Hello, I am Shell Adams. I'm so pleased you have taken the time to visit my website.
Metta ~
I am a Registered Massage Therapist specializing in CranioSacral Therapy incorporating SomatoEmotional Release & Muscle Energy Techniques. I am also a Somatic Restorative Yoga instructor, offering regular weekly classes and specialty programs. With years of experience in Holistic health, I am dedicated to helping patients/students achieve balance and well-being.
CST (Craniosacral Therapy) SER (Somatoemotional Release) fall under the Massage Therapy umbrella. If you have Massage Therapy benefits, CST and SER are covered with your plan.
Join me in my boutique yoga studio located in Fireside Cochrane. With caring and attentive instruction, I'll help you move safely and comfortably. Maximum 8 students per class. All props and supports provided.
Boutique yoga studio. Max 8 students. $30/class. Limited Space
TEXT 403-875-7265 TO RESERVE
YOGA MATS AND PROPS PROVIDED
My Formal Training
In 1996 I graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s 3 year course in Vancouver, British Columbia.
I also trained 5 years under the Upledger Institute. John E. Upledger an osteopathic physician pioneered and developed CranioSacral Therapy CST1 CST2 and SomatoEmotional Release SER1 SER2.
I trained 1 year with The Barral Institute for Visceral manipulation.
My life has taken me on a beautiful journey in which I am thankful for as it has made me the resilient, mindful, smart woman I am today.
CST... More of how I practice.
I handle each body with deep care and am ever attuned to a persons mental and physical state.
At some point during a session breath work is involved. I will coach a person in understanding breathing, and when to breathe, holding the space for the patient to begin to know themselves when to breathe.
I am trained to listen to your body. My hands are my eyes. I do my utmost effort to create a comfortable, safe place for your body to talk. I have a relationship with your body because I listen to it.
In essence, your body is the ONLY true healer. My role as a Therapist is first and foremost to remain humble, continually feeling the tissue always being led by the body. I have no agenda for there is no I. The body only wants to be heard, there are very few that listen. Your body knows what it needs to heal.
It is my goal for my patients to have self-awareness and be tuned to their body.
This is the beginning of your relationship with your body.
What is CST (CranioSacral Therapy)?
Natural unwinding processes take place and are felt as sensations, inner movement and quite often outer movement. Emotions may arise opening the gateway for SomatoEmotional Release which is release of emotion that is held in the tissue.
When having a CranioSacral Therapy session
“every treatment protocol should be dictated by the wisdom of the patient’s own body“
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist, Jean-Pierre Barral. Through organ-specific fascial mobilization, VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
What is Muscle Energy Technique
Therapist Shell uses the techiques developed by Osteopath Fred Mitchell. This manual therapy uses the muscles own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition and lengthening to muscle.
Let your thoughts be Ethereal. Delicate and light.
One of the meanings of the word yoga is union, derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means 'to yoke'. When oxen are yoked, they must work together for a common purpose. In contemporary yoga, the union is often described as a process of integrating the body, breath, mind and spirit.
Yoga
I guide those who are seeking a practice of surrender.
Hanna Somatic and Gentle Somatic Yoga® incorporates therapeutic somatic movements. These are designed to help you feel more comfortable in your body. For many people this easily accessible method is ideal for letting go of persistent stress-based patterns of pain, stiffness, and postural imbalances. Somatic movement is a practice that focuses on the conscious and intentional experience of movement within the body, rather than on the external appearance or outcome of the movement. It emphasizes internal awareness and the mind-body connection, helping individuals connect with their physical sensations and emotions.
Restorative Yoga is a practice that helps the body integrate and heal. It is a quiet practice that harnesses the power of stillness. The intention is to promote the deepest level of relaxation and alleviate the effects of stress in our lives. No stretching no strengthening. If there happens to be a small stretch that your conscious deep breathing can help melt away, that is acceptable. We are not triggering anything in the body, other than relaxation.
Mindfulness Meditation is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness meditation involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
Breath is the monitor of the nervous system. It is a beautiful way to approach your yoga practice with conscious inhalation and exhalation, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and alpha brain waves; deep inward presence is attained.
Therapeutic Vibrational Sound Baths are created from using various instruments, engaging one’s auricular sense. This deep immersive full body sound experience promotes relaxation, stress reduction and mindfulness. This class may include the following instruments and it is open to participation:
Wind Chimes
Steel Tongue Drum
Ocean Drum
Egg Shakers
Dharma Chime Bell
Rainstick
Tibetan Singing Bown
Yoga Class Descriptions
SOMATIC MOVEMENT YOGA class description:
We begin with conscious breath work, and meditation, encouraging our parasympathetic nervous system and alpha brain waves to turn on. Conducive for a relaxed state of presence in the HERE and NOW.
You will be led through somatic movement patterns. Somatic movement is a practice that focusses on the CONSCIOUS and INTENTIONAL experience of movement within the body, rather than on the external appearance or outcome of the movement. It emphasizes in internal awareness and the mind body connection, helping us connect with our physical sensations and emotions.
Occasionally, a restorative yoga posture will be included. It all depends on the energy and state of the yoga room.
Concludes with SAVASANA highlighted with CHIMES/PERCUSSION SOUND BATH and/or GUIDED MEDITATION.
I embrace the term ~ from within YOU as my training embodies this. The work your body will do is from within YOU.
"Why I luv restorative yoga I find my time with Shelly very grounding, calming and safe. Shelly really pays attention to what I need re posture, proper form, relaxing muscles and breath When I leave, my body feels more loose, my mood is usually better and my mind is calmer. Shelly is so caring, kind and thoughtful. She understands my needs and absolutely knows how to help me create a healthier happy mind and body."
Judy Fahlman
"Thoroughly enjoy Shelly’s somatic yoga class. Very different from any yoga I’ve done in the past, what seem to be such small movements are transformative. I feel it is body lead, I have noticed a real shift in the way my body feels and moves since starting this class(stronger and more flexible)"
Amie C
"Shelly is a very nice and kind person she always makes sure you are comfortable in your surroundings and there is this very nice heating pad bed and she always asks if it’s too hot or too cold. She is always up to chat and talk which is awesome because I’m a chatty person. Overall she was so great! I felt relaxed and calm after my appointment. I normally have a hard time falling asleep, but after my session, I fell asleep immediately. My back feels looser and I am able to move more freely in taekwondo."
Autumn C (daughter of Amie C)
"Shelly is a wonderful person full of demonstrated strength and knowledge for herself and others who have faced or are facing health challenges in their life. She has a true ability to instill in those that come to her for help, the confidence that if they work hard and listen to her advice that they will get better."
Thomas Abbey
"I had a wonderful cranial sacral appointment with Shelly. Her kindness, support, and deep knowledge made the session incredibly reassuring. She was respectful and attentive to my individual needs and circumstances, creating a healing experience tailored just for me. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled practitioner."
Kale Derkson
"Shelly is my craniosacral therapist and as such she has given me relief, comfort, and ease of movement. She has the ability to adapt her skills to the individual’s needs, for whatever your problem is you will find comfort and a sense of well-being."
Christina Hehr-Brousseau
"Shelly is an amazing CST practitioner. Shelly explained to me how it works, that the CST rhythm comes about by the production of cerebral spinal fluid. One of the benefits CST provides is release of tension in the fascia. I found Shelly‘s level of knowledge and understanding impressive. After my session, I had a deep level of relaxation and peace. The atmosphere in her home base practice is one of serenity and peace adding to the whole healing experience. I highly recommend Shelly."
Karen
"Over 20 years ago I was a client of Shelly's for Massage Therapy, She also did Cranial Sacral Therapy. Once i experienced the amazing benefits I was hooked.Her knowledge and skill gave me incredible help. I also achieved immense emotional release. I was sad when her life took her in other directions. in early June Shelly contacted me to say she was starting her practice, would I be interested. Amazing, it's been life changing once again. Her skill level of anatomy, and extraordinary ability to read both mental and physical needs always amaze me. Timing has been perfect and I highly recommend her. Thanks Shelly, Faye I have a hard time putting into words Shelly how your skills impact my life and health."
Faye Mcleod
"Shelly is an incredible therapist with calming energy. She always welcomed me so kindly. Shelly created an environment that was relaxing, calming, and healing. After each craniosacral appointment, I felt rejuvenated and peaceful. Thanks for being amazing, Shelly. I highly recommend her."
Rachél
"I had a session with Shelly a few weeks ago & it was nothing short of amazing, from the moment I first met her I instantly felt safe in capable hands! Her treatment was wonderful & healing! She is a very gifted practitioner & I look forward to my next session ❤️"
Billy MacLeod
"Shelly is both an amazing person and practitioner who genuinely cares about her patients. Her warm and caring energy puts you at ease knowing you are in such skilled hands. She is knowledgeable and professional, a real gem!"
Amie Crossan
"I've known Shelly for 15+ years. Shelly has taught me yoga and how to properly hold poses and different breathing techniques. She has also worked on me through her cranial sacral therapy, helping release built-up pain. She is nothing short of amazing, and it shows in her work. Shelly is a beautiful soul, and you instantly feel welcomed in her presence. Highly recommend her and her services."