Integrative Mat Bodywork
Kerry Hagner’s integrative mat bodywork provides a combination of physical and energetic contact while you lie on a cushioned floor mat. This work blends full-body stretches and pressure points to release your tension and restore balanced energy flow. This set of techniques is inspired by Kerry’s study of shiatsu, Thai massage, Chinese medicine, and myofascial release (MFR). Receiving bodywork on a floor mat is a dynamic and grounded experience that addresses structural and energetic imbalances in your body.
What to Expect During Your Session
Kerry’s integrative mat bodywork is performed on the floor on a cushioned mat with pillows and bolsters used for additional support. You remain fully clothed and should wear comfortable clothing that can stretch with your body. No oils or creams are used, and a variety of body positions are utilized, such as laying on one’s stomach and back, sitting upright, and side-lying, depending on your preference and comfort.
Kerry creates a therapeutic atmosphere that is inviting and informal. Please let her know about injuries, range of motion limitations, and how you are feeling that day. Kerry will listen to your body, cue your breathing, and ask questions to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
If you prefer to receive work on a traditional massage table instead of on the floor mat, many of these bodywork techniques can also be performed on a massage table instead. Learn more about Kerry here.
Therapies Used During Integrative Mat Bodywork
Shiatsu, which means “finger pressure” in Japanese, is a form of bodywork that incorporates full-body acupressure along the energy meridians (similar to Chinese acupuncture meridians) with joint range of motion and myofascial stretching. The shiatsu practitioner uses her fingers (and hands, elbows, knees, and feet!) to address distortions in energy flow throughout the body, create a profound sense of well-being, and bring the body back into a balanced state of ease.
Thai massage is a dynamic, deeply-rooted bodywork practice in which the practitioner moves the body into a series of positions resembling yoga asana and applies pressure along energy pathways that are called sen sib in Thai. The practitioner commits to working from a place of loving kindness, known as metta in the Buddhist tradition.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a series of gentle, low-force techniques to release myofascial adhesions throughout the body.