Offerings Deep Tissue or Sports Massage Myofascial Release Thai Yoga Massage Raindrop Therapy Ultimate Relaxation   Deep Tissue or Sports Massage Deep Tissue massage is one of my personal favorites. I am a very active person involved in a number of sporting activities, so I understand the need for a good, strong and thorough massage to tackle those nagging aches and pains. The purpose of a deep tissue massage is to release the sticking points in the deep underlying muscles of the body. This is achieved through slow, strong holds, pressure points, and the use of friction. A deep tissue massage helps loosen old holding patterns in muscles, releasing toxins and improving circulation. I will also use stretches when I can to release tightness in deeper areas. It is common after a deep massage to have some soreness, even the occasional light bruise, for a day or two. But this is usually accompanied by a relief from the more constant pain and is usually welcomed by clients. If at any time in a massage you feel that the pressure is too much, or if after a massage you were too sore, please say something to the therapist and they can modify their approach for your next session. Everyone has a different comfort level with pressure and it takes communication to find the right technique for the individual. Myofascial Release Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, organs, and nerves in our bodies, even surrounding each individual cell and linking everything together. When we have areas of restriction or pain it is more often the result of a group of tissues rather than just one specific muscle. Myofascial Release is a technique used without oils or lotions applying slow steady pressure in order to encourage release in the tough connective tissue. It can often feel like stretching to the client. My training in this technique has been through John Barnes’s Myofascial Release approach. (www.myofascialrelease.com) I always incorporate elements of myofascial release in every session, but a session consisting only of myfascial release needs about an hour and half. Cranial Sacral work is an important part of this technique. The work proceeds very slowly through sustained holds in order to allow the therapist to connect with the fascial levels.     Thai Yoga Massage Thai Yoga Massage is ancient form of bodywork blending Ayurvedic medicine and energy meridian lines. It is achieved through a combination of acupressure points and assisted yoga-like positions. For this reason it is often called the “lazy man’s yoga”. A Thai Massage session lasts two hours and has a different format than traditional Swedish massage. The client wears loose comfortable clothing during the session and is treated lying down on a mat on the floor. In receiving Thai Massage one is also receiving the benefits of the practice of yoga. This technique also incorporates gently stretching, rhythmic motion, palming and thumbing along energy lines, and breathwork. The treatment can be modified for all levels of health and fitness, so it can be just as beneficial for someone who is strong, healthy, and flexible as for someone who is not as flexible or in poorer health. In addition to stretching and tonifying the muscles, Thai Yoga Massage improves circulation, relieves muscular tension and spasm, helps expedite metabolism, boosts the immune system, and balances the body energetically, inducing a calm mental state. This treatment provides the recipient with both a physical and an energetic massage. Raindrop Therapy Raindrop Therapy is a technique using essential oils to enhance the healing and relaxing aspects of massage. The technique and oils are products of the Young Living organization. The session is usually an hour but can be extended to an hour and a half. The high-grade oils are applied to the spine and along certain meridian lines in the legs. Lighter massage techniques are used to apply the oils. A hot compress is also applied to enhance the absorption of the oils into the tissue. I would need prior notification in order to prepare this treatment for a client. The oils used in this technique are as follows: 1- Valor is used to balance. Valor is a blend of the following oils: Rosewood- this oil is soothing, creates elasticity, and helps the skin rid itself of irritations. It is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-parasitic. Blue Tansy- works as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant for the thymus gland. Frankincense- helps stimulate the limbic part of the brain, which elevates the mind, helping overcome stress and despair. Spruce- helps to open and release emotional blocks, bringing about a feeling of balance and grounding. Anti-infectious, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. 2- Thyme is documented to be highly antimicrobial. This essential oil easily penetrates the skin and travels throughout the body. 3- Oregano has an antimicrobial action even more aggressive than thyme. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. 4- Basil has antispasmodic properties that relax muscles. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. 5-Wintergreen/Birch are anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving). These essential oils are excellent for bones. 6- Cypress improves circulation and relieves spasms and swelling. Cypress also helps heal damaged tissue. 7- Marjoram is antispasmodic and helps relax muscles. 8- Peppermint has pain killing properties. It is also antimicrobial, working synergistically with other oils to enhance their activity. Peppermint also stimulates circulation and cools inflamed tissue. 9- Aroma Siez is a highly antispasmodic blend of essential oils that helps relax sore, tense, or inflamed muscles. This blend consists of: Basil Cypress Marjoram Lavender Peppermint Ultimate Relaxation Some people feel like they are here on vacation, their worries and stresses have already been forgotten or left at the beach, and now they just want to melt away with a good massage. For those of you; I will massage every finger and every toe and leave you so relaxed you may not be able to get up off the table!