Healing Arts

Healing Arts

Services Offered

Branches of Wellness offers several different types of healing arts. Please make sure to take a look at all of the descriptions below. Healing comes from within yourself. It may be immediate or it may take some time. Either way, we will be here to assist you though every step of your journey. Our experienced practitioners will make sure you are treated with compassion.

To schedule an appointment, please take a look at our Staff Page. Each practitioner has their services and rates listed, along with their contact info. You can contact them directly to schedule an appointment.

We offer the following services:

Therapeutic Table Massage

The term “massage” includes many techniques, and the type of massage given depends on your needs and physical condition.

  • Massage therapy dates back thousands of years. References to massage appear in ancient writings from China, Japan, India, and Egypt.
  • In general, massage therapists work on muscle and other soft tissue to help you feel better.
  • In Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping.
  • Sports massage combines techniques of Swedish massage and deep tissue massage to release chronic muscle tension. It’s adapted to the needs of the individual.
  • Myofascial trigger point therapy focuses on trigger points—areas that are painful when pressed and are associated with pain elsewhere in the body.
  • Massage therapy is sometimes done using essential oils as a form of aromatherapy.
  • Relaxation massage uses lighter and gentler techniques, whereas deep tissue and trigger point may use deeper pressure.  Please speak up as to your desired pressure, whether it is too much or not enough.

SOME BENEFITS OF MASSAGE:

  • increases circulation
  • stimulates the lymph system promoting the elimination of toxins
  • keeps muscles toned and flexible
  • Improves metabolic processes
  • Reduces the effects of stress, tension, and anxiety physically, emotionally, and mentally
  • Promotes pain relief and relaxation
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Thai Massage

Thai Massage, Nuad Boran, or Thai Yoga Massage, is a traditional energy modality that has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. Based on Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, this art form has been handed down for at least 2200 years. In Thailand, people regularly receive this treatment as a form of maintenance to stay healthy. Thai Massage is a component of traditional Thai medicine and is used to treat various illnesses and dis-ease in its homeland.  A complete Thai massage includes acupressure, sen line meridian work, and yoga-like stretching for an invigorating experience.   Thai massage is different from other forms of massage in that there is no oil used (except on the head and neck), that the masseur uses a mattress on the floor (instead of a table), and the client remains clothed throughout the session. In Thai work, you will experience more acupressure and stretching of the limbs and not as much sweeping muscular work, as in a relaxation massage. It is often described as “assisted yoga” or “lazy person’s yoga”.  It has also been described as a flowing dance between masseur and client, particularly when the client completely lets go, allowing his/her body to be passive and relaxed while it is being moved around.

Thai massage may improve circulation, flexibility, and muscle tone, complimenting any exercise routine. It also helps mobilize those who are more sedentary so that they may move with greater ease. The acupressure and stretching is very helpful to those who are stiff, sore, and tired from over-exertion in work or sports, as well as those dealing with arthritis and other disorders such as chronic back pain.  It relaxes sore tense muscles, and helps mobilize and decongest joints that have lost their range of motion. It also encourages lymphatic function, strengthening the immune system. Thai massage supports the balance of the mind, the emotions, and body, promoting the body’s own healing ability by stimulating the flow of the life force known as prana or chi.  One can receive many of the benefits of yoga, acupuncture, and massage within a Thai session.  Anyone can get Thai massage. The massage will be done according to your own needs and flexibility. Just be sure to tell your practitioner in advance of ANY sensitivities, injuries, or conditions you have! Also, communication is KEY. Feel free to tell the masseur when you need more or less pressure or stretch.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and avoid eating or drinking a lot beforehand.

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Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word representing universal life energy.  It is derived from “rei”, meaning free passage or universal, and “ki”, meaning life force energy, the vital energy that flows through all living things.  Reiki has developed into a natural hands-on healing modality that aids all of the body’s systems in coming to balance, as well as balancing one emotionally, mentally and spiritually.   It has roots in Tibet and Japan, but is NOT tied to any specific religion or nationality. It was always intended to be a universal pathway to self-enlightenment for ALL.  Reiki is used all over the world in many places including hospitals and hospices.  The art and science was formulated and developed in the late 1800s by Sensei Mikao Usui.   Today Reiki is has been found to benefit people dealing with cancer, chronic pain, infertility, digestive problems, Parkinson’s, stress related illness, anxiety, and auto-immune disorders.

