Massage Therapy

Swedish massage is a technique that includes effleurage, pétrissage, friction, vibration, and tapotement. It is intended to improve circulation and tissue elasticity while reducing muscle tone and creating a parasympathetic (relaxation) response.

Swedish is the most commonly used form of classical Western massage, generally performed in the direction of the heart, sometimes with active or passive movement of the joints. It is used especially for relaxation, relief of muscular tension, and improvement of circulation and range of motion.

Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but deeper pressure is used to release chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints). This is a type of massage that reaches structures far beneath the superficial fascia to treat chronic muscle problems or injuries.

Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage modality known to improve posture, relieve pain and stress, and provide an incredibly deep massage, all while still being gentle. 

Ashiatsu is an eclectic form of therapy from Japan, China, India, and Thailand. “Ashi” in Japanese means foot and “atsu” means pressure. The pressure from the foot is broad-based and works the deep muscle groups of the back, legs, shoulders, and arms.

Gravitational force is combined with centrifugal and centripetal strokes to create structural change in deep tissue in chronic soft tissue damage. Bars are used by the massage therapist for balance and lotion or oil is applied. 

The massage therapist will also use their hands to massage the smaller muscle groups, such as the face, feet, hands, and neck.

Prenatal massage is especially tailored to an expectant mother's demands. It is different from a regular massage because it demands that a new mother's body has to be positioned as well as supported in the right way, which is achieved by utilizing pillows and some padding.

Pregnancy massage aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which keeps blood flowing to both the mother and the baby. It stimulates different glands in the