New! CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy is a light-touch approach to bodywork that is focused on releasing tensions deep in the body in order to relieve pain and dysfunction as well as improving whole-body health. Performed fully clothed, this bodywork utilises techniques specifically designed to target the central nervous system (aka - Cranialsacral System) which consists of the brain, spinal cord and related soft tissues and fluids. CST has been shown to naturally reduce pain and stress, strengthen resistance to disease, and enhance your health and well-being through assisting and enhancing the body’s natural self-corrective mechanisms. More dramatically it has been shown to help people with a full spectrum of dysfunctions including Migraines, Chronic Neck and Back Pain, Motor-Coordination Impairment, Immune Disorders, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, TMJ syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and much more.

Swedish

This massage is a full body massage that generally has light to moderate pressure and a flowing, continuous motion. Swedish massage is very often used for stress relief and relaxation as it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This luscious massage is also very good for stimulating circulation throughout the body. A Swedish massage generally does not focus on getting rid of "knots" although it does relieve muscular tension which may solve this issue for some clients. I am also able to do a Firm Swedish massage in which I will incorporate stronger pressure as well as some stretching while maintaining a sense of flow.

Deep Tissue

This massage is generally not a full body massage but focuses on a few specific problem areas and their related counterparts. There are many types of deep tissue massage, some more rigorous than others. In my deep tissue work, I move very slowly, frequently holding in spots, to allow the muscle tissue to relax into the firmness of pressure as together, with the client, we are able to gradually go deeper in order to effect a more profound and long-lasting release. I also incorporate quick cross-fiber friction in this massage which can have a more intense sensation. It is not meant to be a painful massage, as many tend to expect, but you may experience some therapeutic intensity and may experience soreness the following day.

Foot Reflexology

This is not actually a "massage" in the common sense of the word, which is why I often use the term "bodywork" in my verbiage. Focusing solely on the feet, reflexology utilizes a pattern of pressure points in the feet that correspond to the various parts of the body, both within the musculoskeletal system as well as well as the nervous system, circulatory system, reproductive system, internal organs and hormonal balancing. Instead of attempting to "fix" a problem, reflexology, and its focus on specific pressure points, simply stimulates the body and assists in bringing the body to its natural state of balance - homeostasis. Naturally, since we will be spending so much time on the feet, how can I resist not including a foot massage in this session? I also touch on some pressure points on the head to help with grounding and centering.

Cupping

Cupping is a painless bodywork technique which utilizes suction cups to pull blood towards the surface of the skin. Cupping increases warmth and circulation in muscles which releases tension in muscle spasms. As an enhancement to a deep tissue massage, cupping is excellent in the acceleration of the body’s self healing processes.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is the web-like connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body, surrounding every bone, muscle, artery and nerve. "Myo" is the latin prefix for muscle. Myofascial release focuses on finding the areas in which the fascia of the muscles (and skeleton) is overly tight and/or dehydrated, causing chronic pain and physical imbalances. A form of bodywork, as opposed to massage, this modality consists of a series of gentle holds and very very slow, subtle movements to warm and gently allow the fascial tissue to release, which in turn can relieve long-standing alignment issues, postural distortions and the accompanying muscular pain. While this modality can be very effective, it generally requires more than one session and definitely requires a willingness and commitment to embrace the release and change. This modality is about re-patterning, and therefore requires an interest and awareness of ones own body on a subtle level and a focused quality of attention.

Prenatal

Prenatal (or Pregnancy) Massage is valuable for obvious reasons - (aching back, swollen and/or aching feet and legs, pelvic pain, glutes & sciatic pain) - however the client obviously cannot assume the same massage positions as a traditional massage. Utilizing specialized pillows and positioning, the pregnancy massage is performed in a very comfortable side-lying position. This massage is a basic flowing Swedish massage with the avoidance of specific pressure points that are contraindicated for pregnancy massage. Firmer pressure can be provided to clients that are past their first trimester. At this point I only perform this massage at the spa location as the use of hydraulic massage tables is safer and easier for pregnant women to get on and off of, however this point is open for negotiation.

Oncology Massage

Clients with cancer can benefit greatly from massage provided they fall within certain limitations. Always check with your doctor before receiving massage if you are being treated for cancer, however, generally it is safe to receive massage if you are not in the middle of chemotherapy treatments. Massage during chemotherapy is hard on the body and is generally contraindicated (from a massage therapist's point of view) - if your doctor recommends getting a massage during your treatment phase, I request to have that recommendation in writing. An oncology massage is a very light, slow and gentle massage that is wonderful for calming the nervous system, stimulating lymph flow and encouraging calming energetic balancing. The goal in this massage is not to try to stretch, pull or challenge the muscles in any way but to create a warm and calm in support of your body's natural desire to return to a state of homeostasis. This massage can be performed as a full body massage on the massage table, or on feet/legs or hands/arms while the client is seated or even in bed.

Special Populations (Athletes, Elderly, Minors, Transgender, Differently-abled)

"Special Populations" is a term used in the massage and bodywork industry to signify persons who may not fit into the traditional practices/expectations of the field. It is meant to express a non-judgmental awareness of physical difference along with the willingness to acknowledge and work with common concerns:

  • Athletes are able to withstand greater pressure during massage and additionally are very hard on their bodies and require a therapist who understands the specificity of their body awareness and their particular needs. This does NOT necessarily mean a deeper massage but a deeper understanding of the demands placed on the body that differ from non-athletic persons.

  • Elderly persons can greatly benefit from massage but require less rigor and strain on the muscles and skeleton. Additionally some elderly people are unable to get on and off of a massage table but are also unable to get to the spa where there are hydraulic tables. I am aware of these difficulties and am able to work with these challenges with prior discussion.

  • Minors are permitted to receive massage with their consent/desire along with permission from a legal guardian. Any minor under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian present during the entire massage, and minors must be at least 18 years of age to receive massage at the spa.

  • Transgendered persons are welcome and in the "special populations" category due to the requirement for the therapist to take into consideration certain gender reassignment surgeries (of the upper body) that may have affected fascia and muscle tissue as well as extensive scarring. While people having had chest surgeries is certainly not limited to this population, the desire for safety (and/or secrecy) can often override the initial purpose for coming to receive massage. This can result in the client engaging in unnecessary physical holding patterns that may not be in line with the goals of the massage. I want to create a safe space where people of all genders feel welcome, safe and free to share (if they so choose) without fear of judgment. 

  • Differently-abled persons are welcome and require the therapist to work with these clients with a sense of awareness and adaptive communication and protocol. This includes not only musculoskeletal impairments/differences but also visual, auditory and language (non-English speaking). The client is required to bring a person to assist with any lifting and positional changes, communication interpretation or translation in order to enable me to give the best and most appropriate service possible.