Massage Therapy Group

MODALITIES

Swedish – If you have ever been to a spa, this is the type of massage you probably received. It is a full body massage, usually given without clothing *. Gentle and relaxing.

Hot Stone - This is basically a Swedish massage done with hot stones which are usually flat and vary in size.  They are at temperatures of 130 to 140 degrees.

Deep Tissue – Similar to Swedish, it is a full body massage with deeper muscle work (which usually means some discomfort, but a "good" hurt). The goal is to loosen tight muscles and break up scar tissue.

Reflexology – The theory of reflexology is that the nerve endings that connect the whole body, end at three points - the ears, hands and feet. By massaging different regions of each you can effect change in the body. A complete session of reflexology is done with clothing on. It can be combined with other modalities.

Four-Hand Massage - This therapy requires two practitioners to simultaneously massage the client's left and right side, making sure to mimic the others motions and to exert equal pressure for a balanced experience.

Foot Bone – When our body goes out of alignment, one part could be the bones of the foot which affect posture and nerves to organs and muscles. A complete session of foot bone is done with clothing on. It can be combined with other modalities.

Vibrational Healing Massage - Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy (VHMT) is a leading-edge bodywork restoring one to fluidity. It is like massage therapy, providing touch techniques and distinctions that help a person live in their body as a liquid process, freeing pain as we have known it. VHMT works with the physical structure to free up past tensions and stresses that have been held in the body. This reawakening of the nervous system restores circulation to injured areas, moves energy and emotions, and helps in the letting go of chronic pain or stiffness. There are approximately 16 basic techniques that serve to align, loosen and connect the body so tensions can reverberate freely. Special sensitive stretching, rebounding and torquing are some of the techniques helping clients to become aware of where they have been holding. Practitioners and recipients alike begin to feel not only their vibrations move within them, but also new circulation of their basic metabolic fluids flowing again to once-rigid areas. As they listen to people's body rhythms and frequencies, practitioners of VHMT facilitate a clothes-on massage therapy that is rhythmic and fun, like playing a fine-tuned violin or guitar. VHMT includes new distinctions of awareness in thinking, speaking, walking, standing and sitting that allow for fully connected and communicative bodies. These concepts are: The Fluid Body Model - a body of knowledge where we experience being in our bodies in a whole new way, acknowledging and honoring the fluid, evolving processes that we are; Disease as a Strategy - a self-responsible way of thinking that allows us to access self-healing and growth; and The Language of Healing - a way of speaking responsibly about our bodies and lives, so that when we speak, we are causing and accessing healing and transformation to happen.

Myofascial Release - Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain and headaches.

Healing Touch – Can be used when actual contact with the body is not possible for reasons such as acute pain from burns, severe trauma or psychological pain from abuse or torture. It is done by working with the body's energy fields (also called aura fields) and chakras. It is a clothing on, hands off modality or light touch can be used.

Reiki - Is a holistic hands-touch healing technique that aids the body in releasing stress and tension in the body by creating deep relaxation. It helps the body accelerate natural healing, stimulate the immune system, relieve muscle spasms, cleanse toxins and release emotional blockages. Reiki can also be an effective ancillary treatment for chronic and acute illness or injury.

Chair Massage - Also called onsite and seated massage, chair massage includes techniques that provide fully clothed seated massage, bodywork and somatic therapies to clients, generally in a corporate or business setting. Practitioners utilize shiatsu, amma and/or Swedish techniques

Others – There are many more forms of massage. A few are  Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure, Shiatsu,  Trigger Point, Lomi Lomi, Crainiosacral, Rolfing, Thai and others.

* - If you have never had a massage at a spa or at your home, "without clothing" may conjure up some uncomfortable feelings. For a full body massage you are fully draped with sheets and should feel as comfortable as wearing clothes. However, your level of comfort may differ from someone else's. It is a good idea to discuss this with your massage therapist before you begin a session.