DEEP TISSUE
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is very effective for treating chronically tense and contracted areas, and helps to speed up the recovery process after injury. Deep tissue usually involves the therapist using firmer pressure in order to reach tight and contracted areas and get them to release, which is why this particular massage is oftentimes recommended for people who are comfortable with a slightly more intense touch. Although pressure can be adjusted based on comfort, it does not need to be painful. It is important to have an open line of communication with your massage therapist, so pressure and movement can be altered throughout the session. After the session, you might experience some tenderness and soreness. It is helpful to drink water immediately following the session to flush out any toxins and rehydrate the body’s muscles.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. This a widely popular massage and is the most common massage offered at spas. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.
NEUROMUSCULAR/
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) aka Trigger Point Therapy, is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the muscle tissue and fascia rather than along the energy pathways of the body. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques in order to release the trigger points. These areas can be tender to the touch and the process can be uncomfortable at times, yet the effects are lasting and can be profoundly transformative. Neuromuscular therapy addresses postural distortion (poor posture), bio-mechanical dysfunction, nerve compression syndrome, and ischemia (inadequate blood supply to a muscle).
SPORTS/ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE
Great for those with an active lifestyle who want to keep their bodies in optimal condition. Sports massage was originally designed to assist athletes to prepare their bodies for optimum efficiency and recovery after strenuous activity. Emphasis is on prevention and healing of injuries to your muscles and tendons. Orthopedic massage focuses on problems with the client's musculoskeletal system. He or she may release tight muscles, help to stretch shortened muscles and tendons, and decompress joints. The goal is to normalize the soft tissues of the body, both to treat specific conditions and to keep clients generally healthy and fit.
LOMI LOMI MASSAGE
Lomi Lomi is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice. This type of bodywork utilizes long, broad, fluid movements. It is usually very gentle and relaxing, similar to Swedish massage. Forearms and elbows are often used to cover a broad area, and more oil than normal is applied in this massage. It can include stretching and also works towards the emotional and and energetic sources of pain and stress. As with all ancient Hawaiian teachings, there are different lineages and teachers of Lomi Lomi. Each will have a slightly different technique. But no matter what type of Lomi a practitioner practices, there is always the unconditional spirit of aloha, total respect, honor, and sacredness in everything.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
This massage will bring you into an incredibly deep state of relaxation. The smooth, heated stones are used as an extension of the hands and are creatively incorporated into the massage. Trigger points held deep in the body are able to release with more ease using deep pressure with the stones. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. The grounding energy and heat from the stones will take you to a higher level of relaxation, it’s pure bliss.
CUPPING
Cupping is an ancient Chinese healing therapy. Cupping removes stagnation from the body, increases flow of blood and lymph, releases toxins, breaks up adhesions, and relaxes muscle tension. The cups use negative pressure (opposite of traditional massage) to loosen tissues and increase fluid flow. During a session, the cups may be moved around and also left stationary in a specific spot. This treatment can be added into any other session.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Fascia is the sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft tissue structures of the body. Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle to firm sustained pressure on targeted areas of connective tissue restrictions. Think of your fascia as clay. This type of therapy is designed to ‘re-sculpt’ your body into better alignment, eliminating pain and muscle tension as well as restore motion and overall optimal function in the whole body.
Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and for both mama and baby. Prenatal massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, typically incorporates more gentle styles such as Swedish Massage. Although deep tissue can be applied to areas where there are no contraindications (neck, upper back, shoulders). Being a mama myself, I have an understanding of what your body may be craving during this very special and transformative time! All prenatal sessions are performed side lying, but may be done prone (face down) during the first trimester if you are comfortable.
Most of you are probably familiar with CBD at this point, as it is EVERYWHERE! I am a huge proponent of using CBD both internally and topically; I use Stone Dam Botanicals CBD infused oils and balms to help further increase relaxation, assist with pain relief, and reduce pain and inflammation. These products are made by me (so I know exactly what goes into them!) and are formulated using the highest quality ingredients, are high potency, highly effective, organic products.