Techniques

Note:  A  massage can consist of one or more of the techniques or types of massages listed below.  You may select the type or types yourself or rely on my judgment based upon "problem areas" you may tell me about or by using both methods.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient art, which involves the use of natural plant oils for healing, cleansing, and relaxation.

The art of aromatherapy is used to restore the harmony of the body and mind. Essential oils are measured in drops as they are very concentrated and tend to evaporate quickly. To reduce evaporation the oils tend to be mixed with other ingredients such as massage oils and water.

Cranial Sacral

Cranial-sacral massage is a very gentle therapy that improves physical, mental and emotional health by freeing restrictions of movement in the cranial-sacral bones. Your therapist will concentrate on the head-sacrum-pelvis corridor, using light direct finger pressure to relax the target area, thus the entire body, restoring flow of energy to reinstate physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Deep Tissue

This technique targets chronic muscle tension. The therapist's strokes are slower using more direct pressure and friction.

Hot Stones

Hot Stone Massage is a style of Swedish massage in which heated, round or oval stones, usually smooth basalt stones, of varying sizes and weights are placed on the body to treat sore muscles. The stones are heated in water or an oven and then laid out over key muscle groups, like along the spine or between the toes for example, offering a soothing and relaxing healing experience.

Myofascial Release

This hands-on technique seeks to free the body from the grip of tight fascia, or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function and reducing pain. Using their hands, therapists apply mild, sustained pressure in order to gently stretch and soften the fascia. Myofascial Release is used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, and scoliosis, among other conditions.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy emphasizes the role of the brain, spine, and nerves in muscular pain. One goal of the therapy is to relieve tender congested spots in muscle tissue and compressed nerves that may radiate pain to other areas of the body.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a method of applying pressure to reflexes in the feet that correspond to each and every gland, organ and system of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes improves circulation, relieves stress, relaxes the body and effectively facilitates the natural healing process, thereby, revitalizing and enhancing your total health.

Reiki

Practitioners of this ancient Tibetan healing system use light hand placements to channel healing energies to the recipient. Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems, and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.

Shiatsu

The most widely known form of acupressure, shiatsu has been used in Japan for more than 1,000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or vital energy.

Sports Therapy

A Western massage that addresses specific needs of athletes and includes swedish massage, cross-fiber friction massage, deep compression massage, trigger point therapy, timing during training, before or after events, to enhance performance, or promote healing post injury.

Stretch Therapy

Proper flexibility is a crucial component in achieving and maintaining proper mechanical function of the body. Benefits of improving flexibility through stretching are numerous and recommended for anyone in the need of:
    •    Reduction of pain
    •    Correction of posture and alignment
    •    Elongating muscles
    •    Releasing of metabolic waste
    •    Increasing blood flow
    •    Prevention of future injuries
    •    Increased range of motion
    •    Decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness and

          stiffness

Swedish Massage

The most commonly practiced form of massage in Western countries, Swedish massage integrates ancient oriental techniques with modern principles of anatomy and physiology. Practitioners rub, knead, pummel, brush, and tap the muscles. Swedish massage is widely practiced; thus, practitioners will range greatly in training, technique, and length of session