Gerry Bunnell

• Certified Massage Therapist
• Certified Reiki Master/Teacher
• Certified Results System Practitioner and Kenesiologist

With over 15 years experience, Gerry has developed effective techniques to quickly bring relief to his clients and through continued sessions help them build towards their health and wellness goals. Gerry is a Licensed Massage Therapist through the Va. Board of Health. He is also a certified Reiki Master/Teacher in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition, a Certified Results System Practitioner and kinesiologist. He practices many modalities including Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, reflexology, myofascial release, assisted stretching, energy and chakra balancing, releasing of energetic blockages, and body alignments. He also offers detoxification programs.

"My goal is to provide you with an outstanding therapeutic experience that will be truly memorable. I do not believe in the phrase 'no pain, no gain'; there should be no sharp pains. Rather, you can count on having a totally relaxing, yet effective experience and feel awesome after your session."

Gerry completed his training for massage therapy at the Virginia School of Technology in March, 2002 with 600 hours of practical study. He is licensed to practice massage in the State of Virginia through the Virginia Board of Health Professionals. He is an active member of ABMP, a professional association for massage therapists and bodyworkers and is insured.

Gerry trained with Mary Ann Bergeron in Richmond VA and was certified as a Results System Practitioner in November 2000.

He trained with Sandra Kalaora in Richmond VA and was certified as a Reiki Master/Teacher in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition in November 1997.

Philosophy

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas A. Edison

 

In all healing, the goal is to return the body to a natural state of homeostasis (the body's ability to maintain a state of equilibrium). We live in marvelous "earth suits" that have an innate ability to maintain balance. Stressors are outside forces that can affect the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and often, in today's fast paced society, the body gets overwhelmed by an overload of stress. This is why it is so important in our society today for everyone to learn how to relax and experience therapies that promote relaxation. Everyone is stressed out and that is why disease and dysfunction of the body are on an alarming increase. Structural imbalances, chronic pain, and disease are a result.

It has been shown through studies that massage therapy can be a more effective treatment for pain compared to conventional western (allopathic) medicine. Typically, the first step in allopathic treatment in all dysfunction of the body is to prescribe a medication to alter the symptoms being experienced by the patient. These medications come with side effects that often will challenge the liver and throw the body more out of balance. I consider this reactionary sick care.

"Relaxation is not a luxury. It is an essential part of a lifestyle towards optimal health"
Gerry Bunnell CMT

It is through natural therapies like Massage that clients can find support for the body's efforts in regaining balance. I consider this proactive health care. People who receive regular massage are less stressed, happier, have a higher quality of life, are on less long term medications, and get sick less often compared to the average individual that receives no massage or other body work.

My Practice

“It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.” Hippocrates

As technology advances, we are becoming more and more isolated from each other as a society. Everywhere I go, I am feeling more and more like a number. Our society is losing the natural ability of social interaction and relationship building. My practice is founded on relationships. The power of touch is extremely healing on many different levels. It also builds faith and trust, not just in the therapist, more importantly in yourself. Relationship building is the foundation for healing to begin.

Everything in a massage session should be comfortable and relaxing for the client. I do not believe in the phrase no pain, no gain. I see massage and bodywork as an art form, knowing how to prepare the body for deeper work, knowing when the body is ready for deeper work, and when it is not. I have the experience to know that can change from massage to massage, so I take time before each session to discuss with my client how they are feeling, and what they are looking to get out of the current session and conduct the massage accordingly. My ultimate fulfillment from what I do is knowing that I have helped my clients feel better and enjoy life more.