Living Balanced
Massage and Bodywork
Dedicated to your Health and Wellness
**Gift Certificates Available**
**Gift Certificates Available**
By Appointment Only in Accordance with CDC Guidelines
Welcome to Living Balanced Massage and Bodywork
Welcome to Living Balanced Massage and Bodywork
As a LBM&B client, your health and well-being is my priority. Each massage session is customized to fit your needs, and together we will develop a massage regimen that will work best for you. My goal is to encourage my clients to be an active member in their healthcare, whether you’re a competitive athlete, or a person looking for a better quality of life.
I strive to relieve underlying distress, pain and to help heal and maintain balance within the body. My goal is to help you feel more relaxed and to ease any pain you may have so that you can carry on in your busy life feeling amazing!
Let's get started !!!
About Your Therapist
I'm Cari Machado, the owner and operator of Living Balanced Massage and Bodywork. I started my practice in 2010 after graduating from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, Ca. Although I specialized in Tui Na (TCM -Traditional Chinese Medical massage), my coursework also included eastern deep tissue and sports massage, pre and post surgical massage, structural integration, cupping, energy work, myofascial release, prenatal massage, assisted stretching and traction and acupressure meridian therapy. In 2008, I was fortunate enough to travel to China to complete the Tui Na program at the TCM Hospital in Shanghai through the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2016, I completed additional coursework online in both Meridian Massage and Facial Rejuvenation cupping techniques.
Although I do offer a more relaxing Swedish style circulatory massage, and some light energy work, my style of massage is a more firm type of integrated deep tissue. I also incorporate cupping and assisted stretching into most of my custom massages when needed.
I am looking forward to meeting each of you and am very eager to assist you on your journey to a healthier you.
About Your Therapist
I'm Cari Machado, the owner and operator of Living Balanced Massage and Bodywork. I started my practice in 2010 after graduating from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, Ca. Although I specialized in Tui Na (TCM -Traditional Chinese Medical massage), my coursework also included eastern deep tissue and sports massage, pre and post surgical massage, structural integration, cupping, energy work, myofascial release, prenatal massage, assisted stretching and traction and acupressure meridian therapy. In 2008, I was fortunate enough to travel to China to complete the Tui Na program at the TCM Hospital in Shanghai through the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2016, I completed additional coursework online in both Meridian Massage and Facial Rejuvenation cupping techniques.
Although I do offer a more relaxing Swedish style circulatory massage, and some light energy work, my style of massage is a more firm type of integrated deep tissue. I also incorporate cupping and assisted stretching into most of my custom massages when needed.
I am looking forward to meeting each of you and am very eager to assist you on your journey to a healthier you.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is a therapeutic form of massage and has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Tui Na massage therapy has been considered the external form of massage and is used for giving special treatments to people of all ages, from infancy to old age. This Chinese therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bringing it back to balance. It works deeply with the positive energy of the body.
Tui Na makes use of various hand techniques in combination with acupuncture and other manipulation techniques. To enhance the healing process, the practitioner may recommend the use of Chinese herbs. Many of the techniques used in this massage resemble that of a western massage like gliding, kneading, vibration, tapping, friction, pulling, rolling, pressing and shaking. In Tui Na massage, the muscles and tendons are massaged with the help of hands, and an acupressure technique is applied to directly affect the flow of Qi at different acupressure points of the body, thus facilitating the healing process. It removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians as well as the muscles.
A typical session of Tui Na massage may vary from thirty minutes to an hour. The session timings may vary depending on the patient's needs and condition. The best part of the therapy is that it relaxes as well as energizes the person. The main benefit of Tui Na massage is that it focuses on the specific problem, whether it is an acute or a chronic pain associated with the joints, muscles or a skeletal system. This technique is very beneficial in reducing the pain of neck, shoulders, hips, back, arms, highs, legs and ankle disorders. It is a very effective therapy for arthritis, pain, sciatica and muscle spasms. Other benefits of this massage therapy include alleviation of the stress related disorders like insomnia, constipation, headaches and other disorders related to digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
The greatest advantage of Tui Na is that it focuses on maintaining overall balance with both physical and mental health. Any one who wants to avoid the side effects of drugs or a chemical based treatment can adopt this effective massage technique to alleviate their pain. Tui Na massage therapy is now becoming a more common therapy method due to its focus on specific problems rather than providing a general treatment.
