Professionally licensed and experienced Muscular Movement and Massage Therapist, Pam Turci shows one of the Healing Garden's therapeutic Body/Energy rooms.
The art of body/energy practice is the fundamental core of several different, yet related modalities which allow for the natural opening of the Qi (or Chi) of the body’s immune system. This practice promotes a sense of well-being and ultimate relaxation. Rather than anxiety, there is a shift towards calmness, steadiness and self-confidence.
Acupuncture
This is an ancient medical treatment that considers the Qi or Chi as the central energy source of the body’s activities. Chi circulates through pathways called meridians, each linked to a particular organ network. Insertion of needles comparable to a strand of hair, at the meridian points, strengthens the Chi. Acupuncture is a highly respected therapy which has been proven effective for the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, joint pain and fatigue. It can also be helpful for symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and insomnia.
- For more information, see JoAnn Simon and Cynthia McMahon-King’s bios.
Core Movement Integration
Core Movement Integration is a therapeutic movement technique which can reduce muscle tightness and pain by enhancing the natural flow of connected movement through core bones and muscles. Connected or integrated movement is that which can be freely transmitted from the ground up through the body: for example, from foot to leg to hips to shoulders to neck to head. These movements are believed to communicate with the central nervous system to promote the relaxation of contracted muscles, thereby reducing pain and increasing joint range of motion. The practitioner initiates slow and gentle connected movements, within the client’s comfort range. This is passive at first and then with the client participating. Core Movement Integration can improve posture, body alignment and pain issues as well as decreasing spinal compression and increasing flexibility.
- For more information, see Pam Turci’s bio.
Reiki
The “laying of hands,” is an ancient Japanese touch healing system. The art is in energy focus through the hands during which the practitioner awakens the ability to heal. Reiki lends itself to support the immune system. It does this by supporting the body’s natural tendency towards balance. Clients are fully clothed while lying on a massage table. For those impacted by invasive medical procedures, Reiki can re-educate the body that touch can be nurturing, safe and respectful.
- For more information, see Marilyn Strong and Marilyn Brine Gilmour’s bios.
Reflexology
This is the application of appropriate pressure by thumbs and fingers to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. These reflex points correspond to different body organs, bones and body systems. Practitioners access these points on the feet, hands and ear which serve as a map of the body. Reflexology can be helpful with symptom management in cancer treatment as well as decreasing pain, increasing circulation and reducing stress and tension. Practitioners see themselves as working “from the inside out.”
- For more information, see Catherine Collins’ bio.
Shiatsu
This is a form of Asian bodywork based on the same theory and philosophy as acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese. Instead of needles, a Shiatsu therapist uses hand and finger pressure on the meridians to promote the smooth flow of Qi to balance the body’s energy and bring a sense of well-being to the body, mind and spirit. This is done while clients remain fully clothed on a massage table. Shiatsu is beneficial in recovering from surgery and relieving side effects of cancer treatment. It is a restorative therapy that relies on touch to promote self-healing.
For more information, see Page Wasson’s bio.
Therapeutic Touch
This is based on a belief that human beings have a “life energy field” also known as Qi or Chi that extends beyond the surface of the body and generates an aura. This technique promotes relaxation, alters perceptions of pain, and mobilizes the individual’s own healing energies to restore health, balance and order.
Therapeutic Massage
This is one of the oldest practices in health care. The basic principle involves manipulation of the soft tissue of the body for the purpose of balancing fluid and relaxing the body through touch and movement. Sensitive touch conveys a sense of being cared for, which increases your healing energy. Massage can alleviate pain, anxiety and joint/muscle issues. This type of massage differs from spa massage by focusing on trigger points to promote health.
- For more information, see Fran Coyne, Katerhine Lee, Maria Loring, Pam Turci, Dona Villandry, and Lisa Whittemore MacDonnell’s bios.
Qi Gong
This is a precursor to Traditional Chinese Medicine which incorporates slow, coordinated movements with breathing, mind calming techniques to release the Qi energy force within the body to promote healing and balance. Through these techniques, the relaxation response is stimulated thereby promoting the lymph system.
- For more information, see Carol Swerzenski’s bio.population.
