TREATMENT OPTIONS
I offer customized treatments, combining the following modalities to suit your specific needs.
SWEDISH
A full body massage using oil and soft to medium pressure to relax the nervous system, increase blood and lymph circulation, and soften fascia and sore muscles.
DEEP TISSUE
Deep tissue massage addresses pain and tension in a specific area of the body using strong deep pressure, and repositioning the body to access and release targeted muscles.
THAI THERAPEUTIC
Thai therapeutic massage is an ancient healing modality that combines broad compression, acupressure, and stretching. These together open the body and free blockages in the energy channels in order to relieve pain and stiffness, and improve circulation and range of motion. Thai massage can be a relaxing full body treatment and/or a deep and focused treatment targeting a problem area. I use my elbows, forearms, knees, and feet depending on the client’s needs and desired pressure. The client may stay clothed or partially clothed during this treatment in order to allow for ease in stretching.
ASHIATSU
Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique that delivers deep and broad pressure addressing the tightest areas in the upper and lower back, hips and legs, as well as shoulders and arms. Cream or oil is applied to the body. Using parallel bars above the massage table for balance and support, I use my feet and bodyweight to give a strong and relaxing therapeutic massage.
ABDOMINAL
According to ancient healing perspectives, every energy channel in our body originates inside the abdomen around the navel. Many of the dysfunctions and dis-eases, including tightness in other areas of the body, often are due to blocks or imbalances in the abdomen. By releasing tension, and encouraging circulation and movement here, we are helping to relieve digestive stagnation, improve the function of our vital organs, increase immune responses, and encourage reproductive health. In addition, releasing muscular tension in the abdomen, and specifically targeting the psoas muscle is essential in addressing low back pain.
PRENATAL
Starting at the second trimester, this treatment is done in a side-lying position to soothe out tension in low back, and hips. The table is then adjusted into a comfortable semi-reclining position to facilitate work on the shoulders and neck, and finishing with a good foot and lower leg rub down. Research has shown that getting massage during pregnancy is beneficial for mood regulation and better sleep, and can help reduce headaches, back and joint pain, and improve circulation.
MYOFASICAL CUPPING
Cupping is a therapy that has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. In myofasical cupping, the cups are moved gently up and down the targeted area to decompress the muscles and fascia, relieve tension and knots, and break up restrictions from scar tissue. The suction encourages blood flow and detoxes the body by drawing out pathogens, excess heat and stagnant "wind", which according to Eastern medical perspective, is the cause of pain.
GUA SHA (SCRAPING)
Practiced throughout Asia, this technique employs a tool with round soft edge to gently and repetitively rub a targeted area of the body, bringing up excess heat and pathogens to be eliminated through the skin. Like cupping, Gua Sha has detox and anti-inflammatory effects and is said to boost immunity. This technique combined with massage helps release tension and iron out fascial adhesions. Clients report feeling significantly lighter in their shoulders and back, as if a weight has been taken off them.