Whole Health Chicago

Meet Our Practitioners

Cindy Kudelka :: Massage Therapy

INTRODUCTIONS, PLEASE!

Cindy Kudelka is nationally certified and state-licensed in Massage Therapy and a certified practitioner of Asian Body Therapy through the AOBTA. She obtained her Massage Therapy, Asian Body Therapy, and Tui Na certificates at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. Cindy is currently continuing her studies at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine for her Master’s of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She will be graduating in the fall of 2010, which will qualify her to become a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.

SHOULD I SEE HER? YES!

I combine Western and Eastern styles of massage and bodywork in order to attain the most effective treatment possible. My approach is to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit through soft-tissue manipulation, stretching, and energy balance.

Some common clinical conditions that can benefit from Asian Body Therapy include:

-Musculoskeletal problems: back pain, sprains, strains, neck and shoulder problems, repetitive stress injuries

-Headaches, including migraine headaches

-Respiratory problems: asthma, allergies, colds, coughs, weak immune conditions

-Gynecological problems: especially menstrual irregularity or pain

-Digestive problems: reflux, constipation, abdominal bloating

-Stress

-Depression, anxiety

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?

Typical Treatment Session

Treatment can be given either fully clothed or unclothed and discretely draped on a massage table. Depending on the treatment goal and client preference I may use lotion, oils, or liniments.

Therapeutic techniques include:

-Thai Bodywork — This ancient form of bodywork employs hands, feet, arms and legs to facilitate the client through various positions with fluid movements, gentle pressure and stretching aimed at opening the energy sun-lines throughout the body.

-Tui Na — Using acupressure, rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, and various manipulating techniques in order to directly affect the flow of energy, and soothe any of the common clinical complaints listed above.

-Shiatsu — traditional Japanese hands-on therapy where pressure is applied along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of ki.

-Acupressure — A gentle pressing-type therapy along specific energy channels with an emphasis on specific locations for releasing blocks and balancing Qi.

-Cupping — A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues and works to open the meridians.

-Gua Sha — Friction is applied in even, smooth strokes causing sha’s or stagnant blood to surface. The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous and include improved mobility, metabolism, and immunity.

-Moxibustion — A process whereby moxa, dried Artemisia leaves, are burned near acupuncture points to provide penetrating heat and influence the flow of Qi in the meridians.

-Deep Tissue Therapy — A form of massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, aiming to release chronic patterns of tension through slow strokes and deep finger pressure.

-Swedish Massage — The most traditional type of massage, involving the manipulation of soft tissues to promote stress relief, improve circulation, and relieve muscle pain and tension.

AVAILABILITY

By Appointment

FROM CINDY…

“Massage and bodywork is one of the most rewarding professions. I love being able to help people and have them leave the office with a sense of happiness, tranquility, and well-being.”