissue that has been injured can be bolstered by treating it with a frequency that matches its own specific frequency. We do not treat cancer with FSM.
FSM is being used by professional athletes to reduce healing time after injury under professional supervision.
Ask your therapist if they believe FSM can help.

What to expect and how to prepare for your session.

Hydration is essential. Drink plenty of water before your visit. You may want to bring a water bottle.
Bring an extra t-shirt to wear. Application is often with wet towels, which are usually at the back of the neck and the front of the ankles or abdomen, unless we are targeting a joint.
Some people are more sensitive than others and feel more effects of the current. Some people feel pleasantly sleepy and “spacey” during treatment. There should not be any discomfort. Tell your therapist if you feel any discomfort so they can adjust the intensity. This can include “buzzing or tingling” sensations or queasiness.

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology Tape was invented by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese Chiropractor and Acupuncturist.
It is a light, stretchy, hypoallergenic tape which stretches in one direction and can be used to support, facilitate, inhibit, or retrain movement, depending on the tension and direction of application.
It can be seen on professional athletes but can also be used in a variety and medical situations, including the treatment of severe pain.
Kinesiology tape is specifically applied based on evaluation including Manual Directional Testing.
It can be applied in numerous ways and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, decrease inflammation, prevent injury, promote circulation and assist in returning the body to homeostasis.
A trained practitioner will know how to select the right tape with the right methodology

Who can benefit from Kinesiology Taping?

It can be seen on professional athletes, but can also be used in a variety of medical situations, including the treatment of severe pain.
It is especially helpful for postural issues and biomechanical problems resulting in knee pain, hip pain, back pain, foot pain, elbow pain, hand pain, shoulder pain. It can also help with CRPS, arthritis, nerve pain and headaches

What to expect and how to prepare for your session.

Wear clothing that is easy to pull up or down for access. A sports bra works well.
Lotion should be left off or will need to be removed, so it is probably better to leave it off and bring some with you for later application.
The tape usually stays on 3-5 days, and should be removed per instructions.
If there is itching or irritation, do not leave it on. Let your therapist know and have someone help you remove it gently.
If you have very sensitive skin, let the therapist know. There are lighter tapes and some preparations that can help. Rarely is this tape not tolerated.
The tape should help increase stability and decrease pain. If it does not, take it off. Not every application is a complete success due to individual variability.