is a state of being that promotes a smooth flow from one phase of life to another. Enjoyment of simple things as well as the energy to deal with challenges is a sign of balance. Balance provides clarity through the ability to act with healthy confidence, instead of react as if being pulled from one extreme to another. Balance is knowing your center can be still at any time. 

 According to The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, describes manual techniques that involve touch and movement used to promote health and healing. 

Also known as Qi Chinese medicine and Ki in Japanese, is the concept of energy simultaneously present on a physical and spiritual level. Sometimes called life force, translating the full concept of chi into English is difficult. Chi's nature is to be in a constant state of flux. When chi condenses, energy transforms, accumulating into physical shape..

Is a branch of Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, and cranial osteopathy) focused on the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord from the head (cranium) to the sacrum. The sacrum is a large, triangular bone between the base of the spine and the tailbone. The craniosacral system is said to contain the core of the human energy system. In cranial-somatic bodywork the therapist gently works in and around the spine tracking fluid tide, facilitating stillpoints, and working with shapes and patterns of resistance in the craniosacral system. This work is believed to aid in the treatment of mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Reaches deep into your muscles to "unstick" the fascia fibers inside. The technique is one of deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. The massage works the length of the muscle with slow, long, movements of applied pressure often with the elbow. It is especially good for muscle damaged from an injury such as whiplash or back strain. Deep-tissue massage helps release wastes and toxins, and break patterns of tension. The term "deep" in deep-tissue massage is a very subjective term relating directly to individual client needs. Contrary to how it may sound, this style of massage is not a fight with the client's body but rather the application of proper pressure to work with the body.

Springs from several Asian traditions, each with their own distinct differences as well as many similarities. The five element theory used in therapeutic bodywork is said to have its origins in Taoists philosophy. The philosophers were said to be looking to nature for a construct to study and explain the natural rhythms and forces at work in the body and from the surrounding environment on the body. Each of the five elements, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, relate to specific organs and functions within the body. -The five element theory helps wellness practitioners understand the body/mind relationship between symptoms and root causes: 

1. Water: Kidneys, Bladder, Bones, Ears, Fear, Will Power, Salty 

2. Wood: Liver, Gall Bladder, Nerves, Eyes, Anger, Mental Activity, Sour
3. Fire: Heart, Sexual Glands, Small Intestine, Blood vessels, Tongue, Arrogance and Impatience,  Intuition, Joy, Peace, Bitter 
4. Earth: Spleen, Pancreas, Stomach, Muscles, Mouth, Worry, Pondering, Sweet 
5. Metal: Lungs, Large Intestine, Skin, Nose, Sinuses, Sadness, Orderliness, Rightness, Spicy 

In Nature each element is seen as needed to help in the creation of another element in a cyclical pattern: 
Water generates wood. Rain nourishes a tree.
Wood generates fire. Burning wood generates fire. 
Fire generates earth. Ash is created from the fire. 
Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth.
Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal. 

Much the same way in nature, each organ is thought to create the energy needed by the next organ in the generative cycle: Kidney (water element) supports the Liver (wood element). Liver (wood element) supports the Heart (fire element). Heart (fire element) supports the Spleen (earth element). Spleen (earth element) supports the Lung (metal element). Lung (metal element) supports the Kidney (water element).

 An example of the five element theory might include: When there is fear and/or a lack of will power there is a potential kidney imbalance which would recommend avoiding salty foods, doing exercise, therapy, and a nutritional plan focused on balancing the kidneys. In reverse order, if there is kidney pain, take time to examine if and why there are feelings of fear or lack of will power in addition to avoiding salty foods, doing exercise, therapy, and a nutritional plan focused on balancing the kidneys. 

Holistic Bodywork at Intrinsic Balance refers to the practice of relating to the complete systems of your body rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection of your body into singular parts. For example, one muscle aching may also be effecting a group of muscles, or even several groups of muscles. The tight muscle(s) may be a result of a physical action or a mental tension that resulted in a physical “clinching” of muscle(s), a holding of breath, or even sitting relentlessly in a certain position to accomplish a task. Holistic Bodywork is the practice of several disciplines including massage, physical manipulation, breathing, pressure points, and guided instruction used to take all of the body’s systems into account when working to resolve a particular issues or to help the client find a deeper sense of pause and relaxation.

Stands for Licenses Massage Therapist. Legally all massage therapist in the state of Missouri must be licensed by the state of Missouri to practice. 

