Manual Lymph Drainage

A therapeutic massage where the therapist uses a gentle “pumping technique” that drains away pockets of water retention and toxins that are trapped in the body. Many consider Lymph Drainage to be an anti-aging treatment.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the belief that ones feet and hands are maps or mirrors of the body. By putting pressure on and massaging specific areas of the feet or hands, the reflexologist may relieve pain or tension in corresponding areas of the clients body.

Watsu

Watsu means “water shiatsu”. Watsu is a massage treatment conducted in a warm pool of water (usually 92-96 degrees) using rhythmic movements, pressure points, massage and stretching techniques. The effects of massage are amplified and made more profound by stretching a client while having her or him float in warm water. The buoyancy of the water allows the practitioner to use stretches and muscle manipulations that would normally be impossible. Because the client’s body is in a state of constant movement, it is impossible for him or her to anticipate, and thus resist, the work that is being done. For those who suffer from mobility problems (i.e. senior citizens and handicapped persons) Watsu is ideal. The warm water helps to loosen the muscles and joints, and helps increase circulation to underutilized and paralyzed limbs.

Tuina

Tuina (pronounced “twee-nah”) is a traditional Chinese massage therapy that has been practiced in China for over two thousand years. The term “tuina” translates into “push-grasp” in Chinese. The massage aspect of Tuina involves the use of pressing, tapping, and kneading to removes blockages along the meridians of the body and to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee” and sometimes spelled “chi”) and blood to promote healing. This therapy is based on traditional Chinese medicinal practices and, in addition to massage techniques, it incorporates, acupressure, manipulation, musculoskeletal and ligamentous realignment techniques, stretching, and medicated oils and salves to help restore balance to the body. It is believed that by bringing about a balanced and harmonious flow of energy throughout the body, that the body may more effectively heal itself. Tuina can be used to relieve symptoms associated with certain musculo-skeletal disorders as well as chronic stress related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Thai Massage

No oils or creams are generally used in Thai massage. The client typically remains fully clothed and the massage usually takes place on a floor or mat rather than on a massage table. Thai massage may be best thought of as a form of assisted yoga. The therapist uses his or her hands, feet, elbows, knees and legs to stretch and manipulate the client’s body.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional form of Japanese pressure point massage. Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning “finger pressure”. A Shiatsu massage may incorporate not only the use of finger pressure, but also pressure by the therapists thumbs, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and even feet. Pressure is applied to areas of energy lines (known as “meridians”) to promote good health by stimulating the bodies energy flow.