There are many different approaches to finding a sense of wholeness and no one method will fit everyone's needs. We offer several options in terms of physical, emotional and Spiritual cultivation; take a look at our offerings below and see if anything we do resonates with you.
Bodywork
The Esalen Experience
The Esalen Experience is an inward journey rather than a clinical, therapeutic treatment. Through long strokes, conscious, mindful touch, and a slow pace, you are invited to return to your natural state of self-awareness, balance and wholeness. Transformation occurs not through hard, invasive deep-tissue work but rather through a deeply relaxing and pleasurable journey of touch. You'll be treated as a complete being rather than body parts being worked on in isolation - as the giver’s hands move over your body, the natural, nurturing flow evokes relaxation and release. You can also receive deeper, more specific work if desired. The style in its purest form, developed at Esalen Hot Springs, invites the receiver to surrender into pleasurable sensation, allowing the body and mind to become one.
Integrative Bodywork
Integrative Bodywork is a unique blend of Qigong energy work, Acupressure, Swedish and Esalen® styles and Sound / Vibrational Healing work. This is a highly effective way of releasing tight muscles and relieving tension, quieting the Mind and providing a general sense of wellness, all without any pain or discomfort. We call it a "Calm the Spirit" experience. The long soothing strokes of Esalen® Massage along with Qi Healing, a variety of Swedish techniques and aspects of Shiatsu and Tui Na all combine to create an incredibly relaxing, yet effective therapeutic result. Integrative Massage sessions last 90 minutes and are received undressed to your level of comfort lying fully covered on a massage table.
SoundSation Experience
There is no finite description for this work. Every session takes on a life of its own and may involve pure vibration, sound instruments and voice (mine, and maybe even yours...). We will just go with whatever is present and follow the flow. Sessions typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on where we end up going.
If you want to try a little sample, our bodywork sessions begin with an optional 10 minutes on the vibration table and/or a sound bath. The healing properties of sound will open up communications between the cells throughout your body and begin the healing process before you're even touched. We highly recommend the experience.
Shamanic Journey and Healing Work
Shamanic practices allow us to access that innate healing intelligence that’s available to everyone. Learn to Journey for yourself and tap into the inner guidance that brings us clarity in times of confusion. In addition to the Journey work, you can choose to receive a healing session tailored to whatever it is you need in the moment. Please call for a consultation to find out more.
Medical Qigong/Energy Healing
This is a subtle, yet powerful type of work focused on moving energy (QI) and removing the blocks that inhibit balance and harmony in our lives. Qigong healing comes from the Taoist medical tradition and incorporates both touch and non-touch techniques designed to circulate the energy throughout the entire body. Qigong therapy also works at the level of the Spirit and can help the receiver move through difficult life events. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and are received fully clothed lying on a massage table.
Jin Shin Style Acupressure
This type of acupressure helps us to move energy through our meridians in a subtle way. It is extremely relaxing and can often induce a deep state of euphoria, bliss and profound awareness. Points along the meridians are gently stimulated in patterns or flows, and the work can be focused on the physical, mental/emotional and Spiritual all at the same time. Sessions begin with an opening of the channels usually utilizing Tui Na massage and last approximately 60 minutes. Acupressure is received fully clothed lying on a massage table.
Zen Shiatsu
The key word here is Zen. This is a gentle but highly effective form of Shiatsu that focuses on the energy meridians rather than individual pressure points. This modality goes far beyond the physical in many ways and helps the receiver find a place of profound inner peace and tranquility. Sessions include broad pressure along the meridian paths, active stretching (all you have to do is show up and we do all the work), range of motion exercises and focused abdominal work. Other benefits include increased flexibility, improved cirulation, enhanced muscle tone and improvement in overall physical fitness. Sessions last approximately 105 minutes and are received fully clothed lying on a floor mat.
Movement and Stillness Meditation
These practices work to Calm the Spirit and provide a deeper sense of awareness of who we are and what we're meant to do in life. While we provide instruction in several Taoist and Hindu practices, Qigong (Chi Kung) and Taoist meditation are our primary focus. We offer instruction in sitting meditation, a simple 5 Elements Qigong form, a more complex form known as The Eight Treasures and a walking meditation practice known as Merry Go Round (Research Ni Family Movement Arts for more information). We also help people to develop a consistent daily practice that can include a combination of quiet sitting and moving meditation, breathwork and self-exploration techniques.
Spiritual Mentoring and Coaching
Austin is an ordained Spiritual Coach and registered Mentor of the Integral Way of Taoism and has a passion for sharing this work with others. He has been practicing for over 20 years and is dedicated to his own Spiritual cultivation, part of which is helping others to find the tools that can help create more clarity and harmonious balance in their lives. Coaching sessions are free form and can include conversation, introduction to various Spiritual practices, Life Coaching or any one of a variety of other approaches. You completely control the direction of your time. Coaching sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour or more if appropriate.
Other Possibilities
Depending on individual desires, several other types of sessions are also available. Various aspects of the practices above, as well as several other types of bodywork and instruction can be combined to meet your individual desires. We can discuss those options once we have established a baseline of your needs.