Sacred Strokes

Short Descriptions of the "Sacred Strokes":

For your Stone Medicine Treatment, we have a variety of treatment options depending on what your goals are for the treatment. You may have a specific condition or need in mind when requesting the treatment, or we might discuss the treatment when you arrive, to plan your Stone Medicine session. The individual Sacred Strokes each have specific intents and have been fine tuned over the course of many generations to assist with a variety of wellness goals. They draw on ancient wisdom and tradition and bring that energy into the treatment on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Many of the Sacerd Strokes are named after animals, and according to Native Americe belief, they can help to bring the "energy" or "medicine" of that animal into the treatment, to benefit the specific needs of the client.

Please let me know when booking your Stone Medicine treatment if there is a specific Sacred Stroke that speaks to your need or resonates with you in a positive way.

**Sacred Strokes Descriptions**
Bury the Soul		This treatment can be done with the client fully clothed or unclothed and draped with a sheet. It can be done and is quite effective on a massage table, but I feel that the most powerful way to experience the treatment is outside on a blanket on the ground, close to nature. This treatment is traditionally offered for those who are going through things like grief, anger, domestic violence or addictions. It is incredibly relaxing, and can be beneficial for anyone who feels a little ungrounded or 'out of sorts'. This is a stroke that, before the availability of the massage table, was practiced by Native Americans on the bank of a creek or river, with the warm stones heated by the sun and the cool stones chilled by the water.
The Three Relations: * Putting on the Mask * Building the Necklace * Making the Breast Plate		This is one of the strokes that is used in situation with any kind of physical abuse. This is not limited in description to abuse by another person. It can be for anything that is harmful to the physical body, from poor diet to environmental toxins. It will help to protect you against anything that can do you harm. Anyone who feels like they are in an oppresive situation can also benefit from this treatment, as it serves to empower and strengthen the person when the oppresive situation cannot be changed. It will help to "armor" you against those who would fight against you, and help to put fresh "warpaint" on to possibly give you a new perspective on the situation.
Otter		The Sacred Stroke of Otter comes from close observation of the energies of Otter in nature. Otter is playful and curious, and very devoted to family and to teaching the next generation. This stroke is great for those experiencing setbacks and stress in life, as it reminds us to take time to play and imparts a feeling of joy and curiosity at the world. It can be beneficial for those experiencing issues within their family structure (particularly for those adapting to a 'blended' family situation). It can help remind you to take time to play and also to take time to care for yourself.
Cricket		Words that can be used for the cricket stroke are stimulating, exciting, invigorating and refreshing. Because cricket is a creature that only comes out at dusk and dawn, he is considered a creature of the 'spaces in between'. Because of this relation, cricket can remind us to live in the present moment and pay attention to Creator, so that we may "be aware of Creator in every breath." Cricket is great for people with back pain, or for those who need to return to work after their massage, as it leaves you alert and aware. The stroke is intended to affect the nervous system, and is not a deep massage stroke. It brings to the session all of the energies discussed above, with many other potential benefits.
Rattle Snake		Rattle Snake, like Cricket, is also a creature of the 'spaces in between', because he sings his loudest song at dusk and dawn. Snakes shed their skin, reminding us that it is sometimes necessary to shed outdated beliefs and habits in order to grow. Rattle snake has many of the same benefits of cricket. Rattle snakes always rattle to warn their prey before they strike. This can remind us that it is honorable to give warning before a potential conflict arises, and by doing so we can often avert the situation. I also think that it reminds us to let others know when we need more space, and that it can be very good for those who tend to give too much of themselves or to overcommitt. This is a very powerful stroke that can leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
