Massage

     Massage can be good for your health and it can also provide an integration of body and mind by producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment. Massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life 

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• Relieve Muscular Pain
  •  Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain
• Reduce Muscle Spasms and Cramps
• Relax and Soften Injured and Over-Used Muscles 
• Realign Scar Tissue 
• Increase Joint Flexibility / Range of Motion
• Boost Immune System
• Reduce Anxiety 
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Treat Migraines / Headaches
• Decrease Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
• Alleviate Side Effects of Cancer / Radiation Treatments
• Increase Circulation in Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System

A Deep Tissue Massage uses slow firm pressure directed at the deeper layers of muscles where tissue has been damaged. Deep Tissue Massages help to lengthen shortened muscle fibers, break-up thickened areas and help the tissue to regain proper elasticity.  A Deep Tissue Massage is also effective for breaking down scar tissue and muscle adhesions even on injuries that have occurred  many years ago. Proper blood and oxygen flow is brought back to the tight muscles. The toxins that have been stored in those muscles are also helped to be released. 

Swedish Massage uses kneading and friction, firmly or lightly gliding over areas being worked. A Swedish Massage, a lighter touch, is applied to the superficial layers of the muscles. This technique stimulates the circulatory system by returning blood flow to the heart as well as the lymphatic system by flushing out wastes and toxic materials. 

Ashiatsu Massage is a bare foot massage option for anyone looking for an extremely beneficial and relaxing deep tissue massage. People with on-going back pain should consider the benefits of back-walking. Ashiatsu is aimed at the deeper structures of the muscle and fascial connective tissues. The pressure will generally be more intense than a relaxing Swedish Massage. For some clients with certain back conditions, back-walking will aggravate or cause too much pain to be bearable.  Please be sure to discuss with therapist all medical conditions before considering back-walking. 

A Cranial Sacral Massage is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain.  The benefit to a Cranial Sacral Massage is that it can restore the natural position of the bones. These massages can also decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular join disorder and much more. 

Myofascial Release is a massage technique used to work on the fascia or connective tissue of the muscles. When the connective tissue is tight, underlying structures of the body are pulled; therefore, adversely affecting posture and causing pain and tension. Myofascial Release is extremely effective for helping with postural issues and to decrease pain and tension. This technique is also effective in speeding the healing process, increasing blood circulation and restoring elasticity to muscles. 

Prenatal Massages are generally safe when pregnant, with doctor's approval. Be sure to communicate with the massage therapist your current health information. A Prenatal Massage can provide relief from tight muscles and postural strains that develop during pregnancy. Regular Prenatal massages will help with relaxation, leg cramping and sciatica. It will help with insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain. It can reduce symptoms of depression without the use of medication and  decrease swelling in hands and feet.

There are several contraindications for receiving a massage. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage:

• Fever
• Any Type of Infectious Disease
• Systemic Infections
• Severe Cold / Flu
• Acute Injuries (fracture, bleeding, burns)
• Liver and kidney Diseases
• Blood Clots
• Pregnancy-Induced Diabetes, Toxemia, Preeclampsia / Eclampsia
• High Blood Pressure (unless under control with medication)
• Heart Disease
• Cancer 
• Open Skin Lesions or Sores (therapist may work around them if localized)