Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.
Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.
Pre Natal Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE FOR 18 and UNDER:
I have been getting quite a few new clients under 18. It has helped some of my young clients get much relief whether it be working through chronic pain from a previous injury or to enhance their performance for competitive swimming, basketball , or CrossFit. Massage combined with cupping therapy has really helped them all.
Below are a few of the many benefits :
• Helps to boost immune system
• Promotes healthy blood flow
• Increases range of motion and flexibility
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Relaxes the body
• Treats strains and sprains
• Reduces anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and depression.
• Prevention of injury
• Aides in muscle recovery.
Clients under 18 require a parent or guardian to remain in the treatment room for the duration of the service.
•WHAT IS CUPPING THERAPY?•
Cupping Therapy is a type of alternative therapy that originated in China. However, it is said to have been written in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the western world dating back to 1550 BC. In this book it describes how the Egyptians used cupping. In addition to this it is said that in Ancient Greece (409 BC) Hippocrates used cupping for internal disease and structural problems
Cupping Iinvolves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It removes toxins, improves blood flow through the veins and arteries, loosens fascia, and eases scar tissue deep within the muscles and connective tissue.
•ARE CUPPING MARKS BRUISES?•
No, cupping marks are not bruises because a bruise is a traumatic injury resulting in damage to blood vessels and tissue. The cupping marks are debris from the capillary beds that include dead blood cells, proteins, metabolic wastes and fluids. The suction of the cups pulls this debris to the surface where the body can remove it more easily. Typically as an area is treated, these marks no longer occur. The marks are also informative. You can cup several areas in a row and not all of them will have a mark. Only areas that are restricted and compromised will have marks.
•WHAT KIND OF CUPS DO YOU USE?•
There are different cups and certifications out there. Some are glass and use flame and some are plastic and have a suction like pump. I am certified in silicon cupping. I like these cups because I can manage the intensity of the suction with just my hand. I also love the flow that my cups allow me to have because massage should have a flow whether it’s Swedish, cupping, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, etc. It improves the circulatory system SO MUCH and can instantly release a stubborn trigger point. My clients are also all saying how great they are sleeping after a session that includes cupping!
Hot Stones can be added to any massage. The heated stones help to warm up the muscles as well as relax them. I don’t typically offer the traditional hot stone massage but I can and am trained to. I more so like to incorporate hot stones in areas where the muscles/trigger points are a little stubborn to release.
I started my journey learning CranioSacral Therapy back in 2021 by getting certified in Craniosacral 1, 2, and 3. I recently went back to learn Somato Emotional Release and gained an even deeper understanding for this work.
So what is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
CST is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing residual effects from negative experiences, past injuries, losses, etc. It does this by optimizing the movement of your cerebral spinal fluid as it moves within the spinal column (dural tube) and around the brain. Developed by physician William Sutherland, this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience.
How does a session typically start?
We start by listening. There are about 7 listening stations through out your body and as your facilitator I listen to your craniosacral rhythm (CSR). I'm listening for symmetry from left to right in terms of the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid, the strength, and if I detect any blockages. I will then gently pause your Craniosacral rhythm, this is called a still point. This is where your body begins to release and reset and unwind. The goal is to start to release any blockages within your nervous system so that your cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flows more freely through out your body.
Our nervous system can directly effect our CSR as it holds onto experiences/emotions that we haven't yet processed and or addressed by creating protective patterns. Which is why trust is a huge component to this work. When you receive CST your subconscious is figuring out if it trusts your practitioner’s inner wisdom. My job is to create a safe space for you where you feel you can start to release what hasn't served you. Which is why there can be an emotional piece to this work and why some people can become tearful during a session. This is because you're allowing your nervous system to let go of protective patterns that have held you back. Is it necessary to get emotional in order to have releases? Not at all...some people can have breakthrough moments and others can experience their sinuses releasing for the first time in months. It all matters. However, if you don't experience an aha moment or an unwinding of any kind that's ok too. Don't be discouraged because this work can take time and time is your ally. Knowing that your body wants to undo these patterns and heal can feel so empowering!
In addition to listening and aiding in the reset of your CSR, Myofascial release is also a component of CST. It's beneficial in addressing where your fascia has restrictions. Releasing these restrictions further assists in improving the flow of your CSF which can benefit you in having improved brain function as it cushions the brain, improves the immune system, cardiovascular system, removal of toxins, nourishment of brain tissues, memory and focus, and clarity and concentration.
The most important piece to take away from this work is knowing that your body has an innate ability to heal itself.
Side note ~ I have been doing a lot of work inside the mouth and the releases people are experiencing are pretty great! It can help with TMJ, clenching/grinding, and also a lot of studies show a direct correlation between the jaw and the low back/pelvis.
Q. Who can benefit from this wonderful work?
A. Everyone starting from in utero
“Graston Technique® (GT) is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes.GT uses specially designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy. The use of GT instruments, when combined with appropriate therapeutic exercise, leads to the restoration of pain-free movement and function. The instruments also are used diagnostically to assess the kinetic chain, in an efficient manner using the principles of regional interdependence.”
Developed by Aaron Mattes, Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a dynamic system for improving your flexibility and overall well-being. As you probably already know, stretching your muscles not only reduces your chance of injury, but also strengthens your tendons and improves your circulation.
I custom tailor each massage and will always add in stretches that I feel will benefit you!