Swedish massage uses light, soothing strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart, providing deep relaxation and improving circulation. This flushes toxins from the body and helps boost the immune system. It is exceptionally beneficial for relaxing the entire body and the mind, while increasing oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle tightness and increasing flexibility.
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve chronic muscle tension, focusing on deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. This is recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, discomfort, and/or tightness, are involved in heavy physical activity, and for some patients who have sustained physical injury. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. It is not uncommon for recipients to experience some muscle soreness for a day or two after receiving a deep tissue massage.
Hot stone massage involves massaging the muscles using heated, smooth stones and oil. Muscles are pre-treated with the heated stones to allow the therapist to more easily perform deep tissue manipulations, or for a much more luxurious Swedish Massage. This technique helps to create a deeper relaxation, promoted by the warmth of the stones, and is especially beneficial for arthritis and fibromyalgia. Stones are held in the hands of the therapist, who then uses them to massage away muscle tension. Cold stones can also be incorporated, which can be helpful in treating clients with headaches.
Reiki is an ancient and sacred healing art that enables a deeply meditative and healing experience for body, mind, and spirit. Reiki is received fully clothed through a series of gentle yet powerful hand placements. Tension, stress, and pain melt away under the warm and nurturing touch of the therapist. Chakras and major systems of the body are given concentrated life force energy, enhancing the body’s inherent power to heal.
Therapeutic Massage is similar to a Swedish Massage, though utilizes more specific tools/pressure where needed, to include sustained compression, deeper pressure, range of motion, and stretching techniques.