Massage and Bodywork

Swedish
A gentle, relaxing massage with slow rhythmic gliding strokes, usually in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, for example from wrist to shoulder. Usually the massage therapist uses the whole hand ( palm and fingers), gradually applying an increasing amount of pressure. Variations involve strokes applied with the fingertips, heel of the hand, or knuckles.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu literally means finger (Shi) pressure (Atsu) and although Shiatsu is primarily pressure, usually applied with the thumbs, along the meridian lines, extensive soft tissue manipulation and both active and passive exercise and stretching may be part of the treatments. Extensive use of cutaneovisceral reflexes in the abdomen and on the back are also characteristics of Shiatsu. The emphasis of Shiatsu is the treatment of the whole meridian; however, effective points are also used. The therapist assesses the condition of the patient’s body as treatment progresses. Therapy and diagnosis are one.

Deep Tissue Massage
This technique is the most popular treatment involving a mixture of Swedish massage therapy and neuromuscular therapy in order to address specific areas of pain and accumulated tension. The treatment involves focusing on relaxation along with gaining the benefits of releasing deep hypercontracted muscular tissue. Typically, the majority of clients have complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain or headaches which will be specifically addressed during this therapy session.

Sports Massage
Sports massage uses a series of techniques involving kneading and manipulating soft tissue in order to help prevent sports injuries, treat injuries already incurred and improve performance with pre and post event massage. As participation in sports becomes more popular at all ages, and performances improve from year to year, more is demanded of the athlete. This can mean that performances which were seen as outstanding twenty years ago are now commonplace. Mentally and physically, psychologically and emotionally, athletes are pushing themselves to deliver more and more, and they are looking for innovative and effective ways to improve their performances. Pre, post and maintenance sports massage techniques are available. We are also available on-site for sporting events.

Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is characterized by the theory of Kyo-Jitsu, its physical and psychological manifestations, and its application to abdominal diagnosis. Zen Shiatsu theory is based on an extended meridian system that includes as well as expands the location of the traditional acupuncture meridians. The focus of a Zen Shiatsu session is on the use of meridian lines rather than on specific points. In addition, Zen Shiatsu does not adhere to a fixed sequence or set of methods that are applied to all. It utilizes appropriate methods for the unique pattern of each individual. Zen Shiatsu was developed by Shizuto Masunaga.

Pre and Post-Natal Massage
Massage therapy in pregnancy can include specific light and deep pressure massage, myofascial techniques, circulatory work, acupressure, reflexology, and other techniques. It helps to reduce and alleviate neck, back, and joint pain caused by posture weakness, tension, extra weight, or mechanical imbalances. . Combined with knowledge of the anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes an expectant mother experiences, a program of massage and education can be constructed which can facilitate relaxation, the decrease of fatigue, stress management/relief, and increased circulation.

The increase in circulation will encourage a reduction in blood pressure and decrease possibilities of swelling, varicose veins and leg cramps. In addition, pre-natal massage will also help maintain skin elasticity to ease stretch marks and uncomfortable tightness, assist with the management of digestive complaints such as constipation, gas, nausea, and indigestion, encourage deeper, easier breathing and overall help enhance self-esteem and self image through helping the pregnant woman feel more at home in her changing body.

Thai Massage
Nuad Bo Rarn is the Traditional Thai Medical Massage. Thai Massage is based upon an integration of Indian Buddhist medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thai Massage utilizes hand techniques and a unique approach to passive movement and stretching to open up the veins or energy passages and release chronic tension from the body. Traditional Thai Massage incorporates a spiritual dimension in its gentle and focused approach to Asian Bodywork.

Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage Massage is an extremely gentle treatment. (To the uninitiated recipient, the sensation is one of patting movements.) All the movements made are based on the physiology of the body and follow the direction of the lymph flow and are specifically designed to encourage an increase in the flow of lymph fluid towards the major groups of lymph nodes, where it is then filtered.

A full body lymph drainage session may take up to an hour while a specific part of the body may be treated in 10 to 15 minutes. As the pressure and direction of the movements is of vital importance to the effectiveness of the treatment, the part of the body to be worked on must be exposed while being treated.

Conditions that respond well to Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage:
Cellulitis, water retention, stress, Haematoma, sprains, Post op care, post trauma care, acne, Tear sacs, Scars, Enhancement of general Resistance, Post Pregnancy Oedema, thick legs, and mastodynis.

Massage Offers Many Benefits
Besides reducing stress and fatigue, massage imparts many other healing benefits. It reduces congestion and improves circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient supplies to muscles, joints, organs and the brain. It calms the nerves and stimulates elimination of metabolic wastes, often speeding recovery from illness and injuries. You'll flow from the massage table with your body aglow with improved posture, skin tone and energy levels.

Therapeutic massage is especially beneficial for certain select populations. Athletes rely on it to prevent and treat injuries, and to gain a competitive edge. Pregnant women find that it soothes strained back muscles and helps them relax for easier delivery. And elderly people invariably love the soothing comfort of a gentle massage, particularly for their tired feet.

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