Bodywork
Not your typical Massage Therapist.
There's no full body massage or spa relaxation treatments here...
BUT READ ON
...if something has been achy, painful, or just perplexing.
"You're a muscle whisperer."
- said by a former client |
Your Bodywork SessionOrthopedic Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy along with an understanding of the Meridian pathways of TCM and its elements integrate into Melina's Bodywork sessions. She will work with the puzzle that is your body to aid in untangling restrictions to help you regain ease and freedom in movement. Massage applications are done without the use of oils or lotions.
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Her-story of becoming a Massage Therapist
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She has worked in multi-modality clinics with Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Physical Therapists, and a variety of exercise professionals. She has been a sought after Massage Therapist for Dancers with the Boston Ballet, Staff of the Red Sox, Marathon Runners, Triathletes, and Ironmen and Ironwomen.
A graduate from the Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy - Boston/Watertown in 2010. She completed a 750 hour program, and learned Swedish, Deep tissue, Neuromuscular technique, Myofascial release, and sports massage. She then earned a 100 hour Orthopedic Massage Therapy Certification in 2013, under the instruction of Tom Karis. Almost a decade later in the fall of 2023 she began working as a Teacher's Assistant for Tom Karis as he continues to teach his OMT Certification Program. In the Summer of 2024, she completed the Advanced Orthopedic Instruction Series for the Upper Cervical, Axillary, Anticubital, Popliteal, and Sacral regions. Melina continues to mentor and support new students in the field after certification. |
Energy Work
A crystal grid for distance work
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Your Energy Work SessionFrom using crystals to a singing bowl, inviting Spirit guides, and working together with your guides and your Higher Self. Melina has developed a unique understanding of the human body's landscape which envelopes the Chakras, TCM meridians, and the elements of the Divine Masculine and Devine Feminine. She will communicate her insights with clarity for your greatest most loving good.
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Her-story of becoming an Energy Worker
While studying massage therapy, Melina also worked to become a Reiki Practitioner. Under the guidance of John Harvey Gray and Lourdes Gray she earned her Level 1, Level 2, and Level 2 Advanced Certifications for Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki. In 2015 she received her Reiki Teacher attunements under a different Usui instructor.
She has provided poignant energy work on believers and disbelievers alike. She often interweaves the energy work into her bodywork sessions, but caters the level of esoteric inclusion to the client's comfort level. She has worked with pets who show immediate reductions in anxiety, and has worked with elders in ceremony across the nation.
She has provided poignant energy work on believers and disbelievers alike. She often interweaves the energy work into her bodywork sessions, but caters the level of esoteric inclusion to the client's comfort level. She has worked with pets who show immediate reductions in anxiety, and has worked with elders in ceremony across the nation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalism
The Eight Trigrams of the Bagua
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Your TCM Herbalism SessionSharing observations and having conversations are crucial for an assessment and understanding of your differential diagnosis. Melina draws from her knowledge of TCM, the meridian and Chakra systems, as well as Western anatomy and physiology to recommend formulas for balancing patterns of disharmony. She prefers using tea pills from Kan Herbs.
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Her-story of becoming a TCM Herbalist
Melina expanded upon her wellness toolkit to study Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbalism, and earned her certification from the Connecticut Institute of Herbal Studies in 2016. Under the tutelage of Laura Mignosa she immersed herself in learning about the Eight Principle Theory and developing an understanding of the Eastern concepts of organ and meridian systems, which is parallel but completely unrelated to Western anatomy.
She began further studying the meridian systems and how it correlates to her existing understanding of the myo-fascial system as well as the Chakras system. She is fascinated by the emotional components of the organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how they echo or compliment the characteristics of the Chakras. Additionally, she has noticed correlations of chronic areas of pain or tension often corroborate the emotional elements of Eastern medicines.
She began further studying the meridian systems and how it correlates to her existing understanding of the myo-fascial system as well as the Chakras system. She is fascinated by the emotional components of the organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how they echo or compliment the characteristics of the Chakras. Additionally, she has noticed correlations of chronic areas of pain or tension often corroborate the emotional elements of Eastern medicines.
Afro Flow Yoga
pictured with Leslie Salmon Jones and
Jeff Jones of Afro Flow Yoga |
About Afro Flow YogaAfro Flow Yoga® is a combination of guided meditation, pranayama, live music, vinyasa flow yoga, and dance of the African Diaspora.
Join our circle, our global community, without judgement of self or others. Connect with the earth, sky, and heart; and our collective of ancestors. These sessions are open to all levels, no experience is necessary. Virtual classes, in-person workshops and retreats are offered throughout the year. Learn more at www.AfroFlowYoga.com |
Her-story towards becoming an Afro Flow Yoga Teacher
Melina was introduced to Afro Flow Yoga® through Spirit and ceremony in 2013. In the twilight hours one autumn night, she and Leslie Salmon Jones danced barefoot around an outdoor sacred fire to the drum beats of Jeff Jones. The morning that followed was her first Afro Flow Yoga® experience, and it was both life-changing and soul-affirming. Through sweat, laughter and tears she found home, within her Self, and she steadily committed to becoming a part of the Afro Flow Yoga® community.
Now, over a decade later she is still dedicated to supporting the Flow. She has assisted in workshops across the country, and has been one of Jeff’s stalwart roadies for their classes at the Dance Complex. She has provided technical and administrative support behind the scenes, helped write for the Teacher Training Manual, and has more recently become a teaching assistant and mentor for the latest cohort of Afro Flow Yoga® Teacher Training Program.
She is certified as an Advanced Afro Flow Yoga Teacher® and is currently working towards her 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification with Science of Self Yoga Teacher Training (SOSYTT).
Now, over a decade later she is still dedicated to supporting the Flow. She has assisted in workshops across the country, and has been one of Jeff’s stalwart roadies for their classes at the Dance Complex. She has provided technical and administrative support behind the scenes, helped write for the Teacher Training Manual, and has more recently become a teaching assistant and mentor for the latest cohort of Afro Flow Yoga® Teacher Training Program.
She is certified as an Advanced Afro Flow Yoga Teacher® and is currently working towards her 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification with Science of Self Yoga Teacher Training (SOSYTT).
