MODALITIES:
Standard sessions incorporate a combination of deep tissue, shiatsu pressure points, and cranial sacral techniques focusing on the client’s specific needs and areas of discomfort or pain.
Deep tissue massage utilizes deeper strokes than Swedish massage, unwinding the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.
Cranial sacral therapy (CST) encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth—which make up the cranium—down to the sacrum, or tailbone. CST can help dissipate the negative effects of stress, chronic pain, and motor coordination impairments, and enhance health and resistance to disease.
Swedish massage is one of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques. Its many benefits include general relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. Swedish massage involves the manual manipulation of soft body tissue, muscle, tendons, and ligaments to enhance one’s health and wellbeing.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that helps rid the mind and body of residual effects of past trauma and associated negative responses. Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni discovered that the body often retains physical forces as the result of accident, injury, or emotional trauma. This technique can bring psychotherapeutic elements into the cranial sacral therapy.
Pregnancy massage is effective and safe during the prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional wellbeing of both mother and fetus. (Prenatal sessions are one hour in length and can be scheduled with your doctor’s permission after clearing the first trimester.) Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Sessions are done using side-lying techniques with pillows and bolsters to feel comfortable and fully supported.
Shiatsu, developed in Japan, is a finger-pressure technique utilizing traditional acupuncture points. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing.
Gua sha is a method of promoting blood circulation and removing toxic heat, blood, and lymph from the body. Used in China for more than 2,000 years, gua sha (which means "to scrape toxins") involves scraping the skin with a flat tool to facilitate pain relief. A menthol rub is applied to the skin to open the pores, increase deep cleansing, and improve circulation. It is effective for whiplash, bronchitis, and upper respiratory congestion.