For folks that like to learn more about what types of massage I practice, this section describes each modality I offer. I blend them seamlessly into massages. Spa therapies and products are listed - those are included only in Thera-Spa massages. I've listed all modalities here separately to help define them for you and so that you can have full information about what you'll receive. In practice, I use them in a flowing and integrated way. You will likely not notice where one ends and another begins. Please don't feel you need to choose one - you can receive them all! Some people prefer not to have one type of work, for example they prefer not to receive Gua Sha or Silicone Cupping - that is certainly possible and I support your choice to decide what you wish to receive or not receive. Some techniques or tools may be contraindicated due to health conditions you may have or medications you take. I'll provide information to you about the techniques and discuss them with you to ensure that I've answered all your questions, addressed any concerns you may have, and that the techniques you receive will be safe for you. Adjustments are made to your preferences and comfort during the work. This is your massage, and I want to make it a wonderful and healing experience for you!

MODALITIES

silicone cupping

Silicone Cupping comes to us from Chinese Medicine from over 2000 years ago. Ancient practitioners used bamboo cups, then glass once it was available. Currently we have the option of silicone, which offers an easily adjustable method to connect with the body's layers of muscle and connective tissue, releasing long-held tension, allowing and encouraging blood flow to enter muscle and tissue, and improving muscle response and tone.

trigger point therapy

Muscles in the body that are under stress can develop areas in which small bands of fibers within the overall muscle are stuck in an intense contraction. This area of contraction may cause referred pains in other parts of the body and may limit range of motion. Trigger Point Therapy is an effective way to release these points, relieve pain, and restore the body to optimal function.

gua sha

Gua Sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Sometimes called ‘coining, spooning or scraping’, Gua Sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘Sha’ representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.

Modern research shows Gua Sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua Sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain and stiffness. The technique is useful in any licensed therapeutic practice and of particular interest to acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists, physicians and nurses who work directly with patients.

(information cited from Dr. Nielsen - thank you)

hot stone massage

Stones are warmed and used during massage in combination with massage strokes to warm and relax tense muscles, enrich blood flow, and relieve discomfort in the body caused by muscle tightness. I use the Hot Stones in a very integrated and targeted way to warm specific muscles as part of your overall treatment plan. I don't do spa-type relaxation full-body hot stone massage. I don't generally use Hot Stones in the summer, because, well, it's already hot! You'll find these available in the Fall/Winter/Spring months.

spa therapies - mud, clay, and seaweed

The use of therapeutic materials from the Earth for healing is as old as time. We have many substances that can help the body to heal, detoxify, and renew itself. These substances are applied to the body after gentle exfoliation and steaming, covered, and allowed to process for 10-15 minutes.

Mud is mainly an inorganic material, containing clay, but also contains some organic substances (decomposed plant matter and carbon-based material), and water. It also contains high levels of sulfur which helps neutralize oxidative stress and reduces inflammation, providing relief of a wide variety of conditions. Mud is powerful – an antioxidant and both nourishing and therapeutic for the body. It helps to reduce inflammation, remove impurities, restore moisture, improves circulation, and tones skin. The salt and magnesium in it can improve the functionality of skin and improve elasticity and function.

Clay is an inorganic, fine grained mineral/rock substance. It is the most absorbent and can soak up excess oil and impurities. It stimulates blood flow and improves the health of the skin. It's mineral content - iron, as well as potassium, sodium, and calcium are very nourishing to the skin and body. Clay can decrease inflammation and pain, lower stress levels, cleanse, nourish, and detoxify.

Seaweed is a powerful product, detoxifying the skin and body, boosting energy, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, improving local circulation, conditioning the skin, and boosting lymph circulation. It is revitalizing and relaxing for the whole body. It may not be for everyone, as it does have an ocean/seaweed smell that may linger after the treatment. It's also important to avoid seaweed if you're allergic to shellfish or iodine. If you take thyroid medications, this product can affect your medication.

swedish & relaxation massage

This style of massage includes long, relaxing strokes that often repeat. The nervous system responds by entering into the parasympathetic state - the relax, rest, and digest functions. When we encourage and invite the body to do this, we can increase our peace, calm, happiness, and sense of well-being.

myofascial release techniques

Techniques that address fascial restrictions in the body to allow warming, softening, and movement of connective tissue/fascia in order to facilitate better movement and function of muscles. This work can be very gentle or very focused. Sometimes I use Silicone Cupping to work with the fascial system, sometimes direct work using hands is best.

sound healing and healing frequencies

Healing frequencies can retune your body, mind, and spirit. As the frequencies wash over and through the body, they encourage relaxation and healing. Sound can facilitate healing on both physical and emotional levels. When you listen to a certain frequency, your brain waves will synchronize with that frequency. This helps to create similar waves to those present during meditation practice, which is very healing for the nervous system.

I use several different frequencies in my practice. Most commonly I use 174Hz, which is associated with the Sacral chakra and is believed to have positive effects on human health and is associated with reduction of pain and stress. I also use 285Hz, which is considered helpful for the healing of physical injuries. This frequency helps to activate the body into cellular regeneration, encouraging it to heal itself in the event of an injury. Frequencies available are between 111Hz and 852Hz. You can learn more about sound healing and the frequencies by looking at the information on Mind Is The Master. If you'd like to request a particular frequency for your session, you're welcome to do so.

neuromuscular massage

Massage works first on the body, muscles, and connective tissue, but this focus considers the body’s physiology and the communication between the tissues through the nerves to the brain also for maximum effect of relaxation and healing.

deep tissue or sports massage

Deep tissue massage is a term that encompasses a wide variety of focused techniques that address specific points deep in the muscle tissue to relieve pain and tension.. The focus of the work is to allow the body to function at its most optimum level, whether the goal is a great golf swing, fast swim time, or a fun weekend, these techniques help get you to your goal.

reiki

Reiki is a healing art of Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means “Universal Life” and (Ki) which means “Energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using life force energy. I have worked with this healing modality since 2005, over 18 years.

Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki Practitioners understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free flowing. When this is true a person’s body and mind is in a positive state of health.

Including Reiki with a massage session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A Reiki-only session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness. (information sited from International Association of Reiki Professionals)

essential oils & aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using aromatic plant extracts for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Essential oils help the body rest, allow time for reflection, and soothe the nervous system.  Oils have unique effects, but most of the oils I offer have the similar qualities of balancing serotonin, increasing dopamine, and lifting the mood.  Oils I offer are:  Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Orange