Western Modalities

Swedish is the traditional Western relaxation massage.  Massage oil or lotion is used with a variety of strokes to warm up the muscles, create a deep relaxation and release tension by gradually breaking up the muscle adhesions ("knots").

Sports massage is an extension of Swedish massage and was originally developed to help athletes prepare for optimal performance, training, pre-event and recovery after an event.  It focuses on physically active people - whether physical demands come from sports, the workplace, or recreational activities - to promote greater ease and range of movement, prevent injury, speed recovery, and minimize the effects of overuse. Techniques are drawn from Swedish, trigger point therapy, active muscle relaxation techniques, stretching methods, cross fiber friction and deep tissue massage.  

Deep Tissue massage is an extension of Swedish massage which works with tissue in various depths to relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns in the most effective way within the client's parameters of comfort. This often includes facilitated lengthening or shortening and pin and stretch techniques.   Myofacial Tissue surrounds and runs through muscles of the body and if adhesions are present they can limit mobility.  With sensitivity and patience  I achieve the best results. 

Typically Deep Tissue and Sports massage calls for more communication to find just the right pressure and angle to release tension and holding patterns.  Less lotion is used than Swedish so that a better manipulation of the underlying tissue is possible. 

Eastern Modalities

Tui-na (pronounced twee-nah) massage originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork. It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine.

It’s based on the theory that imbalances of qi, which is the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances that lead to symptoms such as pain and illness.

Tui-na massage stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture.

It’s similar to acupuncture in the way it targets specific acupoints, but practitioners use fingers instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate these points. Tuina massage is often used in combination with acupuncture.

Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is thought to improve the flow of energy in the body and facilitate healing.

One of the oldest medical texts to mention cupping therapy is Eber’s papyrus (1550 B.C.) from Ancient Egypt, though cupping is a part of many ancient healing systems, including Chinese, Unani, traditional Korean, and Tibetan.

Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the “father” of medicine, even compiled descriptions of cupping techniques.

These days, cupping therapy is usually found as a treatment offered by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Proponents believe the suction helps facilitate the flow of “qi” in the body. Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.

Many believe that cupping helps balance yin and yang, or the negative and positive, within the body. Restoring balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.

Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.

People use cupping to complement their care for a host of symptoms and conditions.