About Massage

Types of Massage
 

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is "traditional massage" and is considered to be one of the most popular types of massage. Swedish Massage uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, percussive, and shaking motions or vibration techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. Swedish Massage is intended to vibrate glands and organs as well as move lymph. It is performed with oils and promotes relaxation.  It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It positively affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and well-being.
 
Swedish Massage also relieves muscle tension, reduces anxiety, strengthens the immune system, improves blood circulation, detoxifies, balances the nervous system, and facilitates states of deep relaxation that may open a door to the soul and spirit in the process. 




Deep Tissue Massage/Trigger Point Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, its purpose is to unstick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

When people refer to knots, they are actually referring to what massage therapists call trigger pointsA trigger point is a chronically shortened, contracted portion of a muscle.  There are two key characteristics: they are tender to touch and they have a signature pain referral pattern to another location on the body.  Deep Tissue massage can help to alleviate trigger points and prevent them from coming back.






Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial sacral (craniosacral) massage is a very gentle therapy that improves physical, mental and emotional health by freeing restrictions of movement in the cranio-sacral bones. Your therapist will concentrate on the head-sacrum-pelvis corridor, using light direct finger pressure to relax the target area, thus the entire body, restoring flow of energy to reinstate physical, emotional and mental well-being.





Reflexology
Reflexology is a type of foot massage that is performed by applying pressure to the feet utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.  Sometimes oil, cream, or lotion is used; and sometimes not.  Reflexology is based on a system of zones and reflex points that relate to specific organs and glands in the body.  The theory is that stimulating these points with finger pressure promotes health in those organs and glands via the body's energetic pathways (also known as meridians). 

Reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. The therapist will use various techniques that include holds, finger pressure, kneading, rotation and rubbing.