Massage Techniques

Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish Massage
Hot Stone Massage
Reiki (ray-key)
Reflexology
Craniosacral Therapy
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
Raindrop Technique

 
Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue usually focuses on a specific problem such as:
Chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (sports injury, whiplash, falls), repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis), postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, muscle tension or spasm.

Deep Tissue Massage works by physically breaking down adhesions (bands of rigid tissue that form from chronic muscle tension and injury) in muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Often deep direct pressure or friction is used to increase movement and circulation.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage uses a variety of techniques that include kneading and percussion strokes which greatly increase blood flow which flushes the area of metabolic waste and brings in oxygen and nutrients; and long, flowing strokes that promote that promote deep relaxation and releasing of endorphins (the body’s own pain killers, stronger than any pharmaceutical known today).  Swedish Massage can be gentle, deep or a combination.

Hot Stone Massage

The Chinese refer to Stone Therapy as “the mother of acupuncture.”  Smooth basalt stones are heated in hot water and applied to the body in energetic patterns during the session.  Water heated stones are used as extensions of the therapist’s hands, for deeper, more penetrating massage of thicker muscular areas.  The heat from the stones unwinds tense muscle tissue, expands blood vessels an, pushing blood and waste through the body.  There’s nothing more soothing than this ancient combination of muscular therapy and the penetrating heat of the earth.

Reiki (ray-key)

Reiki is a Japanese technique for reducing stress and promoting healing.  Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing that everyone can use.  It has been effective in helping virtually every know illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect.  Reiki increases energy, reduces pain, deeply relaxes and supports the body, mind and emotions.  It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.  Clothing remains on for this work as there is no oil applied.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers to stimulate more than 7200 nerve endings in each foot. Stimulating these reflexes helps the body achieve healing and balance, homeostasis. Reflexology’s origins can be traced to the physicians’ tomb at Saqqara, Egypt, about 2300 BC and is a science reflecting the principle that reflex areas exist in the feet and hands which correspond to all glands, organs and systems of the body. Developed in the USA in the early 1900’s, this technique is used today to reduce pain, increase relaxation and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.  It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders.  Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy dates back to 1970 when Osteopathic Physician, John E. Upledger first witnessed the rhythmic movement of the craniosacral system during a spinal surgery.  This system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.  It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (cranium) down to the tailbone (sacrum) at the base of the spine.  Clients lie fully clothed, face up while the therapist lightly works the head, neck spine, sacrum, arms and legs affecting the craniosacral pulse throughout the body.  The gently method detects and corrects imbalances by activating your body’s own healing system.  Some of the positive results include alleviation of:  Migraines, chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, chronic fatigue, post-traumatic stress syndrome, TMJ, emotional difficulties and orthopedic issues.

Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Typically, essential oils are very light to the touch (not greasy like cooking oil) and evaporate readily, releasing their aromas into the air.  Their function in nature is to keep plants healthy, free of infection, to repel harmful insects and to communicate – to each other, to insects, to animals, and to us.  The way essential oils affects us is a lot like the way they affect plants, acting on our immune systems, our muscles, internal organs, skin and circulation, and even our emotions, sometimes all at once!

Plant fragrances are made of nature’s ancient molecules: complex substances whose structure allows them to pass easily and quickly through our skin, and through the cell membranes of every cell in our bodies.  We breathe them in and instantly, as they touch the brain, the molecules of essential oils enliven neurons, inspire emotions, awaken immune response, stimulate hormones, which can then enhance energy, digestion, mental clarity, body temperature, circulation and the feeling of being connected to nature.
The effects of essential oils are dependent entirely on their purity and their quality.  We use only Young Living and Ananda Apothecary Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.  Add them to any of our services.

Raindrop Technique

Raindrop Technique is detoxifying to the entire body.  It also re-energizes and balances the entire body, boosting immune (disease fighting) function and mental/emotional well-being.
Using a sequence of highly antimicrobial, therapeutic grade, essential oils you simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill pathogens that cause muscle spasms and scoliosis.  The oils are dispensed like drops of rain from about 6 “ above the back and applied along the spine.  Although the entire process takes about an hour, the oils will continue to work in the body for 5 to 7 days following treatment.