Balancing the Waterfall		"This stroke is used in the treatment of a variety of neurological disturbances, syndromes and disorders". This stroke is not a massage stroke, per se. It utilizes cold stones on specific pressure points on the body, as well as visualization by the client and practitioner, to help rebalance the neurological system of the body so that it transmits nerve signals more effeciently. The treatment visualizes the body as a waterall, and it seeks to remove blockages to the smooth flow of the water. The cold stones work can powerfully to help "reprogram" the nervous system to function in a more productive manner. People who have a neurological disorder, such as MS, Restless Leg Syndrome, nerve impingement, after a surgery where nerves have been severed, Muscular Dystrophy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and many others can benefit from this treatment. it can also help some people who have difficulty communicating, ot those who have respiratory disorders.
Grandmother Cedar		This is another stroke that can be done very well on a massage table, but I think that it is most powerful when done on the floor or the ground. This stroke is great for anyone who is feeling ungrounded and/or disconnected from Mother Earth or Creator. Sometimes, this disconnection creates symptoms of feeling "a little off". It can encompass mild depression, fatigue, or as 'heaviness' in the body. This disconnection can also surface as emotions of feeling edgy or anxious, or someone who feel insecure about life. It can also be very beneficial for anyone who is recovering from surgery or who has recently had chemotherapy treatment. This is a gentle and comforting feeling treatment. I can describe it in my own experience as being cradled in the arms of mother earth, of being nurtured and held.
White Bear		This stroke comes to mind when I see clients with hip or leg pain or abdominal concerns. Because of the life habits of bear, this treatment is also beneficial for people who need more "hibernation" time in their lives. I love doing this treatment in the Autumn, because it can help remind us to take time in this part of the year to reflect and "go inside" of ourselves. Bear is also very thrifty, making use of whatever is available to her during each part of the year for food and shelter. This can help remind us that we have all that we need, and that the earth will provide for all of our basic needs. There are many other associations with Bear Medicine, many more than will fit on this page. This is one of my favorite treatments to give and to receive, and I think that you will really enjoy it!
Rebuilding the Lodge		This Sacred Stroke can be most helpful for those who are going through a change in the structure of their family: a divorce, a separation, a death, sending the last child out of the nest, etc. It can be helpful for anyone going through a grieving process, or for anyone that is coping with separation (this might not just be separation from a person, but could be separation from an unhealthy situation, addiction, etc.) On a physical note, this treatment process can also be helpful for those who are suffering from Constipation, Irritable Bowerl Syndrome, etc. Grief is a natural process, and needs to be gone through for healing. This treatment can be helpful for someone who feels that they have been grieving for too long, and wants to finish the process of healing and grieving. This stroke works to reconnect the client with the "home" and "family" from where they can draw support. The symbol of the tipi is an ancient symbol representing these aspects, and also helps to reconnect us with our ancestral knowledge and support. Stress hormones may be reduced after the session, leaving the client with a renewed sensation of well being.
Horse		Horse stroke is the first one that comes to my mind for people with joint pain in the feet, legs and hips. On a spiritual level, horse helps us to "move forward", as the horse has helped to carry mankind forward throughout history. Because of the attributes of horse, this stroke can help those who have issues communicating clearly, or those who need more awareness of their body language. Horse is intensely loyal, so this attribute can also be brought forth in the treatment. Horse has many lessons about trust to teach, as well. Because horses live in herds, this stroke can help those receiving it feel a sense of "friendship" or "companionship" that will give them more confidence in that fact that they have others around them to support them in their difficult times.
Elk		Elk is a creature with great strength and stamina. For a client receiving the Elk sacred stroke, this attribute can help them have more physical strength or stamina, or the endurance to see a difficult situation or project through to the end. This can be particularly helpful for those who are in an education process. For those who give too much to others and don't take enough for themselves, this stroke can be particularly beneficial. 'Elk teaches us to be honorable and humble while walking in great power and strength". On a physical level, this treatment can benefit anyone who needs endurance and strength to recover from a surgery, from teh effects of longterm antibiotics on the body, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia. Those who have lowered immunity or who are recovering from addictions can also benefit from this stroke.