Massage & Bodywork

Pain and stress are signs of imbalance in the body. They may be a “normal” part of life, but there are limits to how far “normal” can go before it becomes disharmony and dis-ease. When you feel pain, that is your body’s way of telling you to “slow down,” “take it easy,” or “try something different.” It is your physical body’s reaction to the stress you are placing it under.

This stress can either be of a physical or emotional source. As every particle of our universe is made of energy that carries a meaureable vibration, so do our thoughts and feelings carry a vibration that can either raise or lower our physical body’s vibration and thus induce a relaxed or stressed state. The power of the mind over the body has been well documented over the past 1000 years,  and in recent years by Dr. Masaru Emoto in The Hidden Messages of Water. Dr. Emoto conducted an experiment with water whereby he showed that water from clear springs and water that had been exposed to loving words showed brilliant, complex and colorful snowflake patterns when frozen and viewed under the microscope, while polluted water or water exposed to negative words created incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors. This is so significant for us since our bodies are at least 70% water. This documents the powerful effect the mind has on the body.

 

The benefits of massage/bodywork:

  • Increase in blood flow to vital organs and muscle tissue
  • Removal of toxins from the blood (resulting in reduced soreness increased flexibility and improved immune system
  • Increase in endorphins (body’s natural pain killer)
  • Reduced stress
  • Feeling comforted/loved
  • Increased ability to think clearly
  • Improved body awareness
  • Improved body-mind connection
  • Relief of pain

Jin Shin Do® ("The Way of the Compassionate Spirit") is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure techniques, classic Chinese acupressure theory, Reichian segmental theory, Taoist philosophy and Qigong exercises. Because Chinese medicine treats the whole body by balancing the qi and the western psychotherapeutic approach works with the mind, Jin Shin Do sessions work by treating the whole BEING.

Developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, M.A., L.M.F.C.C., this sensible therapy outlines tension points associated with common physical problems and with distressing feelings like anxiety, depression, guilt and anger. It teaches points and exercises that help release physical and emotional tensions. Best of all, it helps one learn to transform, rather than repress, painful feelings - leading to a more joyful way of life and the realization of one's full potential.

Benefits of Jin Shin Do Acupressure:

"Acupressure" refers to any technique using finger pressure on "acupoints" to reduce stress and balance the body energy. It brings about pleasurable, deep relaxation and increased awareness of both body and psyche. Jin Shin Do® contrasts with acupuncture in the absence of needles, and because one individual is touched by another in a highly supportive way which evokes the feeling of being held, cradled and safe. It contrasts with Shiatsu in being a more slow & shy paced method and focusing more on deep release of muscular armoring.

What to expect from a Jin Shin Do session

Jin Shin Do sessions are typically done fully clothed and generally begin by asking what you wish to focus on. Once you lie on the table, your practitioner may proceed by doing Chinese pulse diagnosis to determine a plan for the session.

A session begins with holding points on the neck and shoulders to relieve tension in these areas and then other points along the body are held as the session progresses. The practitioner will bring your attention to the sensations and thoughts that may be coming up, encouraging you to notice whatever insights, images, feelings or senses that may arise. Discussion may arise regarding the sensations as these points are held. You may notice years of tension melting away as the stillness of this touch can bring up and release these old blocks of “qi”. As surface tensions release, you will be able to go to deeper levels of understanding of your inner landscape and as you become more aware, you then have the opportunity to make changes. Even small changes have significant impact on our lives. Many clients report relief of chronic pain, long term injuries, emotional distress, sleep disturbances, physical limitations and much more.

  

  Jakki's Note:  I have been a practicing massage therapist since 1995 and have learned over a dozen wonderful healing techniques in that time. I have chosen to specialize in a unique therapy called Jin Shin Do for the remainder of my practice because I have found it to be the most powerful tool for changing lives.


I would like to share with you how it feels to be more in control of your life and how to feel better each day. If you would like to try a session  to just get a taste of my abilities, schedule the 35 minute neck/shoulder release. A series of sessions will give you optimal results for stress relief as peeling back the layers of tension is a process and doesn't happen overnight. If you choose, I can combine in your session Reiki energy healing, therapeutic massage, hot stone therapy, essential oils, Life Coaching techniques, meditative visualizations and spiritual grounding techniques that help you connect to your true self.  Each session is completely customized to your needs. Coaching sessions are also available if you prefer to just talk it out.

About Jakki:

In the holistic healing arts industry since 1995, Jakki Gioia is a Stress & Pain Management Specialist whose focus is on finding the source of pain. She holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from Towson University, a National Certification in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, a certification in Spiritual Life Coaching and is a Registered Jin Shin Do practitioner.  As an injured dancer and former owner of Body Logic Wellness Spa, Jakki has used her experience and knowledge of the body to teach others how to properly care for their bodies to alleviate stress and pain. Her self- help book: Follow the Signs, is also an extension of her healing work to locate the source of pain and heal it. Through classes, healing sessions and the aroma products, she strives to help others take a more proactive role in their spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

    Jakki has been trained in over a dozen healing methods. Sessions typically include a mixture of therapeutic massage, Jin Shin Do, hot stone therapy, guided visualization and Spiritual Life Coaching. However, it may include at your request:

  • Swedish, deep tissue and myofascial massage
  • Chinese Massage (Tuina)
  • Muscle Energy Technique (stretching)
  • Russian sports massage
  • Aromatherapy
  • Reiki/ Chakra Balancing, Color healing
  • Craniosacral
  • Spiritual Coaching techniques
  • Guided visualization/imagery, meditation
  • Raindrop essential oil technique
  • Movement re-education
  • Alexander Technique
  • Pre-Natal Massage
  • Spa body treatments-Body wraps & scrubs

Treatment Menu

What is Life Coaching?

 Life Coaching is a clinically proven method of counseling that helps people improve their  lives through a series of processes and healing exercises that bring about  permanent change. Clients can expect to learn:

  • Why they do and say what they do and say
  • How to create healthy, spiritual relationships with  their family, friends, spouse, children, etc.
  • How to relieve physical pain by clearing emotional  blocks
  • How to manifest abundance.
  • How to unconditionally love and accept  themselves.
  • How to stop reliving recurrent patterns or  mistakes
  • How master their own lives by becoming empowered through  a process of self- realization

People who can benefit from Life Coaching are  those who are:

  • feeling sad or depressed
  • going through a period of change
  • unable to trust
  • unhappy with their lives
  • unhappy in their relationships
  • going through separation or divorce
  • looking to find a new career
  • suffering from chronic pain
  • fighting a debilitating disease
  • searching for meaning in their lives
  • victims of abuse/neglect
  • victims of traumatic events
  • afraid to be alone
  • having difficulty communicating their feelings
  • feeling lost and confused
  • trying to lose weight
  • tired of repeating the same patterns
  • interested in being a better parent
  • interested in making more money
  • interested in personal growth

What Jakki's coaching clients have said:

"It's like I was able to see myself from a bird's eye view. She hit the nail on the head. I feel like this worked better than traditional counseling because it got to the core of the issues. Thank you Jakki!"- Aysha, Bel Air, MD

"I discovered parts of myself I didn't know existed. It was really empowering."- Joe, Bel Air, MD

" I feel like Jakki is the only one who could truly understand what I am going through. She is intuitive and takes things from spiritual perspective. My sessions with her give me something to think about and I feel like I can trust her. " Tim, Baltimore, MD