General
Swedish
Massage
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, to achieve a therapeutic response.
It enhances the function of muscles and joints. It improves the circulation of the blood and lymph, relieves pain and stress,
and may reduce blood pressure. Massage therapy has a sedative, calming effect.
General Swedish Massage is the 'traditional' massage style, and acts as the base treatment in all of Michele's appointments. The following are available
with no additional charge and will be incorporated in treatment at request or as seen fit.
Prenatal
Massage
Massage during pregnancy is both safe and effective to address soft tissue, joint and ligamentous pain
which can manifest throughout the body during this time of tremendous change.
A detailed health history will help your therapist make any modifications needed to keep you and your baby comfortable and safe.
Cupping
Cupping has been used by practitioners of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for many years as a way to remove
stagnation and promote the flow of qi (chi) with the use of special warm glass cups applied to the skin creating a vacuum effect.
Western massage therapists have adopted the practice with some modifications, usually opting out of using fire and glass in exchange for
plastic and silicone cups not requiring fire to create a seal.
Increased blood flow to an area of pain or discomfort may aid in tissue repair and the easing of restrictive connective tissue surrounding soft tissues.
Clients must be advised that suction from cupping will, most often, leave behind ecchymosis or broken blood vessels in a distinctive circular
pattern that may take days or weeks to disappear.
This treatment is not suitable for those on blood thinning medication or who have a clotting disorder.
Guasha
Guasha is a modality long used by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to remove stagnation and promote the flow of qi (chi)
with the use smooth tools used in a scraping motion in areas of restriction. Western therapists use tools of various sizes and shapes made out of stone,
resin etc. Please be advised that this treatment can leave marks “sha” which appear like a rash. Similar to cupping these marks are the result of
broken blood vessels which may take some days or weeks to heal.
This treatment is not suitable for those on blood thinning medication or who have a clotting disorder. This treatment is not indicated for areas of recent surgeries.
Hot Stone Massage
Basalt stones are heated in hot water and used as an extension of the therapist's hands.
The weight and warmth of the stones allows for a gentler way to sink deeper into the tissue.
The use heated stones is offset with a much shorter application of cool stones to aid in flushing out the tissue and may be useful in areas where
inflammation is present. This modality is available upon request during any massage without any additional charge.
Hot stone massage is not recommended for prenatal clients, those with nerve damage, neuropathies, heart conditions or those with varicosities.
In short, if you are advised to stay away from hot tubs or saunas, you should also avoid hot stone therapy.