About

larisa@west-wellness.com
(512) 436-3860
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My interest in Massage began as I started practicing Meditation and Yoga in 2012 in my early twenties as an English Teacher in Shanghai, China. I have trained extensively with Julia Schneider since 2016 in her unique style of bodywork, which blends Deep Tissue Massage, Thai-Yoga Bodywork, Myoskeletal Alignment, and Stretch Therapy. I am heavily influenced by the Bowspring Alignment from John Friend and Desi Springer, which I learned through Breath and Body Yoga starting in 2015. I creatively mold my clients’ bodies with that curvy and dynamic form in mind. I also teach private Bowspring yoga classes. Because of my Bowspring training, I have a special knack for low back pain, which often stems from tight hips, misfiring glutes and a dysfuntional core, including the psoas and diaphragm.

I’ve been practicing Craniosacral since 2019, and it’s taught me how to connect with my clients on a very subtle metaphysical yet profoundly therapeutic level. It makes both the light and deep bodywork that I do incredibly effective. Because of my Craniosacral training, one of my specialties is working with clients who suffer with head and neck pain, anything from migraines, jaw tension, neck pain, etc. I teach Meditation, Buteyko Breathing, and I have some knowledge of Oral Myo-functional Therapy. I have been practicing Intra-Oral massage since 2016.

My practice often includes participation from the client, whether that be mindful breath, movement, engagement, education, or simply observing with an open heart. I will choose from a variety of massage tools when appropriate, such as a lacrosse ball, strap, foam roller, or other effective tools. I would like to be able to do a full body assessment before, during, and after the session, so please wear comfortable clothing that allows for full range of movement. I have a large skill set to draw from, but it’s all about what you need in the moment. I look forward to working with you!

Education and Certifications:

  • Texas Department of State Health Services registered massage therapist #124991
  • Studio Art BFA, UT Austin
  • Cosmetology License, Aveda Institute Austin
  • RISE Massage Team Member since 2015
  • RISE Director since 2020
  • 2020: Craniosacral Therapy 2
  • 2019: Craniosacral Therapy 1
  • 2017: Certified in Myoskeletal Techniques: Posture and Pain Specialist (Freedom From Pain Institute)
  • 2017: Certified in Myoskeletal Techinques: Upper Body Specialist (Freedom From Pain Institute)
  • 2016: Certified 200hr Yoga Instructor, Breath and Body Yoga (Austin)
  • 2016: Massage Therapy License 500 hrs from The Lauterstein-Conway School of Massage
  •  2016: Advanced Program 250 hrs from The Lauterstein-Conway School of Massage
  • 2016: Yoga Teacher Training from Breath and Body Yoga 200 hrs
  • 2016: Certified Practitioner of Deep Massage: The Lauterstein Method (Austin)
  • 2016: Certified in Orthopedic Massage and Assessment (Austin)
  • 2016: Sridaiva Student Intensive (February)
  • 2015: Sridaiva Student Intensive (October)
  • 2015: Sridaiva Student Intensive (February)

Memberships and Affiliations:

  • Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals
  • Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
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