The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the client and the source of the Reiki energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and out through her hands to the client. (The energy does not come from the practitioner, but rather comes through the practitioner from the source.  There is no energy drain on the practitioner).  Treatments are typically done on a massage table or possibly a chair with the client fully clothed, and can even be done with very little or no physical contact if desired.  The practitioner places her palms on or above the client’s body in specific energy locations.  There is no massage or manipulation. The client may experience a variety of sensations including heat, pulsing, tingling, but sometimes people do not perceive any change at all.  Most report feeling very relaxed and peaceful, and it is not uncommon to fall asleep during the treatment.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, and in efforts to improve overall health and well-being.  A Reiki treatment may do the following:

 -bring about deep relaxation                                       – supply energy to the body

 -dissolve energy blockages and tension                  – stimulate the immune system

 -detoxify the body                                                             – relieve pain, physical or otherwise

 -support traditional western medicine                   – stimulate bone tissue and regeneration

Reiki is not specific to any particular type of disease or condition.  Because it works on the entire self- mind, body, emotions, and spirit, it may be successful in all types of healing.  Animals and plants respond positively as well.  Even if you are healthy, Reiki can provide routine maintenance and energy boosting, enhancing your ability to respond to toxins and stressors in life.  By promoting the harmonious distribution of energy, Reiki is an excellent form of preventative medicine.

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Shamanism

Shamanism is the most ancient form of healing, practiced by tribal cultures and humans worldwide.  In shamanic theory, much of our disease or illness is linked to spiritual imbalance.  Also, everything in nature has a spirit.   Through a change in consciousness to a meditative state, Shamanic healers enter “non-ordinary” reality to request healing and advice from their higher selves, compassionate animals, humans, and other spirits.  Often, drumming is used to bring both the practitioner and recipient into this meditative state.

Spiritual healing is complementary to modern medicine. Often it is the missing link, the wind in the sails that allows healing, recovery, and training to rapidly progress.

Because we find it to be a beautiful and natural marriage of spiritual modalities, and because Reiki has roots in Tibetan and Japanese Shamanism, many of our Reiki practitioners work with Shamanism to a certain degree.  Thus, the client may find a combination of healing methods being used during their treatment.

For example, you may experience the practitioner using stones, breathing techniques, and cleansing and sweeping techniques, as well as chanting, drumming and rattling around you during treatment.

Branches offers education in shamanism including Shamanic Yoga and journeying, as well as more in depth workshops and circles.  Check out our Special Events for more details on our shamanic studies.

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What is Ayurveda?

The Sanskrit term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life”.  Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic healing systems, and the sister science to yoga.

Ayurveda looks at the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and how they combine to create the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). These doshas are present within and around us.  Everything in the universe can be described in terms of the doshas.  Ayurvedic treatment recognizes when doshas have become excessive or deficient, which can affect the mind, body, and emotions. Ayurveda applies the opposite qualities to return to balance.

Ayurvedic Offerings

Initial Consultations $80
90mins

Dive into your unique balance and current imbalances. Lifestyle changes related to food choices, yoga, meditation, massage, etc. will be recommended to bring balance to mind, body and emotions.

Ayurvedic Follow-up $50
60mins

Follow up appointments will allow practitioner to check in on progress, and add/adjust recommendations as imbalances change.

Package: Initial Consult and Two Follow up Sessions: $165

Package: Follow up 3 pack: $130
(only available after initial consult)

Seasonal Check In $40
Kapha: late winter/spring
Pitta: Sumner
Vata: Fall
30mins

Doshas are seen everywhere, including seasonal changes. As these doshas become more prevalent in the change of the seasons, imbalances can be found in the mind, body, emotions. Ayurveda recommends adjusting practices seasonally to remain in balance.

Seasonal Package (All 3 doshas): $100

Building your Dinacharya: $50
45mins

Dinacharya (Sanskrit for daily routine) is a concept in Ayurveda that looks at the cycles of nature and bases daily activities around these cycles. Ayurveda contends that routines help establish balance and that understanding daily cycles is useful for promoting health.
In your Dinacharya consultation, you will work with your practitioner to develop your daily practices to bring balance to your life.

