Massage Therapy & Bodywork Elements
Swedish Massage & Stone Massage
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are two different types of techniques used in massage therapy. Both use similar strokes to manipulate tissue, but they have different purposes, pressures and rhythms.
Swedish massage techniques are generally long, rhythmic and flowing strokes over broad areas to promote relaxation, increase circulation, and reduce muscle tension. Swedish techniques target the superficial layers of muscle and focus on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension from everyday activities, such as your neck, shoulders, arms, legs and back.
Deep Tissue techniques target the deeper layers of muscle and fascia and is used on smaller, more specific areas. These techniques are primarily used to treat chronic pain, tissue adhesions, and muscle and tendon injuries.
Stone massage
Basalt & Jade & Marble
Stone therapy has been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures around the world and can be used as part of a therapeutic massage treatment. Stones are warmed or cooled and placed on areas of the body to create soothing, relaxing pressure to improve fluid movement, functionality of internal organs and to help reduce pain and inflammation. Stones can be also used in the therapist's hands while performing massage techniques.
Complementary Therapies
Deep Pressure Therapy
Deep pressure or compression therapy utilizes weighted tools to provide calming and organizing sensory input for your nervous system. Common weighted tools include blankets, lap pads and pillows which can be used to help individuals with sensory processing difficulties, pain or anxiety. These tools apply firm, consistent pressure to the body which can help regulate and integrate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and security.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. It is a hands on treatment that is based on the idea that subtle energy (prana, ki, qi) flows through channels in our body and directly affects our vitality and health. Reiki is a safe and gentle type of bodywork.
Sound-Vibration Therapy ~ Tuning Forks
The vibrations from tuning forks resonate throughout the whole body in wave like patterns causing cells to spike nitric oxide. This rhythmic release of nitric oxide sends a signal to our cells to relax and become more active.
Some benefits of sound-vibration therapy are enhanced cell vitality, improved vascular flow and digestion. It naturally increases immune system activity, reduces muscle tension, and catalyzes a natural cleansing of the body at a cellular level. Tuning fork frequencies also help entrain brain waves into deeper rhythms to promote a restorative and restful state in the body.
Myofascial Therapy & Dry Cupping
Myofascial release
This is a manual therapy technique that focuses on relieving pain signals by releasing adhesions and other dysfunction in the myofascial tissues — the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles and joints.
During myofascial release therapy, the therapist locates myofascial areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable under manual pressure. These areas, although not always near what feels like the source of pain, are thought to restrict muscle chain function and joint movements, which contributes to widespread muscle pain and postural distortions.
Dry cupping uses silicone or hard plastic cups applied with a vacuum to the skin. This vacuum creates a mechanical compression that increases blood flow, circulation and aids the body in clearing metabolic waste stored in the tissue. Cupping increases blood and lymph movement to the areas where the cups are placed. This helps relieve muscle tension and pain, and promotes cell repair. It also helps form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue augmenting the body's ability to heal itself.