Swedish Massage

A systematic massage of the soft tissues of the body - the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It increases the body's blood and lymphatic circulation, assists in relieving pain and stress, and induces a state of deep relaxation. The pressure will vary from light to deep and will always be within your comfort level.

Myofascial Release

This technique uses gentle and sustained pressure to engage and release the fascia/connective tissue of the body to deal with issues of pain and dysfunction. While the effect is deep and lasting, the technique itself is not painful.

Deep Tissue Massage

Releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through a combination of slow strokes and deep, controlled pressure on contracted areas. Can also involve the identification and release of "trigger points", small areas of hyper-irritability within muscles which can be the root cause of chronic as well as referred pain in the body.

Pre-Natal Massage

Massage during pregnancy is wonderfully relaxing for both mind and body. It reduces stress, relieves muscle aches and joint pains, and improves labor outcomes and newborn health. Massage is suitable for all stages of pregnancy with great care being taken to ensure your comfort (using side-lying techniques and bolsters) and to ensure the health and wellbeing of your baby. In the very late stages of your pregnancy, some very effective reflexology and shiatsu techniques can also be incorporated into the session to help stimulate labor if desired.

Post-Natal Massage

Your body changes enormously in the 12 months following childbirth. Post-natal massage addresses these changes with a particular focus on relief of muscle tension from carrying your baby and on providing relaxation and stress relief to balance any lack of sleep.

Sports Massage

For anyone from competitive athletes to "weekend warriors", sports massage is used to ready the body for strenuous activity, to help the body recover from the aftereffects of such activity, and to maintain the body in the best possible condition for performance at every level.

Medical Massage

Medical massage addresses specific conditions to help recovery from illness, disease, pain and injury. This customized session may include elements from any of the massage modalities listed here. The treatment can be very focused on your specific problem area or incorporated into a full-body massage.

Shiatsu

An Asian-based system of finger pressure massage that uses acupuncture energy channels or meridians. Shiatsu releases blockages in the meridians and organs, rebalancing the body's energy flow, and aiding its natural healing process. Elements of shiatsu can be incorporated into any massage, but a full session normally takes place clothed, on a soft floor-mat, with the therapist using hands, feet, elbows and knees to apply pressure to specific points. It involves movement and stretching, and feels energizing as well as deeply relaxing.

Reflexology

This ancient method of massage targets specific points on the hands and feet which correspond to the major organs and glands of the body. Applying pressure to these points can help reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful for stress-related and emotional disorders, and to address areas of the body which are too traumatized to receive direct manipulation.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resins, woods and roots) have been used as a powerful healing tool for thousands of years. Each oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits, and can be used singly or in a custom blend to address specific conditions, or simply to aid with relaxation. All massages can include the addition of essential oils with our compliments.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy includes the use of ice, hot and cold compresses, and castor oil packs. It is a very powerful tool for relieving muscular tension and pain, stimulating cellular metabolism, increasing immune function, improving the flow of blood and lymph, as well as aiding overall relaxation. Hydrotherapy techniques can be included as needed in any of our massage sessions.