Aroma Massage

Healing elements that dissolve stress, create energy, or promote balance will enchant your senses in this therapeutic, Swedish aroma-massage session. You and your therapist will choose which essential oils will be used to create your own ultimate experience.

Oncology Massage

Oncology massage is a way of providing extra care to cancer patients on their journey back to good health. Research has shown that cancer patients do in fact benefit from the therapeutic effects of massage therapy. Oncology massage can also be applied to the patient during any stage of their cancer treatment, including when first diagnosed or when on the road to recovery. Oncology massage is used as a way of helping cancer patients cope with their many symptoms. It can be helpful in relieving symptoms - such as fatigue, muscle aches and tension, pain, and insomnia. As well, it is beneficial for helping patients cope with emotional problems - such as depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, and fear. Also, instead of only alleviating the negative symptoms, massage therapy is also helpful in promoting positive characteristics such as improved self-image and concentration. Oncology massage can improve the effectiveness of the various cancer treatments including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and physical therapy. Oncology massage is used in hopes that the nurturing touch of massage will connect with the soul and give the patient an attitude filled with hope and courage.

Compassionate Touch (including Hospice and Palliative Care)

This is a gentle, sensitive, and non-intrusive program of massage, attentive touch, and supportive comfort care created specifically for those individuals who are temporarily or permanently less active. The goal is not only to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide aid in the relief of pain, but to help nurture, nourish, support and comfort those who may be feeling frightened, depressed, abandoned, or in despair. This includes people who are entering later life stages through a natural aging process as well as those who are acutely or chronically ill, disabled or injured. It also includes individuals of any age who are actively beginning the mysterious life transition that we call death.

Connective Tissue Massage

Connective tissue, also known as fascia, is a tough but thin elastic tissue that forms an uninterrupted three-dimensional network that provides structural integrity for the soft tissues of the body. Connective tissue massage is a slow, usually deep technique that works on moving the fascia from a solid “gel” state, to a more fluid state. When this happens, restrictions on the fascial network are relieved, allowing increased circulation, improved communication along the nervous pathway, and the muscles are given the freedom to resume their natural shape.

Infant Massage

Infant massage uses gentle, tactile stimulation and loving verbal communication to deepen the relationship between parents and their baby. It is a shared experience, done with the baby not to the baby. The strokes used can be both stimulating and relaxing, depending on each baby's needs and developmental level. It is easy to learn and a pleasant method of positive interaction. (See Benefit tab)

Lomi Lomi

Is a deep and rhythmical massage. The rhythm is very relaxing; like rocking a baby in a cradle. It works gently but deeply into the muscles using continuous flowing strokes totally nurturing the body. The practitioner uses the forearm, fingers, heel and palm of the hand in flowing movements over the body that bring fresh oxygen to every cell. It is an experience that overwhelms the mind with sensations and at the same time communicates an acceptance and a nurturing of the inner self. Lomi Lomi changes the way you think, feel, move and breathe.

Maternity Massage

Designed to relieve lower back pain, leg and foot tension, insomnia, and general discomfort associated with becoming and being a mother, this specialized pre- or post-natal massage leaves you feeling totally nurtured.

Orthopedic Massage ~ Upper Body

This addresses pelvic stabilization and upper extremity injuries. The conditions that are covered include low back pain, sciatica, SI joint dysfunction, scar tissue, frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet, rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, bicipital tendonitis, cervical pain, whiplash injuries, compressed disks, rhomboid pain, mid and upper back pain, medical and lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.

Reflexology

This healing art, which dates back before the Egyptian time period, applies precise pressure to reflex points on the feet to stimulate the body’s own healing system. The thousands of nerve endings on the soles of each foot are linked via spinal cord and brain to all systems and organs of the body. Applying pressure to these nerve endings can stimulate healing at the physical, mental and emotional level.

Reiki

Reiki is a gentle, simple, and very powerful form of hands-on healing that works on all levels ~ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Reiki supports and accelerates the body's natural healing ability by correcting energy imbalances and restoring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki complements and enhances all medical treatments.

Stone Therapy Massage

This 75-minute therapeutic massage relieves tension in muscles, reduces the physical strains of stress and assists the body in self-healing. Stone therapy introduces the application of stones at varying degrees of warmth, to go beyond the physical experience of typical massage & enter deeper dimensions of relaxation, creating balance in the emotional, physical & mental being.

Lava Shell Massage

Therapeutically, heat treatments have been used by physical therapist and doctors of arthritis since the 1950s. There are several benefits to heat treatments including: an increase in movement of soft tissues; removal of toxins from cells; enhanced blood flow; increased function of tissue cells; relaxation of sore stiff muscles; and relief of painful arthritic joints.

Swedish Massage

The strokes and manipulation of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals is to speed the venous return of unoxygenated and toxic blood from the extremities. It increases circulation without increasing heart load, and reduces stress, both emotional and physical. Swedish Massage shortens the recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid and other metabolic waste.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points can be felt as lumps or knots in a muscle, and when pressed they feel sore, and often refer a sensation to another part of the body. They form in response to excessive muscular stress that can be the result of an accident, repetitive motion in sports or at work, postural habits, emotional distress, or just living a full, active life. Once activated, trigger points force the muscle to shorten, and remain that way. This initiates a cycle of spasm, pain, tension, weakness, and limited range of motion. Trigger points are defused by direct pressure.

Restorative Massage

This is an Eastern approach in supporting the whole system. Starting with the feet and using acupressure points along the body’s major meridians. (The Harmonious Landscape) The Ayurvedic oils used during a session are Sesame and Mahanaryan. These oils are known for the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it penetrates into the skin to nourished and detoxify.

Fibromyalgia Massage

The most useful manual methods are to involve nonspecific wellness massage and lymphatic drainage. Specific, targeted interventions that use aspects of soft tissue manipulation are also useful, especially gentle positional release and vibrational methods. Deep tissue work is contraindicated.

Raindrop Technique

Raindrop Technique combines the art of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex and massage. The essential oils are dropped on the spinal area in a manner similar to drops of rain, hence the name Raindrop Technique. These drops of pure essential oils are gently brushed up the spine in light, sweeping strokes to promote balance and harmony to the body, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Definition of Massage and Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, stress and, to promote health and wellness. Soft tissue includes muscles, skin and connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and membranes. AMTA defines Massage as, "a manual soft tissue manipulation that includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body." Massage therapy is “ a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client." (AMTA) Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body. Swedish massage is presently the most common form of therapy practiced; however, massage therapists may use a variety of therapies and techniques, depending on your needs and their specialties.

What to expect during your Massage

You will receive your massage on a specially designed table that is designed for stability and comfort. Different pillows or bolsters will be used to make your position more comfortable. The room will be warm, quiet, and filled with gentle music. I will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level. You will be draped with a sheet. You may choose to be totally or partially unclothed under the drape. As each part of the body is being massaged, it is uncovered. Genitals and breasts will be covered at all times. Please be sure to tell me if you are too warm or cold, or if the pressure is comfortable or not. It is my intention to provide the best possible massage experience for you, with your help. Whether you feel pain during a massage session depends on many factors, including your physical condition, the reason for the massage, your pain tolerance, and the therapists’ technique. Tense muscles are often sore and may hurt a little when massaged. Sometimes there is delayed soreness after a massage. Drink plenty of water to remove waste products out during a massage. The more Massage you receive, the less likely you will experience post-massage soreness. The massage will start gently to calm your nervous system and begin to release superficial tension. Gradually, I will work more deeply into the tissues and addresses your specific areas of need and concern.