Swedish Massage is a very soothing style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of slow strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of Swedish are wide-ranging and include relief from pain, decreased stress, greater flexibility, and enhanced mental clarity.
Energy work is based on the belief that everyone has a "life force" (Chi) and that the body needs to sustain its balance for optimum health. This practice is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the healing work performed in India, Japan, and other ancient Eastern civilizations. Anytime you experience emotional or physical issues, it indicates that your chi has become unbalanced. I work directly with your energy field to restore balance and flow to your entire system. Once your energy field has been realigned, your mind, heart, and body will follow.
Acupressure is based on an ancient principle of healing - that simply touching a specific point on the body releases stress and improves health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply firm pressure directly to these "points" on your body, helping to relieve muscular and nervous tension and improve your circulation. This small but mighty technique has proven very effective in treating headaches, backaches, stress, and even insomnia.
Deep Tissue aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of your muscle tissue. I will gently press through the superficial layers to access those pesky knots rooted deep under the skin. An important facet of this technique is open communication between therapist and client, so I will be checking in with you about pressure and sensations as I help melt away the knots and adhesions in your muscles. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during our session.
Myofascial release helps eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. Myo refers to muscle tissue, while fascial refers to fascia, the connective tissue covering all your bones, muscles, and organs. Myofascial release can be acheived by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.
Pregnancy Massage is tailored specifically to pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, I can help release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits of massage during pregnancy are profound; they include emotional support, the relief of joint/muscle pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.
Trigger Point Therapy focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques to release your trigger points. Like Deep Tissue Massage, this technique involves communication between therapist and client, as the process can sometimes be uncomfortable. However, the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative, providing a release from consistent sensitivity and/or pain.
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy, rooted in the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The word Shiatsu comes from two Japanese words - "shi" (finger) and "atsu" (pressure). In addition to direct stimulation of pressure points along the energy pathways of your body (see: Acupressure), gentle stretching and kneading techniques are applied over the body to integrate the point work and encourage the flow of your Chi (energy). Shiatsu is a meditative healing art that honors the body, mind, and spirit, leaving you relaxed and full of renewed Chi!
Sports Massage is designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries or pain, both short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career/hobby by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains, cramps, and swelling in the body, and increase flexibility and circulation. This technique is highly effective in aiding rapid recovery from an injury by encouraging greater awareness of your body and promoting your natural immune and muscular functions. Whether pre or post-event, or in between activities for maintenance, I will always be in your corner!
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. The Lymphatic system works to carry away toxins and debris throughout the body. As both a preventative and remedial technique, LD can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort during pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.