We offer the following techniques and modalities:

Migraine Miracle ®

This service incorporates pressure point massage, aromatherapy, and cold stone therapy to alleviate the symptoms of migraine headaches and seasonal allergies. Specially cut marble stones will be placed on the head and neck to help alleviate pressure and pain. The structure of marble allows it to maintain the ideal 36° temperature recommended for relieving swollen blood vessels. Migraine Miracle can be scheduled as a stand-alone service or added on to a longer appointment.

Read more about Kelly Lott’s Migraine Miracle® here.

Swedish (Relaxation)

Swedish massage is the basis for most Western-style massage techniques. The five basic massage strokes include effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Swedish massages are typically slower paced, with a focus on long strokes to increase circulation, calm the nervous system, and promote relaxation.

Deep Tissue (Therapeutic)

Deep tissue massage focuses on reaching deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue (fascia). Deep tissue massage uses similar techniques to Swedish massage, but typically involves the use of more pressure and a focused approach to treat areas of chronic tension. Deep tissue massage may be slightly uncomfortable, but should never be extremely painful. If you find that you cannot breathe comfortably as a certain area is being worked on, please speak up so that the pressure or technique can be adjusted.

Neuromuscular (Targeted Therapy)

Neuromuscular therapy is a form of deep tissue massage that focuses on the release of trigger points. Trigger points are palpable nodules or thickened areas found in taut bands within muscles. Trigger points are usually tender to the touch, and commonly produce referred pain.

Typically a muscle in spasm does not receive enough blood or oxygen, which causes an accumulation of lactic acid. This lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore. Sustained pressure (typically 8-12 seconds) is applied to the trigger point, which helps to relax the muscle, increase blood flow, and help the body to clear the lactic acid. Clients may experience some muscle soreness following neuromuscular therapy (similar to muscle soreness following exercise) but this usually dissipates within 1-2 days, leaving the area feeling relaxed.

Prenatal (Pregnant Women)

Massage therapy can be a wonderful addition to a woman's prenatal care. Massage can help to regulate hormones, reduce edema (swelling), reduce nerve pain (such as sciatica), reduce back pain, improve circulation, reduce stress & anxiety, and improve sleep.

Expectant mothers will be positioned for comfort. For some, a nest of pillows will be arranged to allow the woman to lay face down. Others will be more comfortable in a side-lying position. Massage can usually be received up until and after the due-date.

Please consult your health care professional if you have any questions about whether prenatal massage may be contraindicated for your pregnancy.

Thai (Assisted Stretching)

Thai massage involves passive movements to allow for gentle stretching and compression style massage. Table thai massage (or thai yoga massage) is performed fully clothed. The therapist will move the client's body into various positions then apply rhythmic compression to various muscle groups throughout the body. Thai massage can help to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension, and balance the body's energy systems.

Clients should wear loose, comfortable clothing for thai massage. Expect to feel both relaxed and energized following the session!

Reflexology (Pressure points on the feet)

Reflexology involves applied pressure to reflex points on the feet (some therapists also perform reflexology on the hands, ears, or face). Each zone and reflex point on the foot corresponds to an area of the body, allowing the therapist to treat the whole body through the foot. Many clients find reflexology to be deeply relaxing. Reflexology can be a stand-alone session, or can be incorporated into any massage.

Aromatherapy (Essential Oils)

Essential oils are naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. We use essential oils aromatically and topically. Essential oils are quickly absorbed by smell receptors in the brain, which means that many oils can quickly elicit effects through the limbic system. Oils applied topically quickly penetrate the skin and can stay in the area for a more localized benefit.

Some oils have uplifting and invigorating effects, while others are more calming. Please discuss how you are feeling with your therapist so that they can suggest an appropriate oil or blend.

 

Cupping

Cupping involves the use of a glass, silicone, or plastic cup to create suction on the skin. This suctioning effect draws the skin into the cup allowing for increased circulation in the area being treated. Cupping has been used for thousands of years by medical practitioners, and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of muscle tension & pain, detoxification, improving immune function, reducing chest congestion, and increasing circulation.

Cupping often leaves marks that look like bruises, but are not painful to the touch. These marks may last 1-2 weeks as your body works to clear the stagnant blood, lymph, cellular debris, and toxins that have been drawn up from the deeper tissue layers. The color of these marks may range from bright red to dark purple. You may find that areas of old injuries or chronic tension produce darker, longer lasting marks.