Massage Types

Swedish/Relaxation

Most basic massage involving a combination of long, smooth, kneading and friction strokes to superficial layers of muscles. All strokes go toward the heart to stimulate circulation and relax the body.

Deep Tissue

Techniques (slow strokes or direct pressure or friction) used to affect the sub-layer of muscle and fascia (this surrounds and covers each muscle). Muscles must be warmed up and relaxed prior to using any deep tissue techniques, thus Swedish strokes are used during the massage.

Prenatal

A prenatal massage is an excellent way to reduce stress. It focuses on areas that are commonly affected during pregnancy, such as back pain, headaches, leg cramps and swelling. The prenatal massage also increases bloodflow. You must be at least 14 weeks along to receive a prenatal massage. Specific techniques and positioning (cushions or side-lying) are used to accommodate pregnancy.

Sports

This is a great massage for every type of athlete. The sports massage focuses on areas of the body that are used and painful from the specific activity. Having a sports massage can also decrease recovery time, and helps prevent future injuries.

Hot Stone*

This is a wonderful and relaxing experience that warms and soothes the muscles by using deep penetrating heat from smooth basalt rocks. The treatment is 60 or 90 minutes consisting of placing and manipulating heated stones on the skin and specific pressure points, while incorporating a full body massage. The heat from the stones stimulates the relaxation response and promotes healing through increased blood flow and circulation.

Couples*

The couples massage is performed by two therapists, at the same time, while in the same room. The tables are positioned next to each other so the couple can enjoy the relaxation of the massage together.

Thai Yoga*

Thai Yoga is a rhythmic compression massage that incorporates yoga positions as assisted stretches. It is used to help increase flexibility, range of motion, circulation as well as muscular tension and stress.

Chair Massage

Instead of the traditional table massage, this massage is performed while the client is sitting in a chair. The chair is angled at a comfortable position, leaning forward with the head and arms supported. This position works well for neck, upper and lower back, as well as arm massages.

Aromatherapy*

Aromatherapy uses fragrance from fruits and oils to help enhance the massage. You may chose between a variety of scents. Each scent enhances the massage in a different way, such as improves circulation, relieves tension, promotes relaxation, assists with anxiety. Talk with your therapist about which scent will assist best with your needs.

Acupressure

Uses the hands, fingers or feet to apply gentile pressure to specific points on the skin's surface in order to release muscle tension, increase blood circulation and bring about healing. Uses the same points on the body that acupuncture uses.

Reflexology*

Based on the principle that reflex points on the feet correspond to specific parts of the body and organs. The therapist uses their thumb to apply firm pressure to specific reflex points on the foot to stimulate and restore the flow of energy to its corresponding areas.

Lymphatic Drainage

Uses slow, gentile pressure and rhythmic movements to increase the rate of action within the lymphatic system. Believed to be helpful in boosting the immune system, removing excess fluid from muscles, and speeding recovery from some injuries involving swelling.

Neuromuscular

Uses finger pressure to apply deep pressure and manipulation to the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue). Assists with balancing the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) with the muscular and skeletal systems. Believed to relieve muscle spasms and pain by releasing trigger points (knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other areas of the body).

Myofascial Release

A form of deep tissue massage using long stretching strokes to relieve tension in the fascia (a network of interconnected tissue that surrounds cells, organs and muscles).

Trigger Point

Technique involving knuckles, thumbs or elbows to apply deep pressure to specific "trigger points". Used to treat very specific areas of tension by applying firm pressure until the feeling of pain referral lessens or ceases.

Integrative

The integrative technique combines a variety of different techniques, usually chosen by the therapist, to best fit the clients needs. Can be used if the client is unsure of the type of massage they want, or if there are a variety of issues that each are best relieved with different techniques.