Therapeutic Massage

Please select from items listed below for more details.

Chakra Balancing
Chi Nei Tsang
Connective Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Geriatric Massage
Hot Stone Massage
Infant Massage
Myofascial Release
Reflexology
Shiatsu Massage
Swedish Massage
Zen Shiatsu

Chakra Balancing

Energetic balancing helps restore your body's seven basic energy centers (or vortexes). Each center is connected to the endocrine system, emotional system, physical organs, and state of conscious awareness. The energy iin each center is balanced and cleared, promoting health and well-being in the corresponding area.

Chakra Balancing: Bodhi Lee, LMT, CIMI

Chi Nei Tsang

Chei Nei Tsang integrates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. Chei Nei Tsang literally means "working the energy of the internal organs" or "internal organs chi transformation". CNT uses all the principles of Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi-Chuan known as Chi-Kung; therefore, CNT is a form of "applied Chi Kung".

CNT practitioners are trained in Chi-Kung and work mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft and gentle touches; to train internal organs to work more efficiently. Unprocessed emotional charges are also addressed in this manner, as well as all of the body systems: digestive, respiratory, cardio-vascular, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, muscular-skeletal, and the acupuncture meridian system (Chi).

CNT came into being millenia ago in the mountain ranges of Taoist China. It was used by monks in monasteries to help detoxify, strengthen and refine their bodies in order to maintain the high energy required to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices.

Chi Nei Tsang: Sky Kingsland, LMT

Connective Tissue Massage

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) is a dynamic approach to bodywork that releases myofascial restrictions. CTM relieves chronic tension, increases ease of movement, improves posture, and enhances self-awareness. These results are often achieved with remarkable efficiency, providing immediate relief from symptoms without requiring excessive force. Because of this, CTM can benefit almost anyone, and is useful in a wide variety of circumstances ranging from accidents to illnesses to managing the stresses of daily life.

Because Connective Tissue Massage is adjusted to the individual needs and comfort of each client, almost anyone can experience this work and receive its many benefits. CTM can reduce stress, relieve chronic tension, and improve flexibility and posture.

Connective Tissue Massage: Dan Leeker, LMT

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that 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 fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. 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.

The purpose of Deep Tissue Massage is to "unstick" the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic.

Deep Tissue:
Shelby Corson, LMT
Sky Kingsland, LMT
Angeline Morland, LMT

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. It involves the use of hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and increase range of motion. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of geriatric massage.

Purpose of Geriatric Massage

Older people often suffer from a variety of age-related diseases as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, diabetes or heart disease. As a result, they have poor blood circulation and limited physical activity. Many of them are also anxious, depressed and lonely. Geriatric massage can help them maintain and improve their overall health, as well as regain certain physical functions that have been reduced or lost due to aging. In addition, it can relieve anxiety and depression and provide comfort to touch-deprived elderly patients.

Description Of Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage uses the same basic massage techniques as general massage. It is, however, tailored to the specific health conditions and needs of the elderly population. Geriatric massage has the following characteristics:

Use of gentle hand motions. These motions are comfortable and soothing to the body. They are designed to improve blood circulation and heart function, prevent diabetic complications, relieve muscle tension and relax the body and the mind.
Passive movement and gentle stretching of shoulders, legs and feet to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
Gentle massaging of the hands and feet (if the joints are not inflamed) to prevent stiffness and relieve pain.
Occasional use of stronger movements such as friction and pressure strokes. These are sometimes used to massage such areas as the shoulders to improve flexibility.

Benefits Of Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage offers the following benefits:

Increase in blood circulation, thus preventing such complications of diabetes as leg ulcers or gangrene
Improvement in lymphatic flow, which increases the excretion of toxic substances from the body
Alleviation of headache and pain
Accelerated healing from injury and illness
Partial restoration of mobility lost due to Parkinson's disease or arthritis
Mental and physical relaxation
Improvement in length and quality of sleep
Relief of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness
Improvement of the patient's quality of life and self-esteem

Geriatric Massage: Dan Leeker, LMT

Hot Stone

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

Note: A hot stone massage is more expensive than a basic Swedish massage because it requires more preparation and usually runs longer.

