Available Massage Techniques

All Licensed Massage Therapists are required by State law to complete 24 hours of Continuing Education during each two year period of their active license. Since I was initially licensed in February of 2005 I have completed certifications in the following techniques or have become proficient from education and experience:

• Swedish Massage (Swedish massage uses five basic movements to increase circulation to help improve the function of your lymph system by relaxing your muscles. The lymph system works to move nutrient-filled fluids and waste around your body. The fluid is moved only through voluntary movements from the muscles. Always working towards the heart, the massage therapist incorporates these techniques into a flowing massage session that leaves the patient physically and emotionally relaxed. The trademark move of Swedish massage is Effleurage, long gliding strokes that can be firm or soft, depending on purpose and client. Most therapists start out a session with Effleurage to familiarize themselves with the patient, and then start to bring more pressure to bear for deeper work.)

• Advanced Muscle Energy Techniques (Manipulative techniques in which a client, on request, actively uses his or her muscles from a controlled position in a specific direction against a distinct counterforce applied by the massage therapist. Done properly, it requires minimal effort and causes no pain or discomfort. I have found this to highly effective for treatment of chronic pain and injury as well as migraines and neck stiffness.)

• Deep Tissue (releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is often a misconception that deep tissue must be painful, it does not always mean you are receiving excessively deep pressure. I have often have clients fall asleep during deep tissue work.)

• Myofascial Release/ Connective Tissue (a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia .)

• Thai Herbal Ball Massage Thai Herb Ball Massage is a massage treatment that uses heated herbal compresses to induce deep relaxation, ease muscular tension and to boost the body's energy level. This is a traditional massage incorporating Swedish & Thai techniques with the use of herbal infused balls to relax & stretch the body. The herbal compress is made from a traditional formulation that includes lime kaffir, tumeric, camphor, lemongrass, and other herbs known for their therapeutic properties. This massage can help with ailments such as stiff, sore or pulled muscles and ligaments, back pain, arthritis, chronic pain or injury, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety. 
 
The heated herbal balls allows me to provide aromatherapy, thermal therapy and herbal therapy all at once in a modality that is new and unique. You will feel both intensely relaxed and energized by this restorative treatment! 
 
Large Herbal Balls are used for full body treatments while a smaller version is available for facial treatments. While the balls do add to the cost of a session you will be able to take them home and re-use them about ten times or so for herbal bath treatments.

• Pregnancy Massage (Tranquil relaxation and stress reduction. Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs. Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling. Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain. Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering. Pregnancy massage can be done while lying on your side or you have the option of laying face-down on my pregnancy table. Pregnancy massage has been proven safe throughout your entire pregnancy.)

• Massage for People Living with Cancer (Why massage is not contraindicated for oncology clients. Adaptations must be made for clients who have undergone or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Massage protocol for patients at risk for lymphedema and exploration and processing of participants' personal experience and relationship to cancer.)

• Cranal-Sacral Therapy (CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on form of body therapy that evaluates and enhances a physiological system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, usually no heavier than the weight of a nickel, practitioners can release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.)

• Sports Massage (PNF stretches, Reciprocal inhibition, Trigger point and strain/counterstrain techniques, and Pre- and post-event massage techniques.)

• Shiatsu Anam Therapy (Based on both the theory of acupressure energetics originating from Chinese medicine and massage techniques of Japanese origin, Shiatsu Anma Therapy addresses illnesses and painful conditions in the body stemming from blockages in the flow of energy, or chi, within the acupuncture meridian (channel) system.)

• Ayurvedic Head Massage (Induces a deep state of relaxation, Ayurvedic head massage also helps to relieve stress. It stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of toxins form the body. Ayurvedic head massage is one of the best ways of relieving chronic neck and shoulder pain. It also relives headaches caused due to migraines, or sinusitis.

• Reiki Master - Fall of 2004; atunements from Master Martin Lee from England (Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break up and fall away. Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.)