About my massage and bodywork:
My basic massage combines a delicious blend of Swedish and/or Deep Tissue massage and can include Sports Massage and assisted stretching techniques as well. Each massage is tailored to your personal needs and desires. At the beginning of the session we will do a check in to learn more about you, your body, and what you hope to get out of your session. This information helps me to focus the experience to your particular needs. During the massage, I encourage feedback on the pressure of my touch and the room temperature.
Take a look at the descriptions below and feel free to select your choices from this menu to custom taylor your session perfectly for you!
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue massage is an aggressive system of manipulation of muscles and facia (connective tissues) to free the flow of lymphatic fluid, which supplies oxygen to the muscles and carries away toxins. Strong pressure is applied across the grain of the muscles, and though the technique frequently causes discomfort to the client, the benefits can be extraordinary if there is significant muscular dysfunction. Controlled breathing is an essential part of this technique. The massage typically focuses only on problem areas, and is not a full body technique. This is a therapeutic technique and should be practiced only by a trained and highly skilled therapist. Typically performed on a draped client with oils or creams, using a table.
Reflexology
Dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, Reflexology is based on the theory that there are reflexes with the hands and feet, which correspond to every organ and zone of the body. In 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced to us the “map” of the feet and hands, which many of us have seen. Applying pressure to spots within each zone of the foot or palm has direct effect on its corresponding part of the body. It is believed to cause increased circulation to each part, and help foster better function. The goal of Reflexology is decidedly Eastern, to help balance and maintain the body’s equilibrium. It is effective for relieving most types of skeletal and muscular pain. Although many massage therapists use Reflexology, it is not considered massage in itself and is not licensed or regulated in most states. Typically performed on a clothed client without creams or oils, on a chair or table.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a specialized technique used to help athletes reach peak performance, recover more quickly from stress and injury, and to promote flexibility. The technique varies per the type of sport the athlete is engaged in, but is usually comprised of Swedish and Shiatsu techniques, and often targets one or several particular parts of the body. Physical therapists and masseurs who specifically target the athletic community most often practice it. Typically performed on a clothed or draped client on a table, often using creams and cryo-heat gels.
Body Electric
A variety of sensual massage intended to promote positive self-image and acceptance of the body, and help to reattach a wholesome view of sexual energy within the body. Body Electric practitioners are trained through a center in Oakland, California. Performed on undraped clients on a table with hot oil.
Hot Stone Therapy
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, has come full-circle through the increasingly popular Hot Stone treatments. Everyone knows that applying heat and pressure to painful areas bring relief. Ancient civilizations used warm stones to apply this therapy, which was later advanced into the many varieties of hot packs and heating pads we have today. Hot Stone Therapy uses smooth stones of various shapes, sizes, and weights, arranged in specific patterns on the body, to apply deep-penetrating heat. There is no standardized application. Many therapists alternate between hot and cold stones. Many new-age practitioners utilize specific patterns or focus stones along meridians or charkas, believing this will bring about additional benefits. Some therapists use the stones as massage tools. Make sure you tell your therapist if you feel a stone is too hot. Typically performed on draped or undraped clients on a table.
