Massage at Turning Point Acupuncture
Starting September 2006, Turning Point Acupuncture is pleased to welcome Julia Collins, LMT to our staff. Read all about her background in the biography below.
Julia will offer two styles of massage therapy: Swedish Therapeutic Massage and Arvigo Techniques Of Maya Abdominal MassageTM For Men And Women.About the Massage Techniques: Swedish Massage: This includes medical massage, relaxation massage, deep tissue if indicated and desired by the client, basic reflexology, shiatsu, basic aromatherapy. Can include visualization/guided imagery. The massage is customized to the client for where they are that day, blending relaxation and deep tissue work. 3 session lengths available: Basic (70 mins) $110, Intermediate (1h30) $135, or Long (2 hrs) $165. Arvigo Techniques Of Maya Abdominal MassageTM For Men And Women: Maya Abdominal Massage addresses the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs. The work is best known for the correction of the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men, and for relief of many common digestive disorders. HISTORY: The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage TM are founded on the ancient Mayan technique of abdominal massage which is an external non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and qi. Based on over thirty years of training and experience in massage, naprapathy (pain relief through connective tissue manipulation), herbology, and spiritual healing, Dr. Rosita Arvigo developed these techniques which now bear her name. This modality incorporates a holistic approach to health care which includes massage, anatomy and physiology, herbology, nutrition, and emotional and spiritual healing. Dr. Arvigo believes that with any natural healing technique, these areas must be simultaneously addressed to promote optimal health. Dr. Arvigo learned these techniques from her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, the great Maya Shaman of Belize, Central America with whom she apprenticed for ten years. Don Elijio believed that a woman's center is her uterus. "If a woman's uterus is out of balance, so is she," he would say. Midwives and healers of Central America agree that many female troubles are caused by the wandering womb. Don Elijio passed away in 1996 at the age of 103. Rosita also studied with Hortence Robinson, a 73 year old herbal midwife of Belize who has been delivering babies since she was 13. For more information on these techniques or on Dr. Rosita Arvigo, visit www.arvigomassage.com. DESCRIPTION:  The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage TM is a slow, deep, external (non-invasive) massage treatment for the abdomen and lower back. MAM Techniques work to soften the musculature, adjust the uterus to its optimal position in the abdominal cavity (*for men, the abdominal work can be beneficial for prostate health), and release muscular armoring in the trunk, which can improve circulation of blood, lymphatic fluid, nerve impulses and qi in this vital area of the body.A typical treatment for new clients lasts about 2 hrs and involves detailed health intake, the massage, and a lesson in self-care to be performed at home in just 3-5 minutes per day. Follow-up appointments last about one hour and involve feedback on health improvements or changes since the prior session, the massage treatment, and check-in of the client's self-care techniques and adjustments as necessary. Contraindications for Maya Massage: MAM massage is not performed in the following situations: ° During menstrual bleeding or if you expect your period in the next 4-5 days. ° Within the first 6 weeks following a normal vaginal delivery or the first 3 months after a cesarean birth. ° For a woman using an IUD for birth control. ° If cancer is present or suspected anywhere in the pelvis, or the client is undergoing chemotherapy for this condition. ° During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. ° Over severe inflammatory conditions or active pelvic infections. ° If a hiatal hernia is present - gentle touch only is applied. Notes for Scheduling: Julia provides these suggestions: ° Women, please schedule early in menstrual cycle (post bleeding til 1 week after ovulation). We don't massage in the five days before bleeding. ° If the woman is actively trying to conceive, she needs to come in as soon as possible after her menstruation is finished, and before her normal ovulation time. ° If she has tried to conceive that month, we won't massage the belly after that in her cycle (rest of body is fine) but she can receive energy work on her belly. New clients for Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal MassageTM are required to book a 2-hr session that is JUST Arvigo-focused. We will not include regular Swedish massage for this first session, but these parameters can be relaxed for future bookings. Sessions for new clients are 2 hrs: $165 Follow-up sessions are 1h10: $110 Cancellation Policy: 24 hours advance notice for is required for cancellations or you will be billed for the entire fee of the scheduled session. Julia is happy to receive substitutes if you can not make your appointment -- a friend or relative can come in your stead. Massages are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (10-7 pm). For appointments please call: (212) 489-5038 About Julia Collins, LMT  Julia Collins, LMT, specializes in Swedish Relaxation/Deep Tissue Massage and Women's Health and Fertility using the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal MassageTM. She has also worked extensively with massage to alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy and to help women recover in the postpartum period. She received her degree from the Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy in NYC and has been in private practice since 1996.While backpacking through Belize in 1998, she met Dr. Rosita Arvigo and was immediately intrigued with her work. She undertook a rigorous apprenticeship with her for several years, learning Maya Abdominal Massage for uterine and prostate health, basics of Belizean herbal medicine, Maya shamanic traditions for soul healing, nutrition/food combining and other holistic healing methods. In Oct. 2000, Julia was in the first group of 21 from the U.S. and Canada who were certified as Professional Practitioners of Maya Abdominal Massage by Dr. Arvigo. As part of her journey into the study of women's health and fertility, Julia completed all training requirements with Doulas of North America (DONA) and attended one home waterbirth as a labor/birth assistant before realizing that the hours involved were not compatible with running a massage practice; however, the experience of attending this birth still rates as a highlight of her life. Julia spent several years delving into the practice of Vipassana (Insight) Meditation and attended 3 intensive silent retreats at Dhamma Dhara in MA. In her previous life, she worked professionally as an actress/singer for 13 years and trained for years in dance, movement and gymnastics, so she feels special compassion for the body-mind-spirit needs of those in the performing arts. Since the birth of her daughter in 2003, Julia has great compassion for the body-mind-spirit needs of urban parents and those who wish to be. She divides her time between NYC and Sandy Hook, CT and is delighted to be part of the TPA family; she's been a patient and a fan for many years. Affilations: NYS licensed massage therapist since Jan 1996. Formerly licensed in Hawaii. Member: Maya Abdominal Massage Association (MAMA). Certified MAM practitioner since 2000. Member: International Massage Association (IMA). Contact Julia: Email: |