This is an initial web page to introduce myself and my concept for Be Well Bodywork. It includes the following sections:

· Location

· Cost

· Contact

Massage and Health

Massage with a skilled practitioner can take you to levels of comfort and relaxation that feel absolutely wonderful. Generally, this delicious feeling fades, but the memory lingers in your mind and body. Thus, massage can help you learn to relax.

When we are relaxed, we heal: physically and emotionally. If you combine massage with a daily relaxation practice, then you are on a path to wellness. There are many ways to practice, combining exercise, stretching, meditation, and for those inclined, prayer. Any approach that develops body awareness with compassion will lead to health. The more deeply you relax, the more your potential for health is revealed.

Three years ago, I stood in front of a mirror and realized that I could not stand with straight posture and be comfortable. At that time, I also suffered from terrible seasonal allergies, and pain from peripheral neuropathy. Today my posture is much improved, my allergies are mostly gone, and when I do experience pain I suffer less. I attribute my improved health to bodywork, a daily practice of stretching, exercise and meditation, and a willingness to make changes in my life.

Massage therapy is also technical. People hold stress in their bodies in ways that tend to follow patterns. Thus, skilled practitioners look at how people stand, sit and move and predict where they feel pain and which muscles need to be stretched and which strengthened.

I am unusual in my ability to integrate western and eastern health practices. The analytical capabilities that I originally developed as a computer scientist now help me understand the role of each muscle in the body’s architecture, and the dynamics that lead over time from postural habits to stresses, strains, and often chronic pain. I also work holistically, using meditation to be present with the delicate intertwining of body, mind, emotions, and spirit that make each person complex and unique.

I would be delighted to help you find your own best path to wellness.

My Approach to Bodywork

I listen to my clients and use a variety of bodywork techniques to meet your individual needs. These range from the soft touch of reiki, to the gentle but firm press of deep tissue therapy. I can work through clothes, or using professional draping with a sheet and blanket to provide privacy. If you have trouble lying on your stomach or your back, I can also work while you lie on your side. Your comfort and safety is always top priority.

The following table describes the fundamental techniques that I use. Sessions may focus exclusively on one, or blend several.

Technique	Your Position	Description
Energy work	Lying on massage table with clothes on	I combine light massage with laying on of hands, tuning in to the flow of life energy in your body and especially your chakras. For people who are sensitive to energy, this can be very relaxing and a deeply personal and moving experience.
Swedish	Lying on massage table unclothed to degree of your comfort	Swedish is the classic massage using oil on skin and a variety of flowing strokes, kneading, percussion, and friction of muscle groups. I blend in energy techniques from shiatsu to create a very relaxing experience.
Myofascial Release (Myo)	Lying on massage table unclothed to degree of your comfort	Myo is a slow, patient deep tissue technique that can yield long-lasting release of muscular tension. I pull, push, and lean on specific muscles while you work with breathing and movement to invite the muscles to let go. Oil is not used for a better grip. Myo is very effective for unlocking frozen shoulders and other painful situations.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)	Lying on massage table unclothed to degree of your comfort	NMT uses oil and the techniques of Swedish massage, but works deep in the tissue very specifically on individual muscles and particular attachments to tendon and bone. The goal is to resolve pain due to wear and tear or trauma to your muscles and connective tissue. These sessions may be intense and I may suggest that you apply ice afterwards to promote healing.
Chair massage	Seated on a folding massage chair with clothes on	Chair massages usually last 15 or 20 minutes. I use a number of techniques, focusing on the upper body.
Reflexology	Lying on massage table or seated in a comfortable armchair with feet propped up and shoes and socks off	I do reflexology that works with the feet as a map to the whole body. This is very relaxing and many people do feel clear benefits in parts of their body distant from the feet.

Note, I will finish training at the Ann Arbor Institute for Massage Therapy at the end of August 2009. Neuromuscular therapy will not be available until I have completed this training.

Be Well Communication

Along with my training in massage therapy, I also have a PhD in computer science with a focus in artificial intelligence. After 911, I did counterterrorism research, and worked for a year at the Altarum Institute trying to transform the health system. I have over 20 professional publications and three patent applications. Here are links to home pages from previous stages in my career:

I am continuing to develop ideas for using computers to facilitate support for older clients and those with physical challenges living at home. I envision long term relationships that are both high tech and high touch. Be Well Communication is my name for the high tech side of this work, which will complement the high touch experience of bodywork.

Location

Currently, I am working in my home, and travelling to the homes of my clients. Please contact me to make arrangements.

Cost

I am currently charging $50 an hour for massages at my location, with a $10 travel fee for work within the Saline/Ann Arbor area. There is no charge for extra time in the first session to discuss your health and take digital photos. The photos are useful to me and also provide a snapshot of when you first started with Be Well Bodywork ;-)

Please give at least 24 hours of notice when cancelling to avoid being charged for the session.

Contact

Peter Chaim Weinstein
Be Well Bodywork, LLC
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Phone: 734-645-5927
Email: peter@bewellbodywork.com
Web: http://bewellbodywork.com
Skype: peter.chaim.weinstein