Hot Stone Massage: Angeline Morland, LMT

Infant Massage

"Improved sleep - for both your baby and you - might be just a touch away. Recent research indicates that giving infants massages may help them sleep better, cry less and feel less stressed. Researchers from the University of Warwick in England reviewing nine studies about children who received massages discovered a range of significant results including a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and a link to the release of melatonin, which aids infant sleep patterns, says lead study author Angela Underdown, an associate professor at the university's Institute of Education. Massaging your baby can help you relax, too - perfect when reconnecting after a long day's work, so ask your pediatrician about where to find baby-massage classes." -- Katherine Lee, Working Mother Magazine, April 2007

Bodhi Lee, Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Instructor, offers massage instruction for parents at The Center for Mind, Body & Spirit. Classes for babies one month to crawling is the ideal age. For older babies and toddlers, Bodhi will teach the parents on a doll so that they can do the massage when the time is best for the child - such as after a bath.

Infant Massage: Bodhi Lee, LMT, CIMI

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a tender mixture of stretches and massage techniques. A bodywork therapy whereby a therapist directs hands-on touch and maneuvers the entire body, myofascial release promotes healing and relieves pain. Derived from the the Latin words "myo" - meaning muscle, and "fascia" - for band; myofascial release therapy releases tension from the fibrous bands of connecting tissue (fascia). Myofascial release therapy aims to free constrictions or blockages in the fascia, thereby alleviating problems with connective tissue scarring or injury.

Purpose Of Myofascial Release

Myofascial release therapy helps individuals with poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress. By using myofascial release therapy, disruptions of the fascial network are freed and tension on bones, muscles, joints and nerves is relieved. Ultimately, myofascial release restores complete balance to the body.

Myofascial Release Techniques

Myofascial release therapy utilizes gentle, kneading manipulation that softly stretches, softens, lengthens and realigns fascia. After careful observation of one's posture, a myofascial release therapist will feel for stressed areas of the body. When restricted areas are found, the myofascial release therapist will gently stretch tissues found along the direction of the muscle fibers. This stretch is held for a couple of minutes until a softening or release is felt. These stretches are repeated until the tension is felt no more. A myofascial release session may last up to an hour and can be administered one to three times per week depending on a patient's condition.

Benefits of Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy can be used to treat back pain, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, incontinence, tennis or golfer's elbow, shin splints, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, whiplash injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, myofascial release can be administered to children suffering from birth trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy and scoliosis.

Myofascial Release:
Shelby Corson, LMT
Dan Leeker, LMT

Reflexology

Based on the theory that zones of the hands and feet coorespond to specific areas of the body, pressure point stimulation assists circulation, promotes balance and releases tension.

Reflexology: Andrea Richardson, LMT

Russian Massage

Russian massage is a system of therapeutic and sports massage developed in the former Soviet Union. It uses a variety of manipulations of the body's soft tissues to achieve benefits, including stress reduction and relief from muscle aches.

Many cultures developed forms of massage therapy , including the ancient peoples of China, India and Greece. One early advocate was Hippocrates, the Greek physician widely considered to be the father of medicine. Per Henrik Ling, a 19th-century Swedish physician who employed vigorous massage to stimulate circulation of the blood and lymph, is usually considered the founder of modern European massage. Massage was not studied or used scientifically in Russia until 1860. Treatment methods were developed further after World War II when pharmaceuticals were in short supply. The Soviet Union employed physiatrists--medical doctors with Ph.D. degrees in physical therapy--to research the benefits of using natural healing modalities. They developed a form of petrissage to reverse atrophy in muscles and help stimulate new growth. Russian physiologists found all movements of massage function on the basis of neurohormone and neuroendocrine reflexes. Unlike other massage therapies, Russian massage is based on the physiology of a dysfunction rather than on anatomy as the principal guideline for treatment.

