Info About Massage

Swedish

The relaxation massage of northern Europe uses light to medium pressure and lotion for long gliding strokes on a fully unclothed client who is draped with a sheet on a massage table, only the area being massaged is uncovered.  Swedish relaxation massage primarily affects the superficial layers of muscle.  Essential oils are frequently used to provide aromatherapy and steam packs may also be used. Therapeutic effects include increased circulation, increased flexibility, removal of lactic acid and toxins, relaxes nervous system, improves sleep and stimulates the skin.

Deep Tissue Massage

 A form of intense massage that aims to release myofascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the body, and to break up any restrictive scar tissue(knots). It has also been known to help relieve chronic tension, to increase the body's range of motion, to improve posture and to enhance the natural harmony of the entire body and mind. Deep tissue massage also restores the length and flexibility to the fascia (the fibrous tissue that surrounds the muscles and organs), by normalizing the tissue and by improving the strength and overall health of the entire fascial system.  Deep tissue massage borrows many of its techniques from traditional Swedish massage, however the pressure that a massage therapist applies during a deep connective tissue massage is more intense.  The strokes of this type of massage are slower and more pressure is applied in order warm the muscle tissue and reach the deeper layers of muscle.  Steam packs and aromatherapy a generally used.

Sports Massage

A deep tissue massage adapted to focus on areas affected by a particular sport-i.e. legs  and feet for the runner.  In addition passive stretching is used to increase flexibility and range of motion.  Steam heat packs and lineament are frequently used. 

Prenatal Massage

 Massage therapy techniques geared toward the expectant mother.  There are many health concerns and complications to take into consideration when working with a pregnant woman.  Most techniques are done in the side-lying position as they are unable to lay prone.  In most cases massage can be done right up to delivery. 

Reflexology

Massage that deals with the feet and hands, treating reflex points.  The bottom of the foot and the palm of the hand mirror the body.  The toes reflect the head and neck; the balls of the feet correspond to the chest, lung area and shoulder; the arch covers the diaphragm to the pelvic area;  the heel corresponds to the pelvic area;  the inner (medial) side of the foot reflects the spine;  the outer (lateral) foot reflects the arm, shoulder, hip, leg, knee, lower back; the ankle corresponds with the pelvic area and reproductive organs.  Stimulating certain areas may not directly "cure" the aliment, but the points may increase the energy to the organ or related area to assist in healing

Shiatsu

A Japanese healing modality similar to Chinese acupressure utilizing a Japanese healing philosophy of ki (life energy). Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure". This form of acupressure is a combination of many different techniques including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, and rolling. It is applied with comfortable pressure to all parts of the body with thumbs, palms, feet and elbows to gently stretched and loosen joints and muscles. Shiatsu treatments promote good health by strengthening the body and stimulating its self-healing abilities. It is traditionally performed on the floor with the client comfortably lying on a futon with both client and practitioner dressed comfortably . Shiatsu is considered a special kind of dance between giver and receiver where a unique rapport develops between the practitioner and client because shiatsu relies on the simple but powerful experience of touch to awaken the client's own self-healing powers. This "touch communication" between practitioner and client is foundational to all healing methods. When the independence of ki is restored to a free flowing state throughout the body, it touches the physical, emotional, and spiritual sensitivity of the person, and the natural healing flow is restored. 

American Style Massage

The therapist combines elements from many different massage traditions to create a customized melting pot blend to address the needs of an individual.