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Tuning Forks

Tuning Fork Session   Balance and energize your vital energy centers, known as chakras with Solfeggic Tuning Forks.  This therapeutic treatment will help rebalance and clear your energy field, releasing blockages and integrating the flow of energy from your chakras.   A tuning fork treatment will release negative energy patterns while introducing new positive vibrations.  As the flow of energy is freed, one may experience pain relief and greater ease of movement, as well as deep relaxation.  Some forks will just be held near the body, while others will be placed directly on the body so that the vibrations will be felt throughout.  Clients often report feeling the vibrations travel through their bodies.   This treatment is often done in conjunction with Reiki healing.

COLOR THERAPY WITH TUNING FORKS  Using colored eye glasses the practitioner helps you to remove stuck emotions and stagnation from your energetic body. Colors vibrate at certain frequencies – as does each organ and system of the body. Each color corresponds to a specific chakra or system of the body. When your chakras, or energy centers, are out of balance, your body and mind are not functioning at their optimal capabilities.  This can also lead to emotional distress and anxiety. One step toward wellness is to bring balance to those centers. Using colored eye glasses, Muscle Response Testing and sound vibration we will work with physical symptoms and emotions to help eliminate stuck or stagnant energy from your chakras (bodies systems) restoring balance.

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Raindrop Technique

REJUVENATE THE MIND. BALANCE THE BODY. Young Living’s proprietary Raindrop Technique® combines unique, targeted relaxation massage and energy approaches with pure, authentic essential oils for a deeply harmonizing, rejuvenating, and relaxing experience. The technique, developed by Young Living Founder and CEO D. Gary Young, draws from his experience with Native American wellness traditions and provides a revolutionary means of nurturing harmony

Private and Trauma-Informed Yoga

Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation offer powerful and simple ways to:
  • increase awareness
  • reduce stress, overwhelm, and burnout
  • manage pain
  • improve health
  • overcome unhealthy habits including addiction
  • improve sleep quality
  • boost the immune system
  • improve relationships and create healthy boundaries
  • change the chemistry, function, and structure of the brain
These practices achieve this by centering the mind and body so we can be in the moment exactly as it is.  Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation are supported in scientific literature which validates these ancient practices.  Whether you’re experienced with mindfulness, yoga, and meditation or new to the practices, you may have questions, need individual guidance, or just prefer to have space to talk and practice without the presence of others in a class environment. Private sessions allow you to build an effective, compassionate, and sustainable practice that fits your specific needs.  If you’re ready to be fully present, aware of where and what you’re doing without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you or learn about why you do what you do and ways to do it differently, you’re ready to start these practices.
  • What is Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness?

    Trauma may happen suddenly and unexpectedly, or may be part of a long, difficult road. Regardless of the circumstances, trauma causes challenges that can overwhelm you. Sometimes, trauma affects how we function in our day-to-day lives and we struggle with a sense of connection, safety, and choice.

    Trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness (TIYM) are approaches to the practice of yoga and mindfulness that address the specific needs of trauma survivors. TIYM is an evidence-based adjunctive treatment for the experience of trauma including complex trauma and PTSD.  It is based on decades of research and centuries of practice. Certified trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness teachers are trained to be conscious of trauma and its impact on the students who seek assistance with moving from surviving to healing.  With trauma-informed teaching, I create a safe, secure, and predictable environment for my students.  This helps build connection to self and others, nurture and develop a sense of empowerment, and ground in the present moment.

    For trauma survivors, some yoga classes offered in typical environments can retrigger the fight, flight, or freeze response.  This places the sympathetic nervous system into overdrive.  I specialize in grounding in the present moment to help you connect to resources inside of you.  This teaches resiliency and recovery on a personalized basis that honors your specific experience and journey.  Over time, you will notice a sense of safety within the body, the ability to shift your current state when distressed, and develop a personal toolkit to empower your journey from surviving to healing.

    Whether you’ve recently experienced a traumatic event, are in treatment with a behavioral health practitioner, or are just unsure of what to do next, I invite you to pause…take a breath…and return to center with me.

