Massage Therapy Styles Offered
Swedish Massage:
The lights dim, the sounds fade, and you slip into an ultimate state of calm.This treatment is great for overall relaxation of body-mind-spirit, using long superficial, soothing strokes for overall balance and relaxation. The benefits of this technique are detoxification, increased blood flow stimulating new cell growth. Rejuvenating, stimulating and deeply relaxing.
Deep Tissue:
More specific than the general Swedish massage, this work focuses on your problem areas. Deep tissue massage requires deep muscle stroking and pressure point work. And delivers relief of painful muscle stiffness. This treatment is intense and might be slightly painful. The results of this style of massage are dramatic: exceptional relief of chronic muscle tension and highly effective for stress reduction, increased blood circulation and most importantly – pain.
Reflexology:
This dynamic, ancient healing art and science addresses the vital energy (ch’i) in the body. The focus is to stimulate and clear congestions in the meridians allowing the energy to flow freely so that the body can achieve a state of balance. Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the hands and the feet that correspond to each organ, gland and structure of the body. By applying pressure to the reflex points the application can reduce tension all over the entire body.
Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy favored by individuals who prefer to stay dressed during a therapeutic session.
Sports Massage:
Perfect for the active person or serious athlete. Sports massage can be applied in 2 specific techniques. Pre-event therapy works to loosen and invigorate the muscles to prepare them for the impact of intense activity for greater performance and decreased chance of injury. Post-event therapy can be called a “flush”. Muscles can break down and accumulate lactic acid during sporting events. This needs to be worked out or you can experience longer than desired recovery times. Do your body a favor the next time you are involved in intense physical activity and order a sports massage.
Cranio-Sacral Massage:
Cranio-sacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique. Through palpation of the Cranio-sacral Rhythm, a therapist will be able to detect areas of restriction in the muscle and joint regions. With this hands-on technique the therapist can balance and bring about a deeper and more profound change utilizing the individual’s own natural healing mechanism. The practitioner’s attention is on the cranial bones, the sacrum and at the interconnected membranes. Cranio-Sacral therapy is mentally stimulating and memory sharpening – not only does this massage lend itself to meditation; it improves the functioning of the central nervous system.
Pre/Post Natal Massage:
Similar to a Swedish massage, this service is adapted specifically to the pregnant woman. Prenatal Massage done properly is safe and beneficial at all stages of normal pregnancy. It can shorten labor times and ease pain and anxiety. It can be done prenatal or postpartum to rebalance structure, physiology and emotions of the new mother, and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Moms-to-be are encouraged to bring their own relaxation CD that they plan to use during delivery. This helps bring the memory of relaxation massage into the delivery room. Let this healing touch ease the normal aches and pains of pregnancy. A gift certificate for massage makes a wonderful baby shower gift.
Hot Stone Therapy:
A special treat for heat lovers. Imagine about twenty massage therapists working on you at the same time. The warm stones are placed on your calves, back, feet, palms, etc. Your therapist uses the warm smooth stones to trace the aches out of your muscles. Pure luxury. About 50 stones are heated and used with this massage. A must try. Wonderful.
Shiatsu:
Shiatsu means, “finger pressure” in Japanese. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure (or feet can be used) at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi (vital energy), and stretches to release blockages on the body’s energy ways (meridians). This type of technique can be performed on a massage table or a mat on the floor. It also helps improve circulation and metabolism and stimulates nerves.
Reiki:
Reiki- (ray/key) – Universal Light Energy; an ancient form of hands-on therapy that brings about total relaxation, peace, balance and harmony. By using various hand placements that may be placed a few inches above the physical body or on the physical body, a Reiki practitioner can assist the release of tension of areas that have been compromised through illness, stress or trauma. Currently Reiki is a valuable tool being administered in hospitals for relaxing patients pre- and post-surgery. Reiki may also be combined with a relaxation massage.
Healing Touch:
Healing Touch is a subtle energy based therapy that clears and resets imbalances of the Chakra system and energy field. Healing Touch helps to relieve chronic pain and accelerates wound healing. Healing Touch restores well-being to the body, mind and spirit.
Lymphatic Massage:
Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle non-invasive technique that helps to improve lymphatic flow, beneficial to the Immune system. This technique is especially recommended for individuals who have had lymph node removal.
Thai Massage:
Traditional Ancient Thai massage is a unique form of Bodywork that incorporates Hatha Yoga, acupressure and reflexology with origins dating back about 2500 years. The best thing about Thai massage is that you get the flexibility, inner organ massage, oxygenation of the blood and quieting of the mind that is attained with yoga. Through deep muscle stretching, joint release and emphasis on breath, Thai massage offers many of the same benefits as yoga. It is a unique and deep massage that transforms the body to a more flexible, relaxed, lighter and less painful being. In Thai massage it is not just the hands that are used to free tension from the recipient’s body, but the therapists feet, forearms, knees, and elbows as well. Be assured northern style Thai massage is never painful. Thai massage is applied on a mat on the floor or on a low massage table if preferred and the work is done fully clothed and no oils are required.
Chair Massage:
Usually performed fully dressed in a unique and exceptionally comfortable chair. This massage concentrates on your back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. A chair massage is for anyone who works at a computer, spends extended time driving, lifting or standing.
