Swedish massage refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. SM shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It also stimulates the skin and nervous system, soothing the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.

This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it’s important to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body.

Also called myofascial trigger point therapy, this bodywork technique involves applying pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body.

Reflexology isn’t a traditional massage. This purpose of this practice is to go deeper than the skin and muscles by focusing on specific reflex points on the foot to induce a healing response in corresponding organs and areas of the body. Kneading the ball of the foot, pulling the toes, and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the many small, intense movements you’ll experience during a reflexology treatment.

This gentle, caring massage is used for mature clients with circulatory problems in the legs, edema, arthritis, pain and Parkinson’s disease. It relieves painful muscle and joint stiffness, and reduces mental stress and depression. (Requires a physician’s prescription)

A specialized Prego pillow is used in conjunction with specifically trained therapists for your enhanced relaxation. Benefits of a prenatal massage will include relieving headaches and sinus congestion, alleviating backaches, leg cramps and sciatic pain. Massage also helps with swelling and insomnia.

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. Post-event massage is used to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

There is an interconnected web of tissue which wraps and supports each structure in the body. This is the fascia. When it is functioning correctly, it allows for ease of movement and unrestricted tissue glide. Myofascial Release Therapy aims to free restrictions in the fascial network, to allow for the tension on bones, joints, muscles and tendons to be released. Scar tissue, or adhesive tissue, can form around the area of an injury, effectively splinting an area to prevent further injury. This is as it should be. But eventually the tissues don’t need to be immobilized any longer, and these immobilizations may cause pain at the site of injury or postural imbalances which can lead to more generalized pain in other areas of the body.

This is a special technique offered by our massage therapist, Irene Volchek: The Raindrop Technique is a method of using a combination of Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Massage techniques, and Essential oils applied to the feet and spine of the body. In parallel, therapeutic grade Essential oils are placed on reflex points on the feet where the spine is represented. It was developed by Dr. Gary Young, N.D. two decades ago.

Raindrop Technique focuses on the healing essence of the essential oils applied directly to the spinal column, where it is believed that viruses and bacteria lie dormant until the immune system weakens. The oils create an environment that is hospitable to these “foreign” agents in our bodies and causes them to be eliminated naturally. Raindrop Technique is known to strengthen the immune system, relieve back issues, and create balance and harmony in the body – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Raindrop Technique is also an effective detoxification, and can assist in eliminating symptoms associated with cold, flu and other common conditions. Wonderfully soothing, nurturing and relaxing, the Raindrop Technique can work its benefits in the body for days, weeks or months.

This is a special technique offered by our massage therapist, Irene Volchek: Developed in France in 1932 by Doctor Emil and Estrid Vodder, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) has grown to be the most well known manual technique to assist lymph flow and aid in drainage of tissues. MLD is a gentle technique where the therapist pumps the lymph into the lymph nodes using gentle pressure. The technique is designed to increase the flow of lymph and interstitial fluid, and to reduce extracellular edema (inflammation and swelling). Due to its soothing and analgesic effect, MLD is used for pain control by redirecting the flow of lymph from blocked areas to healthy lymph vessels.

The technique is known for its relaxation and detoxification effects to the body. It is generally used to treat post surgical edema. Other effective applications of MLD include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, headaches, sports injuries, and general wellbeing. Furthermore, MLD to the face could temporarily reduce signs of aging without surgical intervention or other intrusive methods.