HOT STONE MASSAGE
Hot Stone Massage is a form of body work that involves the application of heated stones (thermotherapy) to the body within the context of a therapeutic massage. Round, smooth stones are heated to luxurious warmth, oiled and used in the palm of the hands to massage the body. Heat penetrates deeply, prompting profound relaxation, increased detoxification, and relief of long-standing muscular tension, stress and fatigue.
PRENATAL MASSAGE
One of my first clients sums up the benefits of prenatal massage in a lengthy testimony. I’m sharing it here because I feel she says it better than anything else that I have come up. This woman, Stephanie Fawn, was already a mom, but had no experience with prenatal massage. I. met her near the end of her first trimester and she shared with me her symptoms of back aches, swollen feet and body aches. She had assumed it was normal to feel bad during pregnancy. I’d told her that pregnancy didn’t have to be uncomfortable. I began seeing her shortly after to provide prenatal massage.
“I was nervous about receiving massage services while pregnant, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made! Not only did it allow me an hour each week to simply relax, and let the stresses of everyday life (work, household chores, traffic, long lines). Just having this time to relax and let everything around you melt away definitely has its benefits during pregnancy. Aside from the mental clarity and emotional relaxation that accompanied Jeanette's Massages, the relief in my back, feet, and neck was incredible. Everything was tailored to ease my discomfort. There was no “standard 60 minute routine.” She focused on areas that were most important to me. She even did gentle massage on my belly during the last trimester. When I left following the belly massage, baby would just flutter about. It was one of the most beautiful memories I have of my pregnancy, watching those little hands and feet roll across my belly.” Stephanie Fawn Dickinson
Thai Massage
I like to describe Thai massage as assisted yoga. Your therapist will work to place you in varying positions that allow them to provide traction and pressure to different regions of the body. You are fully clothed on a comfortable mat. There are no oils or lotions used during this compressive and gentle-stretching treatment.
Cold Stone Therapy
Cold Stone therapy is super helpful for overworked, sore muscles. I feel the analgesic effect of the cold marble stones allow the muscles to relax. The prolonged contraction phase can then pause long enough for continued relief.
Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Work
Deep Tissue massage is meant to go to the deeper layers of muscle tissue. If you are an athlete, this may be the massage you need. Often an almost uncomfortable pressure, the work given can ease complex and deeper muscular tension. That said, I'm do not believe as some that pressure deep enough to cause bruising is a beneficial thing. Generally speaking, static pressure that is quite uncomfortable should only last seconds. The pressure should be enough to send corrective signals to the brain.
Swedish/Relaxation Massage
Swedish Massage: Although researchers don’t know exactly why massage therapy has such marked benefits for depression, anxiety and other mental disorders, it’s believed that it reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, lowers blood pressure and heart rate and increases serotonin and oxytocin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in stabilizing your mood and promoting sleep, while oxytocin, dubbed the “love hormone,” has anti-anxiety effects and promotes feelings of relaxation, trust and psychological stability. Experts also believe that massage produces feelings of comfort and connection as a result of caring Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.