Russian Massage Techinques

Russian massage is considered less invasive and more relaxing than many other forms of massage therapy. It uses four principal techniques:

Petrissage: a stretching or kneading motion
Effleurage: a gliding, relaxing stroke
Friction: a rubbing action
Vibration: a continuous stroke ranging from very fast to very slow

Benefits of Russian Massage

Practitioners say that Russian massage is useful for a wide range of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, gynecological, internal disorders and post-surgical situations. Patients describe it as "waking up" body and mind. It has been used to increase circulation of blood and lymphatic flow, to stimulate production of endorphins, control physical and mental stress, and to increase range of movement. Ailments said to benefit from massage therapy include asthma, insomnia, arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome , hip sprains and strains, rotator cuff injuries, myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, headache, spastic colon, colic, constipation, and immune function disorders. Because of its gentle, non-invasive nature, Russian massage is considered especially suitable for seniors.

Russian Massage: Angeline Morland, LMT

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a hands-on therapy technique originating in Japan. The thumbs, palms, and fingers (no knees or elbows are used in the foundation form of shiatsu therapy) are used to apply pressure to designated areas of the body. This promotes good health by "stimulating the body's energy flow (Ki)".

The session often begins with gentle stretching and manipulation techniques to help stimulate the movement of energy and to relax the muscles. Pressure can be applied to both wide areas as well as precise points and varied according to the body's needs. Sometimes the pressure can be deeply stimulating. The amount and type of pressure depends on the specific needs of the individual.

Shiatsu Massage: Sky Kingsland, LMT; Angeline Morland, LMT

Swedish Massage

The term "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.

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling.

Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

Benefits Of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and is invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands and circulation, while promoting health and well-being.

Purpose Of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage 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 stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish Massage Techniques

Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. The usual sequence of techniques are:

Swedish Massage:
Shelby Corson, LMT
Sky Kingsland, LMT
Dan Leeker, LMT
Angeline Morland, LMT
Andrea Richardson, LMT, CYT
Marty Wolins, MA CHTP, LMT

Zen Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu is a modernized form of the ancient Chinese art of acupressure or "acupuncture without needles." Zen is a Japanese word meaning "meditation" while shiatsu means "finger pressure." In actual practice, the Zen Shiatsu practitioner also uses the palms, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to the meridians. The meditation aspect comes into play by the practitioner's focus on the receiver, the "here and now," as well as coordinating movement with the breath. There is an absolute minimum of talking during the session. Zen Shiatsu is truly a "meditative form of healing."

Zen Shiatsu follows the teachings of the late Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981) of Japan, and combines traditional Eastern views with modern Western scientific understanding. Masunaga, a professor of psychology at Tokyo University, used his knowledge of shiatsu, psychology and Western physiology to create a comprehensive theory of healing. He also extended the classical acupuncture meridian system, as well as developing an extensive form of abdominal and back diagnosis.

Although no two sessions are exactly alike, a Zen Shiatsu session begins with a detailed health history followed by palpation of the abdomen (hara) and/or back to determine which meridians need to be worked. Gentle, pain-free pressure will be used to stimulate, sedate and unblock the energy (ki) that flows through the body in a system of highway-like meridians. Pressure also stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, hormonal, neuromuscular, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, digestive, and autonomic nervous system, allowing for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Gentle stretching and joint rotations are also employed to assist in flexibility and physical and energetic balance as well as to better access the meridians.

Zen Shiatsu is usually given on a futon on the floor. In Zen Shiatsu, the client may remain fully clothed and no oils are used. Loose comfortable clothing or exercise tights are recommended, preferably of natural fibers.

Since Zen Shiatsu assists the body in correcting energetic imbalances, virtually any condition can be treated.

Zen Shiatsu: Angline Morland, LMT