"As an elite athlete, I rely on my body to stay injury free.
Lois has been keeping me balanced and healthy for years. She can look at me and see what areas are tight and where I am being pulled out of alignment. Her wealth of knowledge in healing modalities allows her to approach the problem in the most effective way."
-Felice Mueller, 2016 Olympic Rower
Massage and Bodywork
Life today places many strenuous demands on our bodies, physical, emotional and mental. We are working harder and playing harder. Our body responds negatively to stress, which makes us prone to injury, illness, headaches, muscle pain, hypertension and more. In other words, dis-ease. Massage and bodywork has been a choice of men and women for centuries to revitalize energy, lift their spirits and maintain strong and healthy bodies.
Therapeutic massage & bodywork activates the parasympathetic nervous system telling the body to relax! The body calms down. Muscular distortions can be corrected. Chronic pain can subside or be managed. Tension caused by emotions stored within the body can be released. This work can aid the body, mind and spirit to return to homeostasis.
SERVICES OFFERED
Lois Harrison’s goal is to assess the client’s posture, soft tissue and energetic imbalances. From there, she creates a results-oriented session prioritizing the client’s needs. Utilizing vast educational and experiential knowledge, Lois can effectively and intuitively use a variety of physical and energetic techniques separately or synergistically woven together.
Modalities include:
Swedish Massage
This technique is specifically designed to relax muscles. Its main purpose is to increase oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from muscles. It involves the use of stroking, kneading, tapping, friction and vibration. Swedish massage may provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, increase muscle tone and other health problems. This technique shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic waste.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE/NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
The goal of this type of therapy is to bring balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It has been found to be highly effective for back pain and other chronic muscle pain resulting from soft tissue injury. The massage therapist uses fingers, knuckles or elbows to apply alternating levels of concentrated pressure on trigger points. The pressure is usually applied for about 10 to 30 seconds , which tends to relax the spasmed muscles, release lactic acid and allow the muscle to receive enough oxygen and blood. Following a session there may be resulting soreness which should fade in 24 to 36 hours.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite athlete the goal is to enhance endurance, lessen the chance of injury and shorten recovery time. Sports Massage utilizes a variety of techniques such as Swedish Massage, NeuromuscularTherapy, Myofascial Release, Stretching and Hydrotherapy. Prior to an event, Sports Massage may be used in conjunction with stretching to warm, loosen and prepare the muscles for enhanced performance and endurance. Following an event, this therapy is used to relieve pain, prevent stiffness and shorten recovery time. Sports Massage is also used for injury rehabilitation.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
A manual therapy technique that is utilized to rebalance the body and relieve pain and tension due to injury or stress by releasing tension in the fascia (connective tissue). Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release and unwind the fascia surrounding each muscle and the fascia interconnects all other internal parts of the body. The memories of physical and emotional trauma can be stored in this tissue layer. Releasing these restrictions allow the discharge of recurring emotional as well as physical pain. Healthier and more balanced patterns can be reestablished to the body, mind and spirit.
SHIATSU
Developed in Japan, Shiatsu is a pressure point massage technique that works with the meridian system of the body. Meridians are pathways which life energy flows and is the system which acupuncturists use. Shiatsu utilizes the therapist’s fingers, palms and sometimes knees and feet to apply a combination of pressure and assisted stretching techniques. The goal of a Shiatsu session is deep relaxation, better energy flow, reduction or elimination of pain, better circulation of blood and lymphatic systems, and overall better physical, mental and emotional health.
CHI NEI TSANG
An ancient Chinese Taoist technique that was rediscovered and further developed by Qigong Master Mantak Chia. The massage begins on the abdomen with deep, soft, gentle touches to aid the internal organs to work more efficiently and then with the entire body to open the flow of energy to all parts. Chi Nei Tsang simultaneously heals the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the client. This technique is used to enhance health, detoxify the body and increase the flow of Qi (life force) so maximum wellness can be achieved.
AROMATHERAPY
The use of essential oils can be added to any session. The use and blending of undiluted, pure essential oils extracted from specific aromatic plants are used to promote healing. These oils can be added to massage lotion or diffused in the air. This must be discussed when booking your appointment to allow time for proper selection of oils and preparation.