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ABOUT ELIZABETH

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Elizabeth
Ruff

I have long devoted my life to reminding those around me of the healing powers of bodywork, breath and movement.. Before I focused on yoga and bodywork, I sought to better understand and seek connection with the natural world. To that end, I earned a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resources from Colorado State University and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines.

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In 2003 I completed my first Massage and Reiki course at the Gate Key Institute of Mind-Body Therapy. I also completed my first yoga teacher training at Kalani on the Big Island of Hawaii. In Hawaii, I trained in Polarity Therapy and Thai massage. Since then,  I have become an RYT E-500, which means I have over 500 hours of professional yoga training, and served as a workshop and retreat leader. I have facilitated Yoga Teacher Trainings since 2014. Combined with additional extensive training at the Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration, I love to consider the whole person through the lines of fascia and the multi-faceted Yogic approach of the persons mind, body and spirit. In 2016 I co-founded Shanti Center in Bellingham, WA for healers to have an accessible place to work. There I mentored new practitioners and facilitated community outreach.

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Today, my practice is simplified in Sandpoint ID, with occasional visits to Bellingham, WA.  I focus on bodywork that helps people experience long lasting relief from pain and greater joy in life. Pelvic pain, Interoral treatments and trauma resolution are my specialties.

 

I teach yoga online at www.modernyogatribe.com.  You can find my live classes, immersions and workshops at Embody Studio in Sandpoint, ID. 

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As much as possible, I play with my two kids and husband outside, work with herbal medicines, and connect with friends- enjoying all the mountain biking, hiking and skiing that I can do in Sandpoint, ID and the pacific Northwest. 

Dramatic Sunset over the Mountains

WHAT is 
Soma 
Body
Therapy?

Soma Body Therapy is a practice of Soma Structural Integration®. This a form of deep and transformational hands on bodywork.

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Soma is in a category of bodywork called Structural Integration.  This also holds Rolfing®, KMI® and Hellerwork®. There are about 20 schools worldwide that teach the techniques passed on from Dr. Ida Rolf to her wisdom keepers. 

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Soma Structural Integration® influences the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, organs and bones called fascia. The intent is to bring the structure, posture and alignment of the body into greater harmony with gravity. When fascia is unbound with intention, inspiring changes happen!

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Our body in its form of creation is sacred geometry. When our soul can not inhabit our body because of alignment, pain, or past emotional traumas, our soul will cry out to fulfill its calling. Soma helps your soul find its line of grace and remember its purpose. 

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Soma Neuromuscular Integration® is a study of wholism.; a view that the body is more than a collection of its parts. Rather, it is a dynamic and awe-inspiring system of interactions where nothing is isolated or separate.

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Soma Body Therapy is based in Sandpoint, ID and Bellingham, WA, and offers the skillful practice of Elizabeth Ruff to walk your path of transformation & healing with you.

Sky

The Magic of Soma

The complete Rolf Structural Integration bodywork series session breakdown

Session 1

Breath

An amazing session! Be excited to receive this treatment! In this session the tissues surrounding the IT bands, hips, rib cage are freed. The front line of the chest will also be lengthened, resulting in a feeling of lightness and well-being. Posture will be more upright posture and breathing deeper. This can be a stand-alone session.

Session 2

Grounding

Here, the focus in on the body’s foundation: the lower legs and feet. We will find a sense of firm grounding and presence. Consider: if the body was a house and the structure needed a remodel, one would first assess the foundation to create a safe, healthy, and supported change. Work on the feet and lower legs gives the body a solid foundation to grow from!

Session 3

Balance

In this session, the sides of the body will be lengthened and the shoulders will be freed. Breathing expands for greater relaxation and more immediate energy. The low back will be worked deeply through the side of the waist. Often, bodies look slimmer after this session.

Session 4, 5 & 6

Core

The center line, or core, that runs vertically through the body will be adjusted and lengthened. We’ll work with the pelvis under the body to provide ample support so the upper body may extend effortlessly toward the sky. This is achieved by working the adductors, psoas and lateral rotators. After these sessions, walking takes a fraction of the energy typically expended, with improved balance and freedom of movement.

Underwater

Session 7

Presence

This session provides deep work to the neck, throat & cranial fascia. This session includes inter-oral work which provides great relief to tension not only in the face and neck, but in to the pelvic floor as well. This is a fantastic session if you suffer from headaches, clench or grind your teeth. 

Sessions 8, 9, 10 +

Integration

In sessions 8-10 the whole body is integrated in a new and more efficient manner. Energy and vitality increase as the body's structure becomes more aligned and balanced in gravity. Session 11 is an additional session to the original 10 that releases and integrates the myofascial wrappings of the arms and shoulders. This session was added because, in our society, those who spend considerable time on the computer or drive regularly receive healing benefits.

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