Massage Services
Swedish massage is a relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork using long, gliding strokes over the body to help increase oxygen flow and blood circulation. It aids in elongating the muscles, ligaments and tendons resulting in increased flexibility and pliability. The pressure can be from light to medium to firm. Other benefits of this type of bodywork include relief from aches and pains; decreasing stress levels, anxiety and tension; and preventing and relieving muscle cramps and spasms. Swedish massage relaxes and invigorates the body while promoting overall good health and well being. It is the “classic” massage and the recommended massage if it is your first massage experience.
Deep Tissue massage is similar to Swedish, but focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension and stress in the muscles of contracted areas through slow strokes using the thumbs, heel of hand, elbow or a tool. Due to the direct and specific deep pressure of this technique, you may experience some soreness during and/or following the massage which may last for up to two days. This is common; however, you should feel better once the soreness subsides. Don’t tough it out. It is important that you communicate your comfort level to the therapist so that the pressure can be properly adjusted. There is a such thing as too much pressure, which can leave you bruised and uncomfortably sore for a long period. This may not be the massage for the first-timer.
Hot Stone massage is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. It is essentially a Swedish massage using warm, smooth sanitized stones of various shapes and sizes. Traditional Swedish massage strokes are applied while holding a heated stone in each hand. Hot and cold stones also may be used alternately to further stimulate the body. Cold stones are sometimes used exclusively to treat inflammation and muscle injuries.
Reflexology is based primarily on the premise that there are reflex areas in the feet that correspond directly with the organs and systems within the body and that specific work in those areas affects change within the corresponding organs and systems. For example: the inside of the foot from the big toe to the base of the heel reflect the spine, the balls of the feet reflect the lungs, and the tips of the toes reflect the sinus and head. Beyond its medical potential, reflexology, coupled with traditional foot massage, is a soothing comfort for the feet and is the ultimate foot treatment. It helps to reduce stress and tension; stretches and loosens the muscles of the feet; increases blood flow to the feet; and promotes overall relaxation. It can make walking a pleasure again.
Thai massage is applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet and performing a series of fluid, passive stretching movements. The client is fully dressed in comfortable, loose clothing during the massage session which is usually performed on a floor mat, but is often adapted to the table. Sessions can last up to two hours and the results tremendous, promoting relaxation, flexibility and the feel of elasticity. Thai massage has been described as the lazy man’s yoga--all of the results of a great workout, but with no effort. I usually do not perform a full session of Thai, but rather incorporate specific Thai massage techniques (primarily stretching) in other massage modalities which render astounding results.
I generally combine different styles into my massage sessions, incorporating selected techniques from different modalities, depending upon the needs of the client. Each massage modality has its own set of benefits and when they are brought together I think the client receives the maximum benefit a massage can render, making the massage experience more dynamic, rewarding and satisfying.