Graham McLaren

Licensed Massage Therapist

Tell us about your massage school and other trainings: 

My introduction to massage therapy came a few days after I slipped on a patch of ice, and fell down a flight of stairs. One massage treatment provided me so much pain relief, that I immediately signed up for a weekend training. The joy I experienced practicing these skills with friends and family, along with the surprising benefits we experienced from a few simple techniques, led me to a career as a massage therapist. I studied at the Port Townsend School of Massage, graduating in 2001. For two years I worked primarily with the farmers and athletes of my countryside neighborhood. In 2003, I opened my clinical practice focused on treating collision, occupation, and sports related injuries. My most recent trainings include Neural Fascial Release with Robert Bloomquist and CranioSacral Basics with the Etiene Piersman CranioSacral Academy.

What bodywork are you currently studying?

For most of my career I focused on physical approaches to bodywork. After a traumatic auto accident in 2018 CranioSacral Therapy gave me lasting pain relief. This led to my interest in more gentle and meditative modalities. CranioSacral Therapy offers a great balance of physical, fluid, and energetic healing for both clients and practitioners. I am excited to be introducing CranioSacral therapy to my practice.

What do you want people to know about their body?

Our bodies are constantly evolving, changing, and regenerating. They have great power for healing and reaching new potential. And our minds can be powerful allies in the quest for health and wellness. Our thoughts have dramatic impacts for the health and function of our bodies. Consider in which direction your thoughts point, stagnation and dysfunction, or health and repair. Could your body benefit from more attention to the habits of your mind?

 

What do you want people to know about health and wellness?

The need for health and wellness and the loss of them are universal. I love working at Sandpoint Medical Massage because the clinic is open and inviting to all the residents and visitors to this city. As an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community I strive to maintain a safe and accepting space for healing.

Self-Care Advice

Time spent immersed in nature is incredibly good for you. Forest Bathing, a term originating from Japan, is the practice of consciously connecting with your natural environment. There are many physiological and psychological benefits attributed to this practice. It can be as simple as sitting or walking slowly in any natural environment and engaging your senses to observe and connect with what’s around you.

What is your favorite system in the body?

Proprioception (or Kinesthesia) is your body’s ability to sense movement, force and location. Neurons in your muscles, tendons and joints send signals to your central nervous system. They are synthesized with other sensory information to create an overall image of body position and movement. I am intrigued by how we can use our proprioception as a tool to create better posture, support healing and repair from injury, and improve athletic performance.

Favorite thing to do in Sandpoint?

Now retired from a career in nature and adventure education, my outside time is my playtime. I love adventures with my kids in the forests, waters, and mountains surrounding Sandpoint.