Integrative Bodywork with Skya Livingston
Since my initial Swedish Massage Certification in 2001, I have continued to hone my skills and explore a variety of techniques with masterful teachers, providing me with a well-rounded toolbox. This includes training in: Shiatsu/Acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy, Medical Massage and Body Somatics (deep tissue work based on the structural integration theories of Ida Rolf.). I am currently delving into the study of Lymph Drainage Therapy and have dabbled in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sessions typically integrate all of these modalities in order to best suit your individual needs.
What to expect during your Integrative / Medical massage:
We will always take time to check in and talk about your needs and anything else you may wish to share. This intake process is longer at the first appointment and includes taking a health history, so I recommend booking a longer session, at least for this initial session. You will see me taking notes, which I use to track your progress and notate your preferences as well as my observations. This helps me to be most effective in my work with you individually. I also use this information to supply you with receipts should you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance or health savings plan.
Feel free to undress to any degree you are comfortable with - including keeping your clothes on! Did you know that Shiatsu, CranioSacral Therapy and Medical Massage are typically performed fully clothed?
After the session I like to take a few minutes to check in, ask how you feel, and offer to share my observations. I feel it is important to have this moment of closure before sending you back out into the world.
Feel free to undress to any degree you are comfortable with - including keeping your clothes on! Did you know that Shiatsu, CranioSacral Therapy and Medical Massage are typically performed fully clothed?
After the session I like to take a few minutes to check in, ask how you feel, and offer to share my observations. I feel it is important to have this moment of closure before sending you back out into the world.
Bodywork for Better BirthI sought out my training from Carol Osborne, as she literally "wrote the book" on pre-natal massage. (http://bodytherapyeducation.com/) I did this in 2008, after I had already been a practicing massage therapist for over 5 years. I simply wanted to better my understanding, and I ended up falling in love with this work! There is so much going on during this time - physically, mentally, emotionally, hormonally - it's a wonderful opportunity to help a mother connect with herself and her child, as well as help her understand what is happening in her body and how to manage the changes so that both she and her baby can be more at ease. Really understanding the physiology of pregnancy allows me to focus on the specifics of providing a pregnant woman relief from aches and pains and other discomforts. Now that I have experienced pregnancy and labor first hand, I understand this better than ever!
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Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
What to expect during your pre-natal massage:
This is more than just a modified massage. It's tailored to the needs and cautions of each stage of pregnancy. It is designed to calm the nervous system, ease musculoskeletal discomfort due to anatomical and hormonal changes, and takes into consideration such things as increased blood volume and risk factors that may be associated with some pregnancies.
Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash
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I don't use a "cut out" table, as this puts strain on the sacro uterine ligaments, as well as increases intra uterine pressure. Instead I have a wonderful propping system that will allow you to lie first in a semi-reclined position and then in a side lying position on both sides. This allows me to effectively address all body parts you wish to have massaged while remaining completely draped and dressed/undressed to your level of comfort. I always recommend 90 minutes, especially for the first session. In addition to the initial intake process, I like to take the time necessary to get the positioning just perfect. The techniques I use range from firm, "deep" work to more subtle, nervous system calming techniques (which can aid nausea and improve sleep, as well as reduce overall stress,) and I vary the pressure and techniques I use based on feedback from you and what you find most effective for your body. Communication is important to me, so please don't hesitate to tell me what you like and don't like. It's YOUR massage!
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Please note, I will need to know what week of your pregnancy you are/will be in and if you have had any complications or high risk factors during pregnancy, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, if you are carrying multiples or have a history of miscarriage. If any of these risk factors exist, I need to request a release from your OB or Midwife. I can send you a form for this, or you can give me your OB's contact information and I can call directly. You may need to sign a HIPAA release for in order for me to speak to your care provider about you.
Preparing for Labor Partner Sessions
One of my favorite things to do is a 90-min Labor Partner Massage Session with you and your labor partner, during which I teach you techniques to use both in preparation for labor as well as during labor. We'll talk about and practice these techniques during the session, and you'll go home with a hand-out to use for review. It's a great way for partners to learn how to best support the laboring Mama!
Postpartum Massage
Postpartum care is vastly neglected in our care system, and I am on a crusade to fill in that gap! It seems that once Baby is born, all focus goes to her and poor Mama is forgotten! No matter how you birth your baby, your body needs to heal. Not to mention the fact that you never truly get to rest before becoming a 24-hour-a-day care giver. In order to be that amazing care giver, YOU need care!
Postpartum care can begin immediately after birth. That's obviously not realistic for most people, so come in as soon as you can! If you absolutely can't leave baby at home, bring him along, but you will get the most out of your session if you come solo. If your birth involved complications or surgery, I will need a release from your OB or Midwife. I can send you a form for this, or you can give me your OB's contact information and I can call directly. You may need to sign a HIPAA release for in order for me to speak to your care provider about you.
Postpartum massage focuses on many aspects of healing, including: helping to drain excess fluid (which also helps to re-balance hormones and process out any medications that were used during birth,) helping the uterus and other organs return to normal size and position, and helping your pelvis to "close." Additionally, we address the new aches and pains of nursing and carrying around your new little bundle! For Post-Cesarean Birth recovery, I will teach you techniques to reduce scar tissue adhesions that can cause severe restrictions down the road, though we cannot work directly on the incision until it is completely healed (usually 6 weeks after delivery.)
Postpartum care can begin immediately after birth. That's obviously not realistic for most people, so come in as soon as you can! If you absolutely can't leave baby at home, bring him along, but you will get the most out of your session if you come solo. If your birth involved complications or surgery, I will need a release from your OB or Midwife. I can send you a form for this, or you can give me your OB's contact information and I can call directly. You may need to sign a HIPAA release for in order for me to speak to your care provider about you.
Postpartum massage focuses on many aspects of healing, including: helping to drain excess fluid (which also helps to re-balance hormones and process out any medications that were used during birth,) helping the uterus and other organs return to normal size and position, and helping your pelvis to "close." Additionally, we address the new aches and pains of nursing and carrying around your new little bundle! For Post-Cesarean Birth recovery, I will teach you techniques to reduce scar tissue adhesions that can cause severe restrictions down the road, though we cannot work directly on the incision until it is completely healed (usually 6 weeks after delivery.)
Header Photo by Anna Hliamshyna on Unsplash
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