Types of Massage Offered

Swedish:  Swedish massage is what we currently think of when we hear the word "massage."  It is a form of massage designed to induce relaxation, and consists of gliding, kneading or tapping strokes on lubricated skin.  Based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology,  Swedish massage is used for anything from general relaxation, healing muscular injuries to improving joint mobility and range of motion. This form of massage arose in the late 1800s and has formed the basis of many modalities of massage created in the past 100 years. Sessions can be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and can include integration with other modalities.

Acupressure:  Based on the meridian energy theory of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure sees illness and disease and physical manifestations of blocked or disrupted energy flow.  All life flows through with a universal life energy – qi.  Humans, plants, animals as well as our environment are infused with qi.  Within humans, the energy flow follows certain patterns (meridians) and specific points can be stimulated to regulate the flow of energy.  In acupressure, massage therapists work on the meridians with their fingers and hands, and work specific points by applying finger pressure.  Acupressure can relieve almost any kind of physical symptom in the body, from headaches, nausea, cramping, digestion problems, coughs and aches,  to emotional distress such as depression, anxiety, nervousness. The slow, gentle rhythm of acupressure can induce deep relaxation – especially when used in conjunction with other modalities.

Reflexology:  A good foot rub can be incredible relaxing. Reflexology is a modality that is based on the theory that there are places on the feet and hands that correspond to places all over the body.  Working the corresponding parts of the feet or hands affects balance and change to that area.  Reflexology energy theory maintains that there are 10 zones in the hands and feet, and work on those zones can positively affect the energy flow to other areas of the body facilitating healing and balance throughout the entire body.  My focus is on foot reflexology.  Generally, a foot reflexology session lasts 40-60 minutes; however, some reflexology techniques can easily be integrated into general massage session, and work well addressing specific complaints of broader issues. 

Neuromuscular Therapy: Developed early in the 20^th century, Trigger Point Theory asserts that small spots in muscles can refer pain out to other areas when pressed – and these referral areas form patterns which allows the therapist to locate and work the trigger points.  Relief of the trigger points can take place through compression, stretching, deep friction and vibration.  Because this therapy usually entails some discomfort and pain on the part of the patient, NMT is often used within a longer session, and is only used specifically for 15 minutes or less in the session. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Head and Neck):  Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle, repetitive strokes to facilitate the functioning of the lymphatic system.  Lymphatic fluids drain in specific flows throughout the body; symptoms such as congestion and edema can be eased through this technique, where those fluids are moved into the normal patterns for drainage into the lymph system.  This modality moves fluids proximal to distal in order to clear the lymph passageways closer to the lymph nodes before attempting to push distal fluids into the tissue.  MLD works well on sinus issues, allergies and other forms of congestion around the head and neck.

Passive Stretching:  While this is not recognized as a separate modality, passive stretching is a pleasurable and useful technique as part of a session.  Passive stretching can be done to any part of the body, and can be done in conjunction with general relaxation or injury recovery sessions.  Stretches to the arms, legs, hips, back and neck (without> adjustments) facilitate the loosening and relaxation of muscles.