Therapies

On the table, many therapeutic modalities are utilized during the massage session. They include Acupressure, Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Ashiatsu or Barefoot Shiatsu.

Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these acupressure points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points and meridians, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure and integrates bodywork therapies, therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, energy psychology, and massage therapy techniques. Read more about Accupressure

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an old, traditional, Japanese healing method. Shiatsu means “finger pressure.” But unlike the massages of the West, where kneading and friction is used, in shiatsu pressure and stretching is the key. The shiatsu practitioner uses palms, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, elbows, knees and the feet, to work on the body’s acupuncture points, along what they consider the body’s meridians or energy channels.

Swedish Massage
The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia.

Myofascial Release
Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and integument, muscles, and bones, with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and balancing the body. The fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion.

Ashiatsu- Barefoot Shiatsu
Barefoot Shiatsu!

Off the table, I am a practitioner of Breema and Watsu.

Breema
Breema’s Nine Principles of Harmony are the key to the system’s many unique facets, from its enlivening effect on both practitioner and recipient, to its ability to create deep receptivity and tangible well-being. Breema bodywork is appropriate for anyone interested in a practical way to deepen their relationship to life while nurturing the body. Learn more about Breema

Watsu
Typically performed in a specially designed pool heated to body
temperature, Watsu is a series of gentle movements and stretches
intended to relax your body. It was invented in 1980 by Harold Dull, a
Northern California massage therapist who offered the treatment in
local hot springs. It incorporates techniques from zen shiatsu, an
ancient Chinese pressure-point therapy believed to release blockages
along the body's meridians where chi, or energy, flows. Learn more about this amazing therapy.