About Luz & Lucid Movement For Life
Lucid Movement For Life really started as a search for pain relief in my own life. When I was 18, in 1972, I was in a terrible car accident that nearly took my life. I thankfully left that accident with my life, but the right side of my body was significantly wrenched out of alignment.
It took me years, trial and error and the deep desire to work on my pain relief (without relying on pain medication and/or surgery) to find an answer.
My first real relief came years later in 1974 with Yoga, followed by Tai Chi in 1991, Rolfing in 1995, then Craniosacral work in 1996. I preceded to become trained as a Tai Chi Instructor in the Yang-style lineage, certified in Hellerwork and Craniosacral work at the Upledger Institute by 1996.
To say I couldn’t get enough was an understatement! Although all of these modalities were helpful, in order to get even temporary relief I had to depend/rely on a practitioner. My search continued because of this limiting factor…
In 1997 I became certified in Swedish Massage and attended the Santa Fe Massage School for Ayurvedic Massage.
Around this time is when I met a Feldenkrais practitioner and experienced the Method, amazingly not only was my old recurring pain dissolved, I regained long lost abilities and movement that had been lacking for all of those many years (decades really).
I fell in love with this healing, self empowering practice. I immediately began a 4 year Feldenkrais Professional training.
I completely immersed myself in Awareness through Movement and Functional Integration, so much so I was invited to work full time at The Center for Physical Health in West Los Angeles, 1 of only 2 Physical Therapy Centers that offer Feldenkrais in Los Angeles.
Through my work there I realized I could reach more people who needed my skill sets outside of the Center for Physical Health than if I continued working there. I opened my own practice and have been helping those in need of body work ever since. I’ve continued my education and experience through various workshops, mentoring, and hands on practice. Most recently studying under Jeremy Krauss in his proprietary movement system JKA Solvents & Glue. If you’re curious as to what all these organizations are, read below!
TAI CHI: Often referred to simply as Yang-style Tai Chi, is a popular and widely practiced form of the ancient Chinese martial art known as Tai Chi Chuan. Named after its creator, Yang Luchan, this style is characterized by its slow, flowing movements and emphasis on relaxation, balance, and internal energy cultivation. It's known for its accessibility and health benefits, making it suitable for practitioners of various ages and fitness levels. I am available for private and group lessons via zoom or in-person, please inquire.
QIGONG: Qigong is a centuries-old Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, controlled breathing, and meditation to cultivate the body's vital energy, known as Qi. It aims to promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being by harmonizing the flow of Qi within the body. Qigong exercises vary, ranging from slow, flowing movements to static postures and meditation techniques. Practitioners believe that regular Qigong practice can enhance overall health, reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance, and strengthen the body's natural healing abilities. It's accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, offering a holistic approach to wellness that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. I am available for private and group lessons via zoom or in-person, please inquire.
ROLFING & HELLERWORK: Rolfing and Hellerwork share the principle that the body's structure and movement are interconnected, and that addressing imbalances in these areas can lead to holistic improvements in a person's quality of life.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY: Craniosacral therapy, also known as craniosacral therapy (CST), is a holistic healing practice that focuses on the manipulation and balance of the craniosacral system in the body. This system comprises the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners of craniosacral therapy use gentle, non-invasive touch to encourage the release of tension and restrictions within the craniosacral system, promoting overall relaxation and potentially alleviating a range of physical and emotional issues. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. I am available for private and group lessons via zoom or in-person, please inquire.
SWEDISH MASSAGE: Swedish massage is a popular and widely practiced style of therapeutic massage that originated in Sweden and has become a foundational technique in the field of massage therapy. It involves the use of various gliding, kneading, friction, tapping, and stretching techniques applied to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. The primary goal of Swedish massage is to promote relaxation, improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall well-being. It's often used as a general stress-reduction and relaxation technique, and it can be adapted to different pressure preferences and specific areas of concern.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE: Ayurvedic massage is a traditional healing practice that originates from the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. It involves a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic massage incorporates a combination of massage techniques, herbal oils, and specific hand movements to stimulate energy flow, promote relaxation, and enhance overall health.
The massage is tailored to an individual's unique constitution (dosha) and specific needs. Different types of herbal oils and strokes are used based on the individual's dosha and imbalances. Ayurvedic massage aims to release physical tension, remove toxins, improve circulation, and restore harmony to the body and mind. It's considered not only a physical treatment but also a deeply rejuvenating and spiritually nurturing experience.
FELDENKRAIS: The Feldenkrais Method is a somatic educational approach designed to improve movement and function, as well as enhance overall well-being. Named after its founder, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, it's based on principles of neuroplasticity and the relationship between body and mind.
The method consists of two main approaches: Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration (FI). In ATM lessons, participants are guided through a series of gentle movement sequences with verbal instructions that encourage self-awareness and exploration of different patterns of movement. FI sessions, on the other hand, involve one-on-one interactions with a practitioner who uses touch and gentle manipulations to help clients develop better movement patterns and body awareness.
Feldenkrais aims to help individuals break free from habitual movement patterns that might cause pain, discomfort, or limited functionality. It's often used to address various issues such as chronic pain, movement limitations, and even to enhance performance in areas like sports, music, and dance. The method emphasizes learning and self-discovery, promoting a more efficient and graceful way of moving and living. I am available for private and group lessons via zoom or in-person, please inquire.
JKA SOLVENTS & GLUE: This is a movement system created and developed by Jeremy Krauss. Solvents and Glue is a series of lessons for strengthening, solidifying, and exceptional toning through an enormous variety of precise movements that bring structural clarity to major joints of the body. I am available for private and group lessons via zoom or in-person, please inquire.