Ayurdoula - Charlotte Sternkind Del Toro

Massage and Healing Modalities (Upayas)

Upaya is a word that simply means "remedy". I use a variety of techniques to remedy the symptoms you present with. We can work with your physical body using therapeutic bodywork techniques; there are therapies that help with psychophysiological concerns; or we can help shift the consciousness on the spiritual level.

My office is located in the Infinity Wellness Center - the office of Dr. Tenesha Weine, 205 South Wild Basin Road, Suite 2B, Austin, TX 78746. The office is just north of the Bee Caves Road exit on the west side of Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway). Visit the Contact page for directions.

Massage rates are $70/hr in my office. A two massage minimum + an additional $10 travel charge applies for outcalls in the Austin Metro area. Please make sure you have a ground level room to work in or easy elevator access. Thanks!

Therapeutic Bodywork

Over the centuries, thousands of styles and techniques of massage have evolved in various cultures. The following are some of the techniques I practice:

• Swedish Massage - Gentler strokes are used to relax your muscles, increase flexibility and calm the central nervous system. Massage strokes move toward the heart for increased circulation.

• Prenatal & Postpartum Massage – (more info on Massage Doula page) Address each trimester of pregnancy and its associated physical and emotional changes to promote a comfortable, low stress experience. Postpartum massage restores muscle tone in the abdomen and can help with pelvic strains resulting from the birth as well as address those tight mommy shoulders from carrying your baby in your arms. New dads can relax as well with a general massage while the family welcomes the new addition.

• Doula - (professional labor and delivery coaching) services are also available with Charlotte Sternkind Del Toro, CD (DONA).

• Surya™ Bodywork - The 3-year Surya™ Program as it was taught in Asheville, NC and San Diego, CA has provided me with over 50 hands-on healing techniques from Vedic (East Indian) traditional wisdom. These integrative modalities weave together personal development, meditation, and the living wisdom of the Vedas, to gently address a wide variety of psychophysiological stressors-those components of the emotional and mental realms that often present as painful symptoms in the body. The teaching has further evolved into the new Surya Ram™ program. For more info, please visit www.michaelmamas.com.

• New! Scar Tissue Release - Gentle stretching and unwinding the adhesions and keloids associated with scar tissue. Both surgical and injury scar tissue can be worked on, starting on surface level and gradually working to deeper structural levels. Great for mastectomy, Caesarean birth or hysterectomy, and combat wounds. Scar must be 6 months or more old to ensure proper physical healing of the tissue.

• Deep Tissue Massage - Deeper strokes engage the deep muscles and bony structures to isolate knots in muscles to return flexibility and optimize function. The therapist may use knuckles, elbows or specialized tools to work in these areas.

• Acupressure - This modality evolved out of Chinese medicine and is based on using pressure on many of the same points that acupuncture would access on a deeper level through tiny needles. It’s generally used as an adjunct therapy in a massage rather than an entire session.

• Lymphdrainage - Very subtle compressions in specific directions are used to help move the lymphatic fluid through the lymph nodes and vessels. The lymphatic system can eliminate larger toxic waste particles, bacteria and viruses that are too big to enter the capillaries (smallest of the blood vessels). Congested lymph nodes contribute to the feeling of pain and constriction in movement.

• Breast Lymphdrainage - (requires additional special intake form due to State of Texas regulations) I work with women on healing the breast area by using a combination of strokes including lymphdrainage, ligament support and venous compression to reduce fluid, swelling and tenderness of the breast area. This work can be done through a thin T-shirt, on top of the sheets, or under the sheet using direct breast contact depending on your comfort level.

I also teach this modality to groups of women by appointment using the specially embroidered T-shirt I designed that is pictured here. Contact me for a group appointment for your organization or family.

Download a copy of the Informed Consent for Breast Lymphdrainage/Massage here. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

• Intraoral Massage – With a 22 year prior career in the dental field and a combination of the above techniques plus mobilization of the neck and jaw externally, I then move with gloved hands to tension points of the powerful muscles that control movements of the mouth and jaw. This work is progressive and generally requires 3-4 sessions, each one starting externally; further sessions address the buccal vestibules (between cheeks and teeth), under the tongue (submandibular), and the roof of the mouth (maxillary).

• Japanese Hot Stone – (this therapy only available November-March) This therapy uses heated volcanic river stones that have been smoothed by Mother Nature. The therapist places large stones on your sacrum, uses hand-size stones to do strokes and compressions, and places tiny stones between your toes and on the sinus area. This is an oil-free massage that is highly therapeutic; organic Japanese kuzu powder is used as a gliding medium and also captures sweat to detoxify the system.

The following modalities can be performed while you wear comfortable, loose clothing:

• Reflexology - Acupressure and massage of the feet, hands and/or ears that stimulates the nerve endings related to other body organs and tissues by unblocking the nerve impulse pathways.

• Breathwork - Gentle pressure and body mobilization combined with focused breathing patterns for each body part resolves pain, stiffness, and emotional stress.

• Reiki – A Japanese hands-on-healing technique that increases the flow of life energy to promote healing and health. The healing is delivered using symbols and mantras and is very gentle. I have been attuned for delivering Level I and II.

• Infant Massage – I have trained with the International Association of Infant Massage as an Infant Massage Instructor and teach these techniques to parents, family members and licensed caregivers. Some of the skills you will learn increase baby’s brain capacity and function. You will also learn about non-verbal touch communication, reading infant cues, relaxation and stress release to better bond with your baby.

Other Therapies

• Sound Wave Energy™ - Sound Wave Energy™ is a system of non-musical sound therapy recorded onto CDs and cassettes that delivers the energetic signature of vitamins, minerals, hormones, oxygen, elements, and inert gases. This allows the body to resonate with the vibrations it needs for health and healing. Playing these frequencies during a bodywork session creates more resonance in your body and chakras, returning a greater harmony to your life.

• Bach™, Earth Current Garden™, and Futureplex™ Flower Therapies - Essences of wild flowers and homeopathic mineral combinations that help unravel physical, mental, emotional states and spiritual crises that cause confusion and restriction in human psychophysiology. I can custom design a remedy for specific concerns or you can purchase a Futureplex™ remedy for common concerns.

Related Services

• Shamanic Drumming - The drum is more than a music instrument; it is a pathway to transform consciousness. We work with modalities that engage people on a deep level, producing profound beneficial effects in mind, body and Spirit. We honor Hopi, Lakota, and Ketchuan knowledge, and Native Wisdom from cultures worldwide. This work is facilitated by 4th generation Healer/Shaman Buffalo Thunder Frank Del Toro Jr. Call him at 968-2574 to set an appointment for blessings and ceremonies (to honor birthdays, pregnancy, new child) or to bless a new living space, clear old negative energies, and to work through trauma or blocked energy. He is a licensed minister and can perform weddings.

• Melaleuca™ - The Wellness Company -These are some of the finest products on the planet based on the integration of science and the gifts of Mother Nature. Most are formulated with very high quality oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. This oil is a natural antiseptic, fungicide, solvent, and is non-caustic. It also is a highly soothing, penetrating and aromatic oil. The company has five lines, Ecosense™ - for environmentally safe home care, Nicole Miller™ - vitamin and botanical enhanced skin care and cosmetics, Vitality for Life™ - vitamins and nutraceuticals with a patented delivery system, Melaleuca Bath & Body™ - for daily body care, and Melaleuca Pharmacy™ - traditional and natural relief for your home medicine chest.

Call Charlotte at 497-8276 or Frank at 968-2574 to schedule a free informational presentation; we’ll meet you at your home or at a weekly presentation in your area of town. You can also visit the company’s main website - www.melaleuca.com.

Referrals

Ask for referrals to chiropractic, naturopathic doctors, midwives, and psychotherapists; movement therapists such as Feldenkrais, yoga, Pilates or Stretch to Win; healing practitioners from diverse paths such as shamanism, or Reiki; and estheticians for your skin care.