About Massage

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.

About Stress

Everyone experiences stress. The stress reaction is a primitive response to any dangerous or threatening situation (like running from the proverbial saber-toothed tiger). This reaction has been essential in preserving the human species and ensuring our continued survival. The stress reaction is commonly known as the "fight-or-flight" reaction. When we are confronted by a threatening situation our thoughts trigger two branches of the central nervous system- the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system initiates involuntary responses to activate the major systems of the body in preparation for "fight-or-flight". The parasympathetic nervous system is designed to relax the body after a stressful encounter.

In modern society, we experience the stress reaction on a continual basis, but physical release is usually unacceptable (we cannot run down the street every time we feel stressed out). If the body is subject to continuous stress it becomes more difficult to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. As stress responses are continuous and physical release is suppressed, the build-up of stress hormones can cause the body systems to be out of balance, and mental as well as physical exhaustion occurs. It is believed that 80% of modern diseases have stress-related causes. We may not be able to prevent stress from happening, but we can change the ways in which we cope with stress through natural healing techniques, relaxation, diet, exercise and meditation.

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 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 for sixty minutes. 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, and the body is given a chance to rest and restore itself.

  

"Isabelle was my massage therapist for 5 years when I lived in Asheville. I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and asthma and she helped me not only cope with these chronic conditions but I was able to function on a daily basis because of her massage therapy. Her varied techniques improved my condition greatly when I was in a “fibro-flare” and I believe that having a massage weekly improved my physical and emotional well being. Isabelle is a spiritual, loving person and a very skilled and gifted therapist. I miss her greatly."
Dottie Schuler-Gleason


"Going to Isabelle for massage makes me feel relaxed, rejuvenated, healthier, and happier.  She is so intuitive when it comes to the kind of massage I might need on a particular day and I feel very cared for in her hands.  She's the best in Asheville!"
Sam Castelblanco

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

Deep Tissue / Swedish $65/ hr
Swedish with Hot Stone

$75/ hr


Maya Abdominal Massage
Initial Intake and Treatment $90/ hr
Subsequent Treatments $60/ 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 case of illness or emergency, exceptions will be granted.

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!

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.