MY TOolbox
I offer therapeutic massage sessions to suit your personal needs. In my sessions, I often blend “Eastern” (Chinese, Japanese & Thai) techniques & principles with “Western” (deep tissue, relaxation, Swedish) therapeutic techniques & principles in order to effect greater flexibility & balance, pain relief, relaxation, and lasting transformation in the body’s tissues and systems.
The following are among the tools which I utilize in a therapeutic massage session. Please note that the lists of benefits are incomplete, but a good start. There is much research to be perused/studied for those curious about the measurable benefits of massage therapy.
The following are among the tools which I utilize in a therapeutic massage session. Please note that the lists of benefits are incomplete, but a good start. There is much research to be perused/studied for those curious about the measurable benefits of massage therapy.
shiatsu
A holistic system of bodywork based on the "energy channels" or "meridians" of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), Shiatsu (Japanese for "finger pressure") utilizes acupressure, muscle compression, and rocking techniques to restore balance and flow of the body's life energy ("qi" or "chi").
:: a full-body treatment tonifies each of the major energy channels (in CCM) and is an excellent way to maintain proper energy flow in each of the body's systems.
:: improves circulation
:: helps bring relief to arthritis sufferers or those with stiffness in the neck / shoulders / back
:: reduces stress & tension, as well as anxiety & depression
:: restores and maintains the body's life energy; especially helpful to those suffering from fatigue and overall weakness
:: a full-body treatment tonifies each of the major energy channels (in CCM) and is an excellent way to maintain proper energy flow in each of the body's systems.
:: improves circulation
:: helps bring relief to arthritis sufferers or those with stiffness in the neck / shoulders / back
:: reduces stress & tension, as well as anxiety & depression
:: restores and maintains the body's life energy; especially helpful to those suffering from fatigue and overall weakness
swedish massage
Highly valued among massage enthusiasts, this classic type of relaxation massage includes long, gliding strokes with a gentle to firm pressure, inducing relaxed muscles, tension relief, improved circulation, increased range of motion, and lymphatic/immune system stimulation.
:: may also include kneading, & friction techniques aimed at the superficial layers of muscle tissue, as well as active & passive movement of the joints
:: improves circulation & white blood cell count (improves immune function)
:: promotes healing of injured tissues
:: reduces stress, tension, and insomnia
:: may also include kneading, & friction techniques aimed at the superficial layers of muscle tissue, as well as active & passive movement of the joints
:: improves circulation & white blood cell count (improves immune function)
:: promotes healing of injured tissues
:: reduces stress, tension, and insomnia
deep tissue massage
Designed to break the stress-tension-pain cycle by relaxing muscles and promoting circulation, deep tissue massage, using slow, and deep-pressure strokes across the muscle grain; helps relieve chronic tension in the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia.
:: increases blood flow
:: improves flexibility
:: reduces muscle tension, inflammation and chronic pain
:: eases stress & tension
:: releases oxytocin & serotonin, the body's "feel-good" hormones
:: increases blood flow
:: improves flexibility
:: reduces muscle tension, inflammation and chronic pain
:: eases stress & tension
:: releases oxytocin & serotonin, the body's "feel-good" hormones
myofascial release
A technique that stretches the fascia (soft connective tissue throughout the whole body), creating greater flexibility and freer movement for skeletal muscles.
:: restores proper flow of nutrients & waste products between skin, fascia & muscles (lymphatic & cardiovascular)
:: improves healing of injured or chronically painful tissues
:: restores proper flow of nutrients & waste products between skin, fascia & muscles (lymphatic & cardiovascular)
:: improves healing of injured or chronically painful tissues
Thai-inspired stretching & mobilization
I utilize techniques learned from teachers who have had extensive training in the 2500-year old Ayurvedic-based (Indian) tradition of Thai Massage. The Thai tradition of bodywork combines deep compression, elongating stretches, myofascial release, acupressure, and joint mobilization.
:: deeply relaxes & quiets of the mind
:: improves flexibility & range of motion
:: heightens energy levels
:: improves body-mind connection
:: relieves pain caused by muscle tension
:: deeply relaxes & quiets of the mind
:: improves flexibility & range of motion
:: heightens energy levels
:: improves body-mind connection
:: relieves pain caused by muscle tension
aromatherapy & hydrotherapy
I enjoy using essential oils (high grade, organic) for their therapeutic effects, either to deepen relaxation or to enliven & awaken one's senses at the end of a session. Similarly, I enjoy using the blood- and energy-moving effects of hydrotherapy (warm foot baths, warm compresses & wraps) to enhance the therapeutic benefits of massage work.
(HYDROTHERAPY)
:: aids in relaxation
:: alleviates pain
:: increases blood-flow locally in order to heal damaged tissues
:: reduces chronic tension locally
(HYDROTHERAPY)
:: aids in relaxation
:: alleviates pain
:: increases blood-flow locally in order to heal damaged tissues
:: reduces chronic tension locally