It is a known fact that physiologically, touch triggers electrochemical impulses that relieve pain and contribute to the healing process. The half dozen or so sensory receptors located in the skin are electrically activated when stimulated by all varieties of touch, pressure and vibration. This recognition of the benefits of touch medicine, combined with the increased health awareness and demand for alternative approaches to health, has stimulated the growth and acceptance of the therapeutic value of massage.

I received my massage training at the Coastal School of Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1996. The 1500-hour course focused on the basic techniques and forms of Swedish Massage. Other modalities were introduced and briefly studied, including Deep Tissue, Reflexology and Hydrotherapy.

I continued my education and received further certifications in:

• Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT Center, Jacksonville, Florida 1996)
• CranioSacral Therapy (The Upledger Institute, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 1996)
• Shiatsu (Finger Lakes School of Massage Therapy in Ithaca, NY, 1998)

In 2004, I successfully completed the 225-hour professional course in Kinesis Myofacial Integration (KMI) with Tom Myers in Maine. KMI addresses the fascial net of the human body. Fascia is the connective tissue which gives us shape and form. Like the segments of a grapefruit, each muscle, organ and bone is wrapped individually with fascia, which provides the autonomy for the individual muscles and viscera to move freely, allowing for an ease of movement for the human body. With chronic tension, trauma, injury or surgery, the collagen fibres that make up connective tissue shorten and harden. KMI treatments allow the body to rehydrate the fascia, which can then return to a more elastic and lengthened state.

My massage technique over the years has developed from relaxation to the treatment of chronic pain. A thorough examination of the posture and lifestyle habits of my clients enables me to identify the areas of pain and possible causes. I treat the area by releasing the affected muscle groups. Changing posture and releasing posture-related strain or tension requires educating my clients to different exercises and stretching techniques, and an examination of certain repetitive aspects of their lifestyle that are causing them to be in pain.

I bring an added level of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing through my background as a certified Colon Hydrotherapist (Wood Hygienic Institute, Kissimmee, FL 1991) and have also received a certificate of proficiency in Herbology (Flynn School of Herbology, New York, 1993).