    Let’s connect
    I welcome talking with you about your journey and sharing trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, and meditation with you.
    (If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or proceed to the nearest Emergency Department.)

Reiki Release Sessions

Nicole is a Reiki Master and Intuitive Shamanic Practitioner. She uses her skills to harmonize the physical and emotional energies of the body to focus on total body healing & emotional release. During her treatments she scans the body for blockages and utilizes her energy work skills along with Shamanic healing practices, chakra alignment strategies, sound healing and many other modalities to help bring the mental and physical body into harmony. During these sessions she may even encounter passed loved ones, angels and animal guides that come to bring you messages. Each Reply Release experience is totally unique. The modalities used in her treatment are based on an intuitive knowledge of what needs healing within each client at that time. At the end of the session, you will receive a written paper of her “Automatic Writing” of what Nicole experienced in her treatment regarding blockages, guides, angels and other emotions she might have felt during your session.

 

~One hour in person or distance session

Connected Parenting Coaching

Dear Wise Women, you’ve taken the first step – looking into ways to solve issues within your family respectfully and with integrity. I offer Connective Parenting consultation services & coaching for Mamas who may be struggling with general parenting issues. I’m excited for the opportunity to address your issues in a thorough and timely manner. We can work together to problem solve, gain tools, and find powerful solutions. What’s on your mind Mama? Let’s chat!

 

~Consultation + Connective Parenting Coaching ONE 60-minute session via video chat/phone

 

~Consultation + Connective Parenting Coaching ONE 30-minute session via video chat/phone

Reclaiming Biology: Elimination Communication Coaching

The most biologically normal mammalian process. Babies eliminating their waste OUTSIDE of a diaper. 70% of the world practices Elimination Communication. Here in America big diaper companies have wiped out this entire practice within our culture. I’m here to help restore EC. Not only is it respectful to our children to help them eliminate in a sanitary way but it also saves us from having to untrain them from eliminating in their diapers. Did I mention it’s great for the planet too? It’s no secret that about 20 billion pieces of used diapers will end up in landfills every year. This generates more than 3.5 million tons of diaper waste. My Elimination Communication Coaching allows you to have full access from start to finish on your EC journey during the first year! I’m here to help teach you the basics of EC, help you through those challenging potty resistant periods, and help you take the steps towards wrapping up EC when your child is showing signs of EC completion. It’s time to reclaim what’s biologically ours: Basic hygienic human elimination and being in tune with our baby’s needs.

 

~Start to Finish EC Coaching for the first year (gives you access to me twice a month via Zoom or text/email/phone)

 

~Problem Solving EC Consultation for ONE hour via Zoom or telephone

Conscious Conception: Meeting your Spirit Babies through Shamanic Journeying

I believe that every woman who has a desire to be pregnant has a soul waiting to connect with her. Conscious conception is the practice of mindfully calling a child into your womb and your life. The children that are choosing to come to earth are asking that we purify our being to break generational trauma, release shadows that hold us back and allow space for THIER LIGHT to shine through. They ask that we heal ourselves & focus on deeply surrendering to the process of conception. Through surrendering we release our control around timing, so that instead we might surrender to their divine timing. If you’re feeling a slight disconnection from calling your baby home or want to learn how to connect in general, I’m here to help give you the tools to communicate with your Spirit Babies. Together we will work to hone in your skills to connect with your babies through a series of Shamanic teachings to learn how to travel to your Spirit Babies. Through meeting our Spirit Babies we can work to uncover things within ourselves we need to release so we can allow our babies to come forward into our lives. We focus on really connecting with your womb and intuition to uncover layers of yourself to deepen your trust in your innate intelligence and intuition. This is not an easy journey, and this is just one step in the direction of welcoming your babies earth side. I’m here to say you don’t have to do this alone! This can be such a humbling experience. I look forward to showing you how you can stand in your own power through the tender process of conception.

 

~90 minutes in person session + 30 minutes of aftercare via text/email/video chat or phone in case there may be any remaining questions

 

~90 minutes in virtual session + 30 minutes of aftercare via text/email/video chat or phone in case there may be any remaining questions