| About
Massage |
For policies and rates please click here |
Therapeutic
massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to
alleviate and prevent pain, discomfort, muscle tension and stress and
to promote a general sense of health and well being. Massage therapy
improves the function of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal,
and nervous systems.
We begin to relax as soon as we enter the treatment room of a massage therapist that we know and trust. The mere mention of massage therapy can cause a pleasant, physiological reaction in some people. Imagine being in a serene, safe environment where the only thing you are expected to do is close your eyes, breathe and receive non-sexual, therapeutic touch. Add the comfort of a specially designed, heated massage table to an atmosphere which includes scented oils, relaxing music and soft light that is the setting for your massage therapy experience. During a treatment, the nervous system is given signals that "all is well." Neurotransmitters are released to provide pleasurable sensations and to aid in the body's natural pain-killing abilities. Increased levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin have been reputed to elevate mood and improve sleep. Stress is abated, the fight or flight reaction is interrupted, and the body is given a chance to rest and restore itself.
A massage therapist is an essential part of a holistic health support team. Massage therapists can provide relief from stress, pain and discomfort; they do not replace a physician, a midwife, a psychologist, a chiropractor, a relative or a friend. It is important to understand these boundaries when developing your professional relationship. You may feel a closeness with your massage therapist because there is mutual energy being exchanged. This is part of the healing process, and it is okay. Enjoy this special relationship as one of the many gifts of self care.
Types
Of Massage
Swedish
The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of gentle strokes
and techniques designed by Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling in the 1700's.
These strokes move with the flow of blood towards the heart, and are
beneficial in releasing toxins and metabolic waste from muscle tissue
as well as increasing oxygen flow in the body. Many therapists use Swedish
techniques to ìwarm up muscle tissue, to connect and finish strokes,
or as the basic model for the entire Massage treatment. It is both stimulating
and soothing to the nervous system, and it also stretches ligaments
and tendons to improve resilience.
Deep
Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, often
following or crossing the fibers of muscles, tendons and ligaments to
release contracted areas. It can also break up and eliminate scar tissue.
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on specific areas and uses slow, deep strokes
or intense finger pressure to release chronic muscle tension. It is
common to feel soreness during or after a Deep Tissue treatment, but
this usually subsides within a short period of time. It is both therapeutic
and corrective.
Maya
Abdominal Massage
The Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Massage were developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN. This specialized Massage technique is an external non-invasive manipulation that enhances the flow of blood, lymph and vital energy or "chi." It is beneficial to women and men for digestive and reproductive health.
Hot
Stone Massage
Specialized massage using Swedish strokes with heated, natural Basalt
stones. Provides deep relief from tense muscles, and is used in traditional
healing as a natural, organic carrier of ch'ulel (life force).
Lymphatic Massage Manual techniques combined with the knowledge of the flow patterns of lymphatic fluid to intentionally stimulate the circulation and movement of lymph and interstitial fluid throughout the body.
Cupping
Used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (shanhuofa) and Maya
Traditional Healing (ventosa): ventosa means "pulling out wind."
In MTH "wind" is another word for muscle spasm and tissue
congestion. Ventosa uses a combination of heat and suction with specially
designed glass cups to ease pain and congestion by increasing topical
circulation of fresh blood and ch'ulel. This technique is beneficial
for muscle stiffness, energetic stagnation, bronchial congestion, and
emotional internalization.
| Other
Types of Commonly Known Massage:
- Sports
Massage
- Pre
& Post Natal
- Reflexology
These
types of Massage therapy use a combination of Swedish and Deep
Tissue strokes to address specific conditions and to improve the
bodyís over-all performance. |
|
"Through
the gentle use of the senses we can experience joy on the earth
plane, encounter beauty, develop sensitivity and discrimination.
With the right use of the senses we know the immanence of spirit
in matter."
Heinrich S. Ripzam |
Benefits
of Massage:
- Relieves
physical and mental stress
- Promotes
a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Relieves
muscle tension and stiffness
- Enhances
emotional well-being
- Provides
greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Alleviates
discomfort during pregnancy
- Improves
circulation of blood and movement of lymph
- Strengthens
the immune system*
- Promotes
easier and deeper breathing
- Reduces
blood pressure**
- Enhances
athletic performance
- Reduces
the formation of scar tissue
- Treats
pain & symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia
- Increases
body awareness & mind-body connection
(source:
AMTA)
Massage
Therapy Rates
| Integrative Deep
Tissue / Swedish |
$80/
75 minutes |
| Integrative Deep
Tissue / Swedish |
$65/
1 hr |
| Pre-Natal Massage |
$70/
1 hr |
| Deepen your experience with... |
| Hot Stone Therapy |
$10 extra |
| Sugar scrub for feet and calves |
$10 extra |
| Maya
Abdominal Massage |
| Initial
Intake and Treatment |
$90/
1 hr |
| Subsequent
Treatments |
$60/
1 hr |
Policies & Courtesies
Cancellation
Policy: Please give 24 hours notice when canceling an appointment.
No shows or same-day cancellations will be charged full price for the scheduled treatment.
In the spirit of courtesy, good hygiene is greatly appreciated. If possible, wear light make-up or none at all so that you can experience a lovely facial massage, and because dirty feet are no fun to rub please rinse those toes before you leave the house!
Attention sun goddesses: if your skin is peeling from a recent sunburn, you may consider postponing your appointment until a later date when all is healed. Honoring these guidelines simply creates a better experience for everyone. Thanks!
While I thank you for the offer to trade your services for a massage, my current policy is not to trade services or barter. I prefer to exchange cash.
Note:
All gift certificates expire 90 days from date of issue.
* Clients
experiencing cold or flu symptoms should not receive Massage Therapy.
Clients with immune system disorders are advised to consult a physician
before recieving Massage Therapy.
** Clients
may experience a temporary rise in blood pressure during and directly
after a Massage treatment due to the direct pressure exerted on blood
vessels. For those with extremely high blood pressure, Massage Therapy
may be contraindicated, and a physician should be consulted.
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