AROMATHERAPY
The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots.) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the healing of wounds, Specific essential oils are blended by the therapist and added to lotion or oil to be used during the massage. Each oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. The manual therapy enhances the body's natural healing processes and has proven effective in a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, headaches, eye difficulties, TMJ syndrome, stress and tension related disorders, scoliosis, infant and childhood disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, orthopedic problems, post-traumatic stress, brian and spinal cord injuries, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub layers of muscles and fascia. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
DUET MASSAGE
With this therapy two therapists simultaneously massage a client, making sure to mimic the other's motions and to exert equal pressure for a balanced experience that is extremely relaxing.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and calms the nervous system.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is a three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release in an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
PRENATAL/PREGNANCY & POSTNATAL MASSAGE
Many methods of massage therapy are both effective and safe prenatally and during postpartum periods. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and baby. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION (PNF)
PNF is the optimal therapy used to increase strength, coordination, range of motion, and to optimize motor performance and rehabilitation. Because PNF is a very efficient therapy dramatic gains can be felt in a very short time period.
REFLEXOLOGY
Based on an ancient chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. This bodywork involves application of pressure to specific reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: Pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.
SWEDISH/RELAXATION MASSAGE
One of the most well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibration, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of lotion or oil. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
THAI MASSAGE
Thai massage is a therapy combining massage and assisted stretching. The client remains clothed in loose, comfortable clothing and no oils are used. The client is positioned in a variety of yoga like positions while the therapist uses deep rhythmic pressure. Thai massage brings fresh circulation to specific areas of the body helping to balance energy, returning blood to the heart and digestive system as well as helping with lymphatic drainage, all of which help promote healing. Thai massage will leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated.
VISCERAL MANIPULATION
Visceral Manipulation enhances the normal mobility and tissue motion of the organs of the visceral system. Hypertonicity, displacement, and adhesions can all cause organs to work against each other, creating chronic irritation and fixed, abnormal points of tension. The visceral organs are dependent on their ability to move freely in the visceral cavity to then work correctly and efficiently. When they are pulled out of their effective positions, they cease to function properly. By freeing each organ to work compatibly with the others, a therapist can potentially alter and improve the structure and functioning of the entire body.