What is Fascia?
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs. Fascia is classified by layer, as superficial fascia, deep fascia, and visceral or parietal fascia, or by its function and anatomical location.
Like ligaments, aponeuroses, and tendons, fascia is made up of fibrous connective tissue containing closely packed bundles of collagen fibers oriented in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull. Fascia is consequently flexible and able to resist great unidirectional tension forces until the wavy pattern of fibers has been straightened out by the pulling force. These collagen fibers are produced by fibroblasts located within the fascia.
Fasciae are similar to ligaments and tendons as they have collagen as their major component. They differ in their location and function: ligaments join one bone to another bone, tendons join muscle to bone, and fasciae surround muscles or other structures.
Fasciae are normally thought of as passive structures that transmit mechanical tension generated by muscular activities or external forces throughout the body. The function of muscle fasciae is to reduce friction of muscular force. In doing so, fasciae provide a supportive and movable wrapping for nerves and blood vessels as they pass through and between muscle.
Picture a person standing in a dark alleyway, the shape of their body is indicative of the way their fascia is structured throughout.
Information and Policies
Information and Policies
Benefits of Massage
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Renews energy and vitality
- Reduce/eliminate muscle pain, aching & fatigue
- Enhances body awareness
- Increases sense of well-being
- Improves sleep patterns
- Reduces scar tissue formation
- Increases mental alertness
- Helps relieve depression
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves circulation
- Improves functioning of immune system
- Improves skin condition, texture, and tone
- Removes toxins and wastes from muscle tissue
- Accelerates recovery from surgery and injuries
What To Know Before Your Massage
Massage is a safe and effective way to relax, relieve tension and stress, and create an overall sense of well-being. Here are a few tips to help you prepare to get the most effective and beneficial massage as possible:
- Please arrive early to allow yourself time to relax.
- Refrain from eating a large meal or consuming alcohol right before your massage session.
- Be receptive and open to the massage process and allow your body to take hold of the beneficial work it's receiving. Remember to breathe throughout the massage - this will help you and your muscles relax.
- Communicate your needs openly and freely. Know that your communication regarding pressure is encouraged and appreciated. I will check in at times, but it is up to you to tell me if the pressure is too much or not comfortable for you.
Policies
- New clients please arrive 15 minutes early in order to complete the necessary forms and initial assessment (I would be happy to text/email the form prior to your appointment time). There is a restroom in the hallway outside the door you can use prior to your appointment.
- Returning clients please arrive a 10 minutes early to allow yourself to relax. This will also allow enough time to discuss any changes in your medical history and goals for your massage session with me.
- Should you arrive late, your appointment will be shortened to allow the therapist to be on time for the next client.
Payment- You may pay by either cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Venmo or Paypal. After the completion of your service gratuities are to your discretion but suggested 15 to 20% of the original price of the service.
Cancellation/ No Show’s- To avoid charges; please honor the 12 hour advance notice cancellation policy for all treatments.
Special Needs and Medical Conditions- Your comfort and well-being are very important to me. Prior to receiving your services, please inform me about any special needs or medical conditions, pregnancy, hypertension, injuries, allergies or disabilities.
Confidentiality- We are dedicated to keeping all personal and medical information confidential and well secured.
Age Requirement- Clients must be at least 18 years of age, otherwise, a parent or guardian’s approval is required.
Comfort- Although some massage and body treatments require the removal of clothing, respect for your privacy is our primary concern. Undergarments may be worn if preferred. Careful draping procedures are observed at all times, and we encourage you to communicate any discomfort to your Therapist. If you have long hair please bring a hair tie of some kind to hold your hair.
Cell Phones- To preserve a peaceful experience for everyone, cell phones should be turned to silence.
Client Behavior - Any illicit or sexually suggestive comments or actions by the client will result in immediate termination of the session and the client will bear the full cost.
Client Disclosure - Failure to update or inform the therapist of any medical conditions (e.g., contagious, communicable, or life-threatening), or changes to medical history will result in termination of the session and the client will bear the full cost.
When To Reschedule Your Session
Please call right away to reschedule your massage if experience any of the following:
Fever
Sever Cold
Skin irritation (such as poison ivy or sunburn)
Infection
Major medical condition or emergency
Acute injury (such as broken bones)
