Heather Walker, LMT- Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage

Zen Shiatsu, also called Masunaga shiatsu, is a form of bodywork administered by palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, feet and knees, using perpendicular pressure to access the individuals Ki (Qi or life force). The client is fully clothed for the duration of the treatment and a variety of stretches are applied to open and release specific meridians, or vessels. These are essentially the same meridians/vessels that are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for acupuncture, though modified and extended in Zen shiatsu. The professional Zen Shiatsu therapist is trained to feel the body's condition, particularly the circulation, by his/her hands in order to find the imbalanced areas in the body. By skillfully stimulating the imbalanced meridians, the therapist attempts to restore the balanced flow. The meridian system represents the "crosstalk" between tsubos, or acupoints of the human body. It represents divisions of the complete function of the human organism into discrete spheres of influence. Masunaga advocated treating the whole meridian system through pressure and stretching to achieve systemic change for the entire body. For its success, the treatment depends on a meditative activity of the practitioner, aimed especially at detecting the body responses to the treatment which influences the subsequent treatment step by step. It is understood that this technique stimulates the natural healing powers of the body, wherefore symptoms of dis-ease lessen and vitality is regained. From the Western point of view, shiatsu works directly to calm the autonomic nervous system, which has the effect of calming nervous distress and increasing resistance to stress, essentially relaxing and rejuvenating the body/mind. By helping with blood and lymph circulation in the body, shiatsu helps to maintain and improve muscle tone and healthy internal organ functions, which then stimulates and assists the immune system and helps to strengthen it. Regular and consistent shiatsu treatments can become an important aspect of preventive health care as well as treatment for existing symptoms.

The primary precept of Zen Shiatsu is the importance of remaining in a meditative or present state (often associated with Zen) when practicing shiatsu; nourishing weak, kyo areas and dispersing full, jitsu areas; using "Mother, Son" hand (2 handed) technique to better feel the flow of Ki; working from Hara (belly), the body's energy center. Masunaga moreover expanded the meridian system, extending the classical Chinese meridians, and developing an effective new system of Hara diagnosis predicated by his experience as a Western-trained psychologist.

The term "craniosacral" comes from the words "cranium", the head, and "sacrum", the fused spine just above the tailbone. Popularized by Dr. John Upledger D.O., Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a very safe and gentle method of bodywork derived from osteopathic manual techniques. The Craniosacral System is intimately connected with our central nervous system. CST treatments have a profound ability to bring deep relaxation to the physical body, accelerating homeostasis (the innate ability of an organism to adjust its physiological processes to balance itself). Some CST techniques help uncover and resolve buried emotional trauma; traumatic experiences that can be stored in our tissues and ultimately interfere with our physical and psychological health. Releasing theses energetic cysts is referred to as a somato-emotional release. CST treatments are great for all stresses, migraine headaches, TMJ disorder, anxiety, trauma recovery and many other health conditions. Treatments are received over clothing. (CST is not massage)The therapist uses "holds" to work with the Craniosacral system by way of what is called the 'Cranial Wave'. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones restored to their proper position.

Because Craniosacral Therapy is so gentle it is suitable to any age or ailment, with few exceptions.

Therapeutic massage is a continued relationship between client and practitioner, to assess, treat and continue caring for the clients health and well-being. The treatment usually involves the practitioner applying manual techniques, or adjunctive therapies to the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, stress, etc., so as to increase relaxation and healing. This type of session may retain a large Swedish massage element to it but advanced techniques, such as trigger point therapy and deep tissue, are likely to be used for pain and chronic health issues.

Too much unresolved stress in our lives can cause constant muscular tension. This tension or tightness reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles and organs and also restricts nerve & lymph supply. Tension creates a tendency for a build up of wastes or toxins in the body, and reduces the flow of the more subtle energy or life force (Qi). Tension can lead to symptomatic feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aches and pains, tight muscles and stiffness, and ultimately illness. Muscular stress can increase the likelihood of strains and injuries as it also distorts the skeletal structure which further compounds existing problems and creates new ones.

Therapeutic massage helps to alleviate these issues by improving the function of the circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, digestive, endocrine, emotional and nervous systems, which in turn improves the rate at which the body recovers from injury, stress and illness.

Heather Walker, LMT graduated from the Providence Institute's combined Zen Shiatsu and Massage Therapy 1200 hour program in 2002. She has since studied various forms of bodywork including Ampuku (Japanese bellywork), Unwinding the Belly technique, Flying Qi Shiatsu, continued study in Chinese Medicine, acupoint uses and Shiatsu technique classes and various styles of Craniosacral Therapy including Biodynamic Craniosacral.

Heather takes great care in her work and loves what she does. Her goal as a practitioner is to draw on her TCM Shiatsu background and treat each person in a holistic way. Creating a unique experience with each treatment she believes will sustain longer lasting results and harmonize the individual's unique imprint.