About Diane Ryan, Licensed Massage Therapist

Diane Ryan is a licensed massage therapist in the state of Illinois and a certified myofascial trigger point therapist (NAMTPT). She has studied neuromuscular therapy with the NMT Center and trigger point therapy with the Myopain program of Chicago. She is a graduate in shiatsu (Ohashiatsu Chicago, 2002), studied acupressure with Soul Lightening, Inc., and is a certified Asian bodywork therapist (NCCAOM, 2003-). She is a practitioner of Medical Qigong, one of the four branches of traditional Chinese medicine, and a continuing student with the International Institute of Medical Qigong. In addition, Ms. Ryan has studied light touch therapies of manual lymph drainage and craniosacral therapy with Upledger Institute and the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators.

Ms. Ryan believes these therapies are complementary and often integrates them in one treatment session. For example, shiatsu simply means “finger pressure” and is similar to the Western trigger point therapy. In fact, many documented trigger points are also acupuncture points that are pressed in a traditional Japanese shiatsu treatment. It is possible to approach a pain syndrome from both Western and Eastern perspectives in order to achieve good results. Because of the cellular waste products often generated by deep pressure work, it is useful to include some final lymph drainage of the treated area to encourage the body to discharge this waste through the circulatory system.

Lymph drainage and acupressure are also incorporated into Ms. Ryan’s Bellanina facelift massage. This unique massage treatment stimulates the facial muscles, works beneficial acupressure points, improves the immune system through lymph drainage, and can release sinus pressure, headaches and jaw tension.

Holding points is another technique used in shiatsu, acupressure, and craniosacral therapy in order to encourage the body to release tensions and patterns of imbalance. These three therapies combine well in a light touch treatment. Most often two points are held, for example, the base of the sacrum and the base of the cranium. The therapist monitors the rhythm that the body presents in different areas and encourages a synchronization of uneven rhythms or the smooth flow of energy between the two points.

Medical Qigong, based on traditional Chinese medicine, is primarily a mind-body treatment with minimal touch. Treatments are based on the meridian system (i.e., energy channels and internal organ associations) that are also used by acupuncturists. The therapist purges, tonifies, and regulates the body’s energy channels in order to achieve balance in the energy fields and thus the physical body. The client may be given prescriptive exercises to continue the treatment at home.

Ms. Ryan believes that changing energetic and physical patterns requires the client to practice self-care in between appointments. Training in stretching, body rolling, self-massage, and light exercise are usual parts of her treatments. Ms. Ryan also teaches Tai Chi and Qigong (Chinese exercise) at Chicago area park districts.