Why Massage?

Massage therapy is an age-old healing art that promotes health and wellness by increasing blood and lymph flow to the muscular body and stimulating the nervous system. Massage helps by improving circulation, which provides numerous therapeutic benefits for health, fitness and mental well-being. Because massage affects internal organs as well the muscular system, the positive results of massage are wide-spread and include body detoxification, relaxation, muscle and joint flexibility, stress reduction, and improved mobility.

The use of massage in China has been recorded in documents dating back 3,000 years. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians practiced forms of massage for many ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and stretching for joint and circulatory problems. Today there are hundreds of variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies—what’s right for you?

For starters, we don’t offer canned or signature massages and the idea of “one-size-fits-all” is not something we believe in or practice. Instead, we understand that since no two people are exactly the same, each massage and yoga session should be as unique as the person receiving it. What this means for you is that every massage we provide incorporates many of the modalities listed below which is why every massage is as unique as the person receiving it.

Swedish Massage

The predominant example of Western massage, this is the most commonly used method in the United States. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s, this system of massage involves the use of long gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. Designed to increase circulation and mobilize scar and connective tissue, this type of massage may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. Traditional Swedish uses oil or lotion during the massage, in addition to stretching and compression, often inducing a generalized relaxation response in the parasympathetic nervous system. Results from Swedish massage can include increased flexibility and a renewed outlook on your day. You can expect to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Deep Tissue Massage

Also referred to as Muscle Therapy, this is a method of massage used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension. Deep tissue uses movements directed across the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber), and targeted techniques designed to release adhesions. The methods of deep tissue massage do not always require stronger pressure, but the focus is on using techniques for accessing the deeper tissues of your body’s structure. Often these techniques are combined with Swedish strokes to create a unified and balanced session, helping to relax the nervous system while decreasing the discomfort of chronically contracted or adhered tissues. Deep tissue massage is the primary choice for individuals with specific areas of discomfort that require focused and sustained work. Following a Deep Tissue massage you will likely notice improved range of motion and alleviated muscular pain.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of our bodies. The properties of fascia are changeable and vary from nearly-liquid state to having the strength of steel wire. When fascia is holding in an inappropriate area, it can constrict nerves, cause pain and reduce range of motion. Myofascial therapy is the manipulation of this fascia tissue by using pulls, stretches and broad compression to achieve movement. Techniques can be quite subtle or applied deeply into the body with a focus on giving the fascia the time needed to melt and release its powerful grip.

The work can achieve profound results in decreasing pain and increasing range of motion. Regular myofascial work can result in improved posture, significantly improved circulation, and an overall balancing of the body.

Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. A form of deep massage that applies concentrated pressure specifically to individual muscles, this is a very detailed therapy used to increase blood flow and release trigger points or intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body by alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. Pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow and held for ten to thirty seconds, helping to break the cycle of spasm. By manipulating the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system, neuromuscular massage can help stabilize low levels of neurological activity to control pain, maintain normal function and restore overall health.

Cranio-Sacral

Is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the cranio-sacral system. This is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the cranio-sacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

Sports Massage

Specifically adapted to address the needs of athletes (amateur and professional alike), Sports massage focuses on areas of the body that are highly affected by frequent exercise. Using techniques similar to deep tissue, Sports therapy addresses the entire athletic process, and can be employed before or after athletic events as either a part of an athlete's training, or to promote healing from injuries and significantly reduced post activity recover times.

Acupressure and Shiatsu

Acupressure and Shiatsu are two varieties of massage where pressure is applied via the thumb, finger, or palm to specific places on the body (that correspond with acupuncture points) to release muscle tension and increase circulation. The Chinese and Japanese believe that by working with acupressure points along the five meridians of the body, one can heal their physical body while also releasing unwanted emotional anxieties. While this technique can be used to treat acute symptoms, it is often utilized to foster a generalized sense of health and well-being.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in the skeletal muscle system—a spot that, when touched, may elicit local tenderness, referred pain, or a twitch response. Trigger Point Therapy is a modality that focuses on the source of these points to treat chronic pain or spasm in a muscle or muscle group. Through compression and stretching techniques trigger points can be released, often resulting in relief to a much larger area of discomfort. Trigger Point Therapy is helpful for managing chronic pain and aiding recovery from injury or physical trauma. If you have an area of chronic discomfort or pain that has not been properly addressed, you may find Trigger Point Therapy helpful.

Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage

Massage is one of the most effective self-care practices for pregnant women. A prenatal massage consists of specialized techniques of Swedish massage with specific consideration for the comfort of the mother. During very stage of pregnancy a woman will have specific concerns and complaints, and our pregnancy certified therapists can address those with this specialized treatment. This method of using bolsters and other tools to support the body, allows our therapists to safely address low back pain, shoulder stress, swelling and balance issues common with pregnancy. It has been noted that massage therapy can reduce back and leg pain, cortisol levels, obstetric complications, and premature birth rates.

* While prenatal massage is suggested for nearly all moms, there are considerations for the safety and comfort of mother and child. Please inquire with your physician before making your appointment.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that is based on the belief that a system of zones and reflex areas exist on the feet and hands reflecting an image of the entire body. Pressure is applied to certain points on these extremities under the premise that such work induces a physical change in a another part of the body. For example:

• the tips of the toes reflect the head
• the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
• low back and intestines are towards the heel

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these zones and reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through your body’s energetic pathways.

Whole Person Integration

This type of Integration Therapy is an exploration of the interconnections between our mind, body, and spirit, focused on cultivating an awareness of the many facets of self. By creating a deeper understanding of self-nurturing, one can foster a comprehensive understanding of how to heal themselves in a multi-dimensional way. Intended for individuals who are ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration, this work can be truly life-altering.

Couple's Massage

A couple's tandem massage is one of the most inventive ideas for a date or gift. In a room large enough to accommodate two clients, our massage therapists will help set just the right tone for a special day. This is a great way to relax with your loved one before an evening on the town or to introduce the benefits of massage to your partner. By scheduling a tandem massage, you are guaranteed dedicated time to receive two treatments in the same session. Use that time to converse, or simply rest together, and let us help make your day (or date) a little brighter.