Meet Our Founder, Laura Thompson
Welcome to The Life of Balance LLC. I am a trauma-informed Bodyworker and Natural Health Practitioner. This family practice offers a customized approach using a combination of modalities, which include: Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology, Somatic Experiencing, Visceral Manipulation, Neuromuscular Therapy, Pediatric Bodywork, Education, and more. As a certified Medical Herbalist and Aromatherapist, my goal is to help people of all ages and stages bring balance to every area of their lives. I began my journey in 1995 in Health and Fitness, Nutrition, and Corporate Wellness. I have a degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University and completed my Massage Therapy degree from Gwinnett College in 2007. For more information about me and these modalities, see below.
Adult Bodywork Modalities
Craniosacral Therapy
A subtle, non-invasive approach to bodywork that facilitates the body’s natural ability to heal. Using a light touch, restrictions are addressed in the soft tissues around the central nervous system that may be causing pain and dysfunction. CST can alleviate a variety of issues including chronic pain, stress, anxiety, migraines, the effects of trauma, and more. I have been practicing CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release through Upledger Institute International since 2013.
Reflexology
Dr. Peter Levine created this therapeutic approach, which helps the nervous system to gently and safely process trauma and unresolved distress, which manifests in a variety of ways, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. Based on Polyvagal Theory, authored by Dr. Stephen Porges, SE is used in conjunction with other modalities and used by a variety of practitioners. In my practice, SE is used as an adjunct to CST.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy addressing the internal organs and surrounding tissues to create harmony and balance, alleviate pain, and address dysfunctions. VM can provide a sense of vitality and enhances functional and structural performance of the whole body. Training ongoing from The Barral Institute.
Neuromuscular Therapy
NMT is a manual massage approach using a variety of techniques to address trigger points, which can cause localized and referred pain to other areas. Referral patterns indicate specific muscles, which are then addressed directly. Once these specific muscles are identified, using my Exercise Science and Yoga training, I offer in-office and at-home stretches and exercises as well as awareness training to prevent pain from returning. I received my degree in Massage Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy from Rising Spirit Institute and Gwinnett College in 2007.
Reflexology is an ancient technique that uses pressure points to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. Reflexology works through the central nervous system to bring each body system to balance by stimulating specific reflex points on the feet, hands and/or ears. Essential oils are sometimes used to address specific issues of each body system. I have been a Reflexologist since 2008. I am a graduate and instructor of the Zollinger Body Systems Method, National Board Certified through ARCB and a National Certified Reflexology Educator (NCREd).
Somatic Experiencing
Infants and Children
Infant and child sessions are most often done using multiple modalities including Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology, parent education, and more. The goal of any infant/child session is to help calm their nervous systems and assist them in finding more ease within their bodily movements, so they can more comfortably and successfully explore and enjoy their environments and relationships. It is also important to address the concept of co-regulation, which is where an infant/child learns to manage his/her own nervous system responses by modeling that of a well-grounded parent or caregiver. At times, support is offered for parents and caregivers to help them regulate their own nervous systems.
Infant Craniosacral Therapy
CST is a very gentle method of bodywork that can have a great impact on a child’s overall physical and emotional well-being. Sources of stress in an infant/child may include prenatal stress, birth trauma, general family environment, developmental issues (including oral tethers like tongue tie, etc), pain and more. Using CST in a bodywork session can help to access the child’s autonomic nervous system and allow him or her to be more well regulated and at ease by calming the nervous system and alleviating myo-fascial tensions in the body, which have been caused by trauma or stress.
Infant Reflexology
Reflexology for infants and children can have a profound impact, as it is also gentle and a more indirect approach, which is beneficial especially when a child has undergone extensive procedures and medical interventions. As the feet (and hands and ears) represent the body as a whole, a practitioner can address a variety of issues including, but not limited to, nervous system regulation, hormonal stress response, digestive issues, behavioral issues, and more. Reflexology works via nerve endings on the feet and specific reflex points, which correspond to specific system organs and parts. I am a certified Practitioner and Instructor of Gentle Touch Reflexology for Babies and Children (Sue Ricks Academy).
Infant Massage Education
Based on the work of Vimala McClure, Founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, parents may learn how to massage their own babies and children using a combination of Swedish and Indian Massage as well as Yoga and Reflexology techniques. I am a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through the International Association of Infant Massage
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Contact Information
PHONE
404-983-4481
KENNESAW
5150 Stilesboro Road
Suite 615
Kennesaw, GA 30152