Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle hands-on therapy supporting every system of the body, releasing tension & enhancing the body's own ability to heal. Great in calming or helping people with ADD, anxiety, concussions.....Helps to relieve migraines, TMJ, chronic pain/fatigue, stress, quicker recovery after surgery, improves sleep. No need for disrobing. It can be done completely clothed. Loose fitting clothes are a must!
Cupping massage: Cupping has been used for more than 3,000 years in different cultures. It is a traditional form of alternative medicine. The technique uses cups (I use silicone cupsor vaccum cups, not glass) to create negative air pressure to soften tight muscles, tone attachments, loosen adhesions and minimize scars, lift and separate connective tissues, bring hydration and blood flow to the area, drain excess fluids from the body by opening lymphatic pathways. This age old modality is believed to decrease muscle pain, chronic pain, trigger points, improve lymph flow and can reduce cellulite. Integration into existing treatments produces maximum results! A cupping session will consist of using no more than 6 cups on the body at one time. You will feel suction where the cups are placed. They can be left on the body for about 15mns at a time. One or two cups can be used to massage the entire body. Allow 3 to 5 days between treatments. Depending on your skin sensitivity (bruise easily or not) bruising, skin discoloration (pinkish to purple) may occur. This is a normal reaction and a good sign that it is working!
Deepfeet Bar Therapy, also called Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: Is a barefoot massage technique using deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body (done entirely with the therapist's feet!). Gravitational force is combined with flowing up and down movements. This creates a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage or tension. This technique provides deep relaxation and stimulates the lymphatic system of the body. Bars are used overhead (for the therapist's use) for support and balance and lubricant is applied to the body. The 90mn session allows for more focus on tight areas and is a full body treatment. The 60mn session is more suited for either upper or lower body. (See more information on this therapy and a quick video on my "What is Ashiatsu?" page).
Deep tissue: A hands on massage to relieve deep tension, knots, trigger points in the body. The therapist first warms up the body with her hands to apply deeper pressure and release the layers of muscles as the body releases and warms up. It breaks down adhesions in order to restore normal movement.
FIR therapy: The gentle heat of the Far Infrared dome raises body temperature which promotes relaxation, kills bacteria, viruses, fungi. It boots the immune system, detoxifies the body, improves circulation and reduces pain. FIR therapy has been used for many conditions and by NASA, hospitals and athletes for a few years! FIR helps athletes recover faster from injuries. It promotes rebuilding of the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis (all necessary for tissue repair). The dome is placed above an area of the body for a minimum of 15mn, up to an hour at a time. (See more information on my page titled "what is FIR"?)
Hot Stones: is a specialty massage in which warmed basalt stones are used to massage the body, or are positioned on the body for therapeutic effects. The heat from the stones helps the muscles relax which allows for a deeper massage. It is also beneficial for pain relief. This one is a must try during the winter season! It is important to let the therapist know if the heat from the stones is too much or the pressure is too intense. DO NOT schedule a hot stone if you have diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart disease, are on blood thinners, pregnant or have a sunburn. For a full body hot stone massage, there is a $10 extra charge.
Lymphatic drainage: Is a very light, gentle massage intended to increase the volume of lymph flow. The lymph carries waste. It is one of the best thing you can do to help your body cleanse itself and boost the immune system! Perfect before or during the cold and flu season to avoid sickness! The increase in flow will remove toxins and infectious materials from the body. Very relaxing, this massage is targeted to improve your health and skin!
Myofascial Release: Is a gentle application of sustained pressure/stretching of the fascia, the first layer of tissue under the skin. Treats the myofascial system that binds the entire body from head to toe which can produce pain and restrictions. Very beneficial in relieving stresses caused by trauma, back pain, headaches, chronic conditions, posture or inflammation.
Pregnancy Massage: Pure gold for the mother to be! A full body relaxation massage focusing on aches and pain of pregnancy, reduction of stress on the lower back, pelvis and legs. Pregnancy massage improves circulation and helps with swollen legs.
Reflexology: Is the kneading and massaging of the hands and/or feet which have over 7,000 senses and reflex zones of the body. An alternative to a full body massage! but still works the entire body..... via the feet (or hands). Very relaxing but at the same time very effective for many conditions including, headaches!
Swedish Massage: Is a more relaxing type of massage, done with slower and longer strokes, mixed with petrissage and trigger point work in areas of tension/knots. Light to moderate pressure and can be invigorating as well.