The Lymph System is an extensive drainage network keeping bodily fluid levels in balance and defending the body against infections. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels. The vessels carry lymph in a clear, watery fluid containing protein molecules, salts, glucose, urea, and other substances throughout the body. When the lymph system is not working properly, infected, or blocked viruses, bacteria, normal waste products from bodily functions can remain in the body and may even populate causing an imbalance in the body.

According to The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, massage has a long a distinguished healing history. Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care dating back to the time of the pharaohs of Egypt. Playing a vital role in healthcare, in 2700 BC a Chinese book of internal medicine recommended the massage of skin and flesh. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote 2,000 years ago the physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing. (Rubbing is the ancient Greek term for massage.) Today massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork is recognized as a viable component for well-being.

Link the organs, bones, muscle, flesh, and skin through a crisscross network unifying the body with interconnected pathways to exchange energy also knows Chi (Chinese), Ki (Japanese). According to Asian medicine traditions all meridians are numbered 1-12 based their level of energy flow. All meridians start or finish in the head, chest, hands or feet. 

Stands for The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. NCBTMB examinations and standards are recognized in 33 states. For more information visit www.ncbtmb.org.

 P. Passive Stretching

Is a technique providing clients with the right and comfortable amount of stretch through the actions of the practitioner. The client does not assist the practitioner in the act of stretching but lets their body move freely, guided by the practitioner. -Spleen, located under the ribcage in the upper left part of the abdomen, is a part of the lymph system. Working to protect the body, the spleen fights infection by clearing worn-out red blood cells, wastes and foreign bodies from the bloodstream. 

 S. Swedish Massage 

Swedish massage is likely the most common type of massage; sometimes referred to as 'traditional massage.' Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the techniques including long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and shaking motions in the 1820s. The intension of Swedish massage is to relax the nerves, muscles and glands. Swedish massage has the ability to bring on relaxation and a sense of energized well being.

According to The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, describes the manipulation of soft tissue and muscles, skin and/or tendons by fingertips, hands, fists, elbows and even feet. 

What the body cannot absorb through normal absorption/ digestion must be eliminated as waste. Waste products are either metabolic (produced by chemical processes of a living cell) or non-metabolic (passed through the digestive tract unabsorbed). This is a natural process through many organs and systems in the body each of which can experience sluggishness, blockage, or increased rates of elimination. Some naturally occurring wastes can build up or grow to toxic levels if not eliminated efficiently. 

Wastes and toxins can be excessive buildup of myoglobin (protein) or lactic acid in muscles, excess calcium, or viruses or bacteria no longer needed and/or foreign to the body that the immune system is in the process of eliminating, bacteria themselves can produce waste that is toxic to the body. Some assert that the herbicides, pesticides, and growth hormones used on many of the food products consumed daily can create stress for the body's immune and waste elimination systems. Studies also show some natural compounds and synthetic chemicals in cosmetics, cleaning products, and other every day use products that come in contact with skin and the respiratory system may also burden the body's waste elimination processes. 

Drinking water is an aid to the immune and eliminate systems in the body by aiding the movement of waste through the elimination process and hydrating all parts of the body that need water to function properly. During massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork the lymph and circulatory systems, muscles, skin, flesh, bones, and organs are often manipulated through a varying range of techniques. In its natural state the body is moving and exchanging energy, nutrients, and expelling wastes as a part of its daily functions. Massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork are designed to relax, rejuvenate, and aid the body in maintaining and/or returning to a natural state that includes proper elimination. Through manipulation, a blockage maybe released or the natural process of waste and toxin elimination maybe enhanced or accelerated, releasing normal amounts or a build up of waste. To aid the body in its natural process, being hydrated at all times is recommended especially before and after a massage, bodywork, or vigorous activity that may enhance the body's natural elimination processes, requiring a higher level of water. 

Zen Shiatsu is a style of shiatsu developed by Shizuto Masunaga. This style of Shiatsu is gentle balancing through feeling Ki (known as Chi in Chinese) in the Meridians (energy pathways). This type of bodywork helps the Jitsu (excessive energy) areas of the body and Meridians balance with the Kyo (lacking energy) areas. Zen Shiatsu is done with techniques of passive stretching and applied pressure. Traditional Zen Shiatsu is done on a futon mat on the floor. Whether on the floor or massage table, clients should wear loose fitting clothing for Zen Shiatsu.