Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects. Dating back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East, this simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. Oils were used in the Old Testament to increase spiritual awareness. After an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. Used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. When inhaled the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories. Read more about Aromatherapy
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which literally means "The science of long life." Ayurveda Massage is one of the branches of Ayurveda Medicine. Ayurveda Medicine aims to heal the root of the dis-ease, rather than focusing on the alleviation of symptoms. It dates back 5000 years from India and draws heavily upon nature. Its? focus is to balance the body and bring you back into harmony with the world around you. Today, the World Health Organization recognizes Ayurveda as one of the top three medical systems in America. Ayurveda Massage focuses on balancing each individual by using specific herbs during a series of treatments. The treatments all work together to detoxify the mind and body and allow the herbs and oils to penetrate to the deepest layers.
Chair Massage
When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may see chair massage at the airport or health club, or you may want a practitioner to come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O. O.M.M., this manual therapy enhances the body's natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. the Craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth - which make up the cranium - down to the sacrum or tail bone. Since the system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the crainiosacral system could cause sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. Read more about Craniosacral Therapy
Cryotherapy
Also known as ice therapy, this modality uses the application of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs and cold water immersions to alleviate blood flow, swelling, and inflammation with the contraction of blood vessels. Used in conjunction with heat, cryotherapy can increase circulation, and hence remove wastes and toxins from an injured area.
Deep Tissue Massage
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
EFT is a form of alternative psychotherapy that is used to balance the body's energy field by tapping on acupuncture points while a specific traumatic memory is focused on, in order to alleviate a psychological problem. EFT is a powerful new method based on the discovery that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease and that all trauma is merely a "short-circuit" in one's energy system. Scientific studies have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress and physical dis-ease. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accelerate healing. Physical ailments start to fade, headaches, back pains and other discomforts often tend to improve or vanish as emotional issues improve.
Energy Medicine
Energy Medicine is used to find blockages or stagnation in the energy field and the chakras in and around the body and restore its proper circulation and balance, thereby stimulating the body's innate healing capacity. The practitioner uses subtle touch or holding on specific points to harmonize the flow of energy through the body and to enhance the body's structural balance. Energy work is effective in promoting the healing of many conditions and promoting well-being on all levels.
Hot Stone Massage
This technique uses smooth basalt river stones that are heated in hot water and then applied on the body with oil. The stones help to melt away tension and greatly increase relaxation of both the mind and body. Their warmth increases blood flow which in turns aids in greater healing for many systems of the body.
Integrative Massage
Originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of bodywork was developed at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy over 20 years ago. To assist in the release of emotional issues trapped in the body, long fluid strokes are used to move energy from the head down and out through the hands and feet. This is combined with the use of deep breathwork to aid the process.
Jin Shin Jyutsu ®
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu brings balance to the body's energies, which promotes optimal health and well-being, and facilitates our own profound healing capacity. It is a valuable complement to conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation, and reducing the effects of stress. It is a gentle art, practiced by placing the fingertips on designated safety energy blocks, to harmonize and restore the energy flow. This facilitates the reduction of tension and stress, which accumulate through normal daily living.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often affecting the extremities. It may also occur in the face, the trunk, the abdomen or the genital area. Lymphedema is the result of an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the subcutaneous tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated. Once present, this chronic condition continues to progress. Read More about the Lymphatic System
Myofascial Release Therapy
The fascial system is one continuous, laminated, connective-tissue sheath that spreads without interruption throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web. All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a tissue called fascia. Therapists locate and address restrictions in the fascial system that are causing asymmetries, postural mal alignment, abnormal tensions, and pressures that can lead to pain and dysfunction. The goal lf Myofascial release is to produce a well-balanced, symmetrical, and mobile body within the skeletal, soft-tissue, and craniosacral systems.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical techniques that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The most widely taught and generally accepted form of this technique was created by Dr. Vodder of Austria and requires advanced training and precise movements.
Maya Abdominal Massage
Maya Abdominal Massage is a noninvasive, external massage technique. It guides internal abdominal organs into their proper position for optimum health and wellbeing. Maya massage improves organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion from the abdomen. the technique applies anatomy, physiology, herbology, and naturopathy with Ancient Maya healing techniques to address common female complaints such as painful or irregular periods, varicose veins, lower backache, infertility, and more. The technique works by relieving congestion and blockages to improve the flow of chi and fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems to prevent the progression of chronic disease symptomatology. Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN developed these techniques and the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage combine modern science with traditional healing and wisdom to produce a holistic path to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Medical Massage
Performing medical massage requires a firm background in pathology and utilizes specific treatments appropriate to working with disease, pain, and recovery from injury. The therapist may work from a physician's prescription or as an adjunct healer within a hospital or physical therapy setting.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy, including the pressure of trigger points, to eliminate the causes of pain patterns. This approach brings about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers.
Ohashiatsu - Shiatsu
Developed over 30 years ago by Ohashi in New York. Ohashi is a world renowned speaker and teacher. Ohashiatsu is similar to traditional Shiatsu but uses a gentler, less forceful approach, while still going deep. Shiatsu, the most widely known form of acupressure, literally meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, and has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session my also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.
Orthopedic Massage
Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates 10 modalities to treat soft-tissue pain and injury. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. Three basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment
Polarity Therapy
Developed by chiropractor and osteopath Randolph Stone, polarity therapy is a holistic method of treatment. He combined his knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, yoga, acupuncture and shiatsu techniques to outline his system. Stone saw the body as an electromagnetic energy system with each part of the body carrying electrical-like charges. By placing hands on various parts of the body, the practitioner connects the positive and negative poles to improve the flow of energy through the body and assist healing and relaxation. To maintain well-being, diet, yoga, and self-awareness are encouraged.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.
Reflexology
Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. It was developed by Dr. Mikao Usua, a Christian monk in Japan, who came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century. It was introduced to the United States in the 1930's by Hawayo Takata.
Rolfing - Structural Integration
A method to reorder the major body segments, Rolfing was founded by American Biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1940's. Rolfing utilized physical manipulation and movement awareness to bring head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs into vertical alignment. It allows more efficient use of the muscles with less expended energy by lifting the head and chest and lengthening the body's trunk. A sense of lightness; and greater mobility often result from Rolfing. Treatments are offered in a 10-session series, as well ad advanced sessions. Also referred to as Structural Integration
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage. In the 1820s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage is most noted for its long gliding strokes and kneading, but also uses friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing. It is very relaxing and uses medium pressure.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. This ancient form of massage dates back to the time of Buddha and looks like a cross between shiastu, acupressure, and yoga. Practitioners apply pressure along meridian lines with their thumbs, hands, and feet to stimulate the movement of energy in the body, and in addition, move and stretch their clients in Yoga-like poses to free muscular and joint tension. Designed to be both relaxing and stimulating, Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs, and balances the body's energy system.
Trager Work
Trager was developed over 55 years by Milton Trager, M.D. It is a combination of hands-on work, relaxation, and movement education. Theorizing that the body learns to be light and effortless by experiencing light and easy sensations, Trager practitioners gently cradle, jiggle, rock, and stretch the body. This is turn helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns. It also facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.
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