Descriptions of Body Therapies

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage addresses the soft tissue (muscle and connective tissue) of the body and has deep therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. The approach taken and techniques used in a Swedish massage can vary greatly to create the most beneficial treatment to meet each individual’s needs.A treatment is done with the client lying on a massage table and securely draped with a sheet. Oil or lotion is applied to the skin to lubricate the strokes, which can be long and gliding, kneading, or deep and specific. This style of massage is highly effective for releasing muscular tension and stress carried in the body and increasing physical health and emotional well-being. The movement of blood and fluids in the body resulting from the techniques used in Swedish massage can facilitate cleansing by releasing and flushing out toxins. It is important for clients to know that your comfort is of utmost importance:

• the depth of pressure can always be changed upon request
• you do not need to undress any more than your level of comfort
• genitals/breasts will never be exposed

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a hands-on healing modality that is based on the theory of Chinese Medicine. The focus is on balancing the qi (energy) in the body by addressing the meridians (paths along which qi flows). The therapeutic benefits from a shiatsu treatment arise from the practitioner’s focus on areas of diminished or excess qi which are often the root of disharmony in the body. Addressing these areas supports health in the body at a profound level. The practitioner generally uses thumb or finger pressure along the meridians, plus palm pressure, joint rotations and stretches. The result is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. A treatment is generally done with the recipient lying on a futon on the floor although table shiatsu is not uncommon. Please wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Craniosacral
Craniosacral therapy is a modality that focuses on the bones of the skull and spine and the subtle movements made by these bones in synchronization with the cerebrospinal fluid. Much of a Craniosacral session centers around the head and spine though work is also done to address the rest of the body and promote the self-healing capabilities of the body and mind. Receiving this work is deeply relaxing and can encourage release of emotional and physical patterns. A craniosacral treatment is received fully clothed while lying on a massage table.

Thai Massage
This dynamic technique focuses on moving energy and releasing tension by placing the receiver in passive yoga positions, incorporating gentle rocking, rhythmic compression and many healthful stretches. Like shiatsu, Thai Massage incorporates knowledge of pressure points and meridian systems from Asian Medical Theory and can greatly increase vitality and fluidity. Thai massage is received on a futon, fully clothed. Please wear loose comfortable clothing.

Qi Gong Massage
Our 38th generation practitioner received his lineage training from the Qi Gong Master Dr. Myung Shill Kim. This technique, although similar to it’s eastern counterparts (shiatsu, tui na, and amma) is very rare in the U.S. but is used by millions in Asia for it’s preventative as well as curative effects. A well balanced technique, Qi work can include light as well as deep touch and is tailored to each individual.

Chi Nei Tsang/Unwinding the Belly
An ancient Taoist practice, translated as Internal Organ Chi Transformation, CNT is an abdominal massage with deep, soft and gentle touch, to train internal organs to work more efficiently. CNT detoxifies and strengthens the organs by addressing all of the body systems: digestion, respiration, lymph, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, skeleto-muscular and the meridian system. Focus is on integrative breathwork and physical/emotional release. Unwinding the Belly work is based on work taught by Allison Post incorporating CNT and Craniosacral work. Please wear loose clothing with access to abdomen.

Oriental Foot Massage
Tzu-jan Tao (spontaneous, natural) Oriental Foot Massage is a unique approach to treating the feet that honors the Eastern roots of Modern Reflexology. It combines Asian bodywork techniques and acupressure points and often includes work on the ankles and legs. This treatment is received on a massage table fully clothed.

Reflexology
An ancient art based on the scientific principle that there are reflex points in the feet which correspond to glands, organs and other parts of the body, Reflexology addresses common ailments through massaging the feet and stimulating these points. Reflexology can reduce stress, relieve pain, increase energy, improve circulation, cleanse the body of toxins, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall health. Women may find it especially helpful in relieving pre-menstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms. Points in the hands and ears may also be included in the treatment. Reflexology is received on a massage table fully clothed.

Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage uses a very light touch which stimulates the lymphatic system to transport cellular wastes for eliminaton of toxins. This is a highly effective technique for enhancing the efficiency of the immune system and purifying and rejuvenating the body. Often combined with swedish massage techniques, lymphatic massage is done with the client lying on a massage table and securely draped with a sheet.

Deep Tissue
Swedish massage techniques (see above) are used in a specific way to promote healing of injured tissue due to stress, repetitive motion, strain, or actual muscular injury. When muscles are stressed or injured, the optimal flow of oxygen and nutrients is compromised, leading to a build up of toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep-tissue massage generally consists of slower strokes and is directed toward the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. A deep-tissue massage works specifically on the muscles and connective tissues to increase circulation of blood and oxygen, increase muscle function and range of motion, break up scar tissue and adhesions and decrease pain.

Prenatal
Special props and pillows are used during massage so the expecting mother can be comfortable and supported in her growing body. Massage can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy right up until delivery. Receiving massage during pregnancy helps to support the woman through hormonal shifts and physical changes and can help prepare the woman physically and emotionally for labor and postpartum. Postnatal massage is also available. Prenatal massage is done with the client lying on a massage table and securely draped with a sheet.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the method of activating points with fine sterile needles along the jingluo, or meridians, to balance qi and move blood. There are twelve main meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. Eleven of these refer to a specific organ system and the others a more sublime function. The meridians, and acupuncture points along the meridians, all have specific known affects on biological functions, joints, muscles, areas of the body (ie. face, neck, low back, abdomen, etc.), organs, bone, marrow, shen, blood, etc. Acupuncture has often proven effective when other courses of treatment have been ineffective.

Tui-na
Tui-na is the practice of acupressure massage based on the acupuncture points and meridians. A tui-na treatment can, depending on the disharmony, accomplish many of the same goals as acupuncture along with providing subtle joint manipulation. It is often helpful when there is muscle tension causing headaches and neck and back pain.