Here is a rundown of the different bodywork modalities that we offer.  Your therapeutic massage session may consist of one or a combination of these techniques, depending on the condition being treated:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) - CranioSacral Therapy was developed over 25 years ago by Dr. John Upledger, while he served as a researcher and professor at Michigan State University.  This gentle, hands-on technique involves the craniosacral system -- a system of the body composed of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.  Practitioners utilize CST to loosen and release restrictions or "blockages" in the body that can contribute to pain and dysfunction; removing such blockages improves the functioning of the central nervous system and body as a whole.

CST is effective at treating a number of problems, including pain, headaches, central nervous system disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, tension and more.  CST aids in improving mental clarity and emotional well-being. [Top]

Deep-Tissue Massage - Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains.  Its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.  This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury. [Top]

Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage® (MLD) is a gentle, non-invasive, but powerfully effective manual technique. Skillfully applied MLD techniques boost the efficiency of the entire lymphatic system by accelerating the transportation and /or removal of large protein molecules, fat, metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, inflammatory materials and foreign substances from body tissues; thereby facilitating the healing of injuries, reduces pain, chronic conditions, inflammation, edemas, and promotes optimal immune functioning.

According to research, MLD lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, has profound positive effects on many of the body’s systems, and is also calming and relaxing, giving patients a deep sense of well being after treatment.

In MLD the skin is stretched and torqued with the specific pressure, direction and speed to encourage and to stimulate absorption of lymph by healthy lymph vessels and to direct excess fluid away from the affected site towards functional networks of lymphatic vessels and nodes. MLD is effective as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies. MLD has grown to be the world’s most well-known manual technique to assist lymphatic drainage.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) – following Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) the therapist may also use CDT which includes: use of compression bandages to prevent the area from refilling; patient education in proper skin care and risk avoidance; instructions for specific exercises to promote drainage.  The goal is to reduce the size and volume of the affected limb or body part in order to minimize discomfort, loss of function and risk of infection. [Top]

Positional Release Therapy - an osteopathic manual technique that relieves neuromuscular pain and tissue dysfunction, speeds healing and recovery. Through positioning the body and tissue in maximum comfort that can enables the body to relax in the tender location, the tissue is encouraged to release its holding tension, self-correct and return to a healthier, more balanced state; thus reduces pain. [Top]

Reflexology – It is an art and science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet which correspond to the glands, organs, and all parts of the body.  Appropriate pressure is applied with fingers to these points to stimulate the flow of energy, thus helping to relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. A very pleasurable form of bodywork, reflexology is also used to ease stress and promote relaxation. [Top]

Reiki - While not strictly under the auspices of massage, Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is often practiced in conjunction with bodywork. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - rei, meaning higher power or universal force, and ki, meaning life energy. Loosely translated, Reiki means universal or spiritually-guided life-force energy.

Practiced for thousands of years throughout Japan, China, Tibet and other Asian nations, Reiki was "rediscovered" in the late 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk and educator, who used the therapy to heal the sick. Today, Reiki is used as a method of healing illness and reducing stress through light touch or, more commonly, by placing the hands near or above the body in specific positions or patterns. Through these positions, a Reiki practitioner can correct energetic imbalances in the body by removing toxic energy, improving health and restoring a person's energy levels. [Top]

Shiatsu - is a form of bodywork similar to acupressure.  This modality was developed in Japan from a combination of Chinese bodywork and Western techniques of physical manipulation.  As a complete system of healing through touch, it draws extensively on key aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Shiatsu technique involves stretching, holding and leaning body weight into various part of the recipient’s body to improve energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility and posture.  Pressure and contact is applied through the hands, thumbs, fingers, forearms, elbows with the recipient sitting or lying in various positions.  Treatment is focused along specific “meridians” (invisible energy pathways) of “Ki” (subtle bodily energy).  Ki is the life force which sustains every activity of the body, mind and spirit.

The goal is to release energy in areas where it may be blocked or stagnating, and to bring energy back to areas that are depleted.  Thus achieving balance in the body and peace in mind. [Top]

Swedish Massage - Generally regarded as the most common form of massage, Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage usually does not involve deep-tissue work. [Top]

Trigger-Point Therapy – This therapy is also known as Myotherapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, is a system of relieving muscle pain by applying pressure to highly sensitive spots in the muscle tissue called trigger points, followed by exercises that stretch to further facilitate recovery.  Trigger Point Therapy is used to relieve both acute and chronic muscle pain such as back pain, headaches, carpal tunnel, accident and occupational related injuries, swelling and discomfort due to a variety of diseases including multiple sclerosis and arthritis.[Top]