Swedish is the most common type of massage. Specific strokes and pressure are used to release a dysfunctional holding pattern. It includes long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. This therapy promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension. Soothing strokes leave your mind and body feeling renewed and relaxed.
Deep Tissue massage releases 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 grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Stretching and joint mobilization are used to help increase fluidity of movement.
A trigger point is a hypersensitive area in the muscle, its tendon or in fascia, which can be palpated as a fibrous area. Usually the trigger point is not in the area of pain, yet digital pressure over the trigger point will elicit pain in the referred area. Trauma is a common cause of trigger points, either by direct injury, excessive stretching or contraction. Once these sensitive regions form, repeated muscular stress or even a lesser degree will activate the pain in a reference zone. Finger pressure can be effective in relieving trigger points. Five to seven seconds of direct pressure usually sedates the point and reduces pain in the referred area. Once the point is eliminated, massage can be applied to remove the waste products and restore circulation to the area.
The gentle hands-on technique involves the Craniosacral system—comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Practioners utilize CST to loosen and release restrictions in the body that can contribute to pain and dysfunction. Removing such restrictions improves the functioning of the central nervous system, giving a person better overall health and resistance to disease. This is achieved to a large extent by the body’s innate healing and self-correcting abilities. Sessions are performed on a person fully clothed, and the therapist uses a light touch – generally no more that the weight of a nickel.
CST is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including: migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome(TMJ) , chronic neck and back pain, colic, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders.
This combination of deep tissue and relaxation massage is both nurturing and medically therapeutic to muscles which hold tension or pain from injuries, stress, or lifestyle. It is also wonderful for soothing anxiety, stress and grieving. Drawing from a varied set of skills in deep tissue, Swedish, Craniosacral, lymphatic massage and Maya Abdominal Massage, I offer an integrated session personalized to your needs that day. Aromatherapy oils are often used during a session. Lengthy dialogue is discouraged in order to provide you with the optimum potential for deep relaxation.