Gentle Bodywork in Portland
Our bodywork sessions at Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland are designed to create space for restoration, rest, and renewal. This is not deep tissue massage or grueling physical therapy, however. This work is subtle, intuitive, and profoundly calming. It's perfect for individuals who hold tension chronically, are recovering from trauma, or simply need to restore balance without taxing the body. We welcome you to bodywork as a therapeutic conversation, one grounded in safety, trust, and deep presence.
What Is Gentle Bodywork?
It can refer to hands-on therapeutic touch procedures emphasizing quality over quantity, light touch, thoughtful pacing, and nervous system regulation. It differs from conventional massage both in intention and practice.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on muscles, gentle bodywork addresses fascia, breath, subtle energy, and a general sense of safety within the body.
The intention here is to allow natural restoration by listening to what is ready to be released by the body.
Our sessions typically include methods like:
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Myofascial release
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Craniosacral-inspired stillness work
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Acupressure or touch imparting
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Breath-led holding patterns
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Subtle energetic harmonisation
Every session is tailored by your comfort, your needs, and what your body at any given moment craves.
Who Is Gentle Bodywork For?
This method is best suited for:
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Highly sensitive people
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Individuals recovering from trauma or burnout
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Individuals with a long-standing illness or autoimmune diseases
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Patients who are sensitive to deep massage
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And anyone looking for a more gradual, holistic path to well-being
Most Portland patients arrive at our practice having attempted firmer bodywork, more forceful care, for a long time. Here, they are able to find a pace, a presence, in which their body can finally exhale.
Benefits of Gentle Bodywork
Though the stress might be minimal, it can have a deep impact.
Patients frequently claim:
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Decreased muscular tension
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Improved posture and mobility
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Improved sleep and digestion
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Less migraines or headaches
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Reduced anxiety and overwhelming emotions
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A sense of grounding and body awareness
The effort may not be overt, yet its impact operates at a systemic level. Calming your nervous system, we enable your body to switch into restoration mode, where actual restoration starts.
Trauma-Informed Touch
Rowan is trained to practice with sensitivity, respect, and trauma-informed awareness. We know touch holds history for many individuals and at times can be difficult or complex.
During our sessions, you remain in charge at every moment. We check in, modify pressure, and create space for feedback and communication. You would never be asked to withstand something your body doesn't want.
This type of respectful, empathic connection can be a step toward building back trust within the body, as well as within therapeutic relationships.
What to Expect in a Gentle Bodywork Session
Each session starts with a brief intake. You'll get a chance to discuss your intentions, concerns at present, and your touch, positioning, and communication preferences.
These can include:
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Comfortable, clothed massage on a massage table
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Gradual, repetitive holds and smooth movement
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Silence or guided breathing, whichever you require
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Quiet, calming environment with soft lighting and music
You can be relaxed, emotional, sleepy, or energized afterwards and they are all appropriate reactions. We include time for integration and offer aftercare suggestions.
Gentle Bodywork for Chronic Conditions
Patients who are experiencing chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, post-viral symptoms, or nervous system dysregulation usually respond more favorably to soft, patient touch.
Gentle bodywork can calm overstimulation, enhance energy management, and assist the body in achieving a more regulated state. It's not about pushing or fixing—it's about enhancing the body's natural rhythm.
This work is also useful at times of life change, including:
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Loss and sorrow
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Recovery from religion
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Emotional burnout
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Post-partum recovery
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
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