Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy has a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Massage Therapy reduces the effects of stress-related discomforts, including headaches, backaches, and neck pain. Massage also aids in reducing emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, and anger. Massage Therapy benefits sore and/or tight muscles, improves sleep, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system, tones skin, and reduces stress. Massage simply makes you feel better and look better.

Pressure is a matter of personal preference. Please tell your therapist your preferences. Often, therapies which are light in pressure or include holding without rubbing are the most effective for relieving pain and tension because the body does not resist and, therefore, is more willing to let go.

Communication before, during, and after a therapy is very important. Although many clients relax into sleep, many remain alert and able to communicate information such as if a change in pressure is desired, what aspects of the therapy are enjoyable, or if pain shifts in location and intensity. This information will assist your therapist in giving you the most beneficial therapy.

Massage Types
Swedish Massage uses long, flowing strokes and a nurturing touch. Swedish massage is great for relaxation and gives a feeling of being pampered. This is the type of massage most often given in spas.

Therapeutic Myofascial Massage incorporates gentle manipulation of joints and limbs with gentle movement of the skin and underlying tissues. The flowing strokes of the Swedish style are interwoven to create a relaxing yet therapeutic therapy, ideal for sports-related muscles soreness.

Area-Specific Massage targets specific areas such as the back, neck, legs, hands, and feet. Athletes will enjoy the concentrated attention to specific muscles groups of their choice.

Rocking and Stretching Therapy combines gentle rocking, like floating on water, with acupressure and gentle stretches to relax and limber up muscles. Client may remain clothed. This therapy works well for women during pregnancy.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage releases toxins and strengthens the immune system against various diseases, allergy symptoms, colds, and many inflammatory conditions. It is also an excellent therapy for relieving water retention. With consistent treatments, this therapy can aid in weight loss.

Reiki, an ancient form of bodywork originating in Japan, is used today in hospitals nation-wide. Reiki is used in treating pain and in promoting general wellbeing. Typically, after a Reiki treatment the client will feel extremely relaxed, yet at the same time energized. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Manual Therapy can help overcome physical challenges which massage therapy may not resolve. This therapy is ideal for injuries and chronic problems. Modalities used in Manual Therapy include Neurofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. These modalities are very gentle and relaxing. At times it may feel like nothing is happening because there is no rubbing or massaging, but in reality, much is happening throughout the body at a very deep level. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Chair Massage is performed in 10 - 30 minute sessions. The client remains fully clothed while seated in an ergonomically designed massage chair. Areas targeted are back, neck, shoulders, and more depending on time. Short bodywork sessions are very effective in reducing stress, fatigue, muscle tension, and pain associated with being seated long hours in the work place. Chair Massage also helps prevent repetitive use injuries and boosts immunity to colds and flu.