Mountain And Sea Massage of Gig Harbor

What We Do:

Following natural body networks called anatomy trains, we align bone and joint patterns to offer pain relief therapy through Structural integration, strategized with Applied Kinesiology: Movement Mechanics (Kinetics), proprioceptive* coordination of the body (neural coherence), and assisted awareness of the NeuroMuscular system (balance and strength).  *Your body's ability to sense its own position and movements in space.

The adaptive Bodywork approach integrates Martial Arts, Bodybuilding, & Kinetic philosophy, to “map the body” toward functional stability. Massage is an experience that supports Range of Motion dynamics with joint supportive movement to enhance Posture and Circulation.

How We Can Help You:

An initial visit generally consists of body assessment, establishing postural boundaries, & discussing the ideal outcome (pain relief, enhanced range of motion, better breathing, etc.) for each individual we work with.

Learning the individual’s body awareness is the primary objective, and it is to assist an adaptive approach for Long-Term improvements. My theory: offering energy to “stimulate the system,” coordinating the fascial network to form body coherence, integrating trigger points and reflexology to localize circulation patterns, and “teaching the body” to “hear the brain,” through proprioceptive techniques; including ‘bone tapping’ and ‘breath work.’ 

A Common Example: Movement Patterns Influence Energy Pathways

Left shoulder pain: the body stabilizes the skeleton through inter-related connections throughout the body. Tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, nerves, blood, all are contributing to homeostasis and function. The pec minor is known as the impingement muscle, as it can become constricted, limiting circulation from neck to sternum, thorax to lumber, hips to legs, feet to brain… to restore movements such as reaching, lifting, walking, sitting, etc., the body will establish “holding patterns” to sustain everyday function, and this usually will cause rotational compensations in the vertebrae.. these leverages in movement are reflected in the ribcage, and the neuromuscular relay will affect the sacrum. Essentially, posture will adapt to habitual function.  And that is why most “injury” is repetitive stress related. Beneficially, these “stress routes” can be redirected through the fascial network at the source: brain to body to breath.

To correct an isolated area, the idea place to improve is usually our core, including the thorax, glutes, hip flexors, and knees.

Initially, I will address the “local awareness” of patient tension/discomfort, by “tracing” the tissues along the joint network. This “sensory surfacing” provides a clearer path to “ open and close” (flex/extend, stretch/shorten, stimulate/relax) the affected areas.

As most pain is observed when nociceptors (pain detectors) are 'trapped' somewhere along the “brain map,” becoming more aware of the body leads to “lessened” nerve interference. This is because coiled tissue elicits entrapment along the pathways, causing impingement, weakening connections, & eventually muscles will atrophy rather than struggle.

My focus is to “align the frame & mobilize the tissue.” My techniques are an amalgam based upon personal experience (injury, fitness, study), working with a variety of body types and injuries, and “learning” athletic movements. This schema (visual aid) in my mind, is used to simulate the sensory that might cause pain, in order to strategize a “systemic redirecting.” Specifically, through basic motor function.

Pressure Test Your Body

The reason for pain is a lack of circulating flow (blood, oxygen, chi/electric impulses). The 'cold nerves' are very sensitive, and it is because the tissue is bound in a protective state, to best preserve functional energy to the unit (limb, organelle, “side”of body).

Tracing The Origin Of Your Pain

By tracing the origin, and aiding the impact, my goal is to alleviate the anxiety. For athletes, this would indicate being able to consciously stabilize the area and continue coordinating our breathing. For people who enjoy not being a glutton for pain, it means finding a resting state that they can self-govern, and manage the motion w/ coordinated circulation to 'calm the checkpoints' which in the previous example, would be the thumb, wrist, elbow, shoulder.

Ultimately, the theory behind my ideas is that the body is able to do its job most effectively, when the distress becomes eustress. The signals of strength outweigh the signs of weakness, and the body 'feels' better, because it can focus on balance. (Systemic Serenity = Healthy Hypothalamus)

Bring Peace to the Perception

A secondary goal is to alleviate anxiety. For all people who enjoy NOT being in constant pain, finding a resting state to self-govern, with coordinated circulation can calm the cognitive stress. Bone tapping helps bring awareness to the body and breath work reframes the response.

Ultimately, the body is most effective, when the distress becomes eustress. My core desire is helping those who need help.

Schedule your session & rediscover your familiar frame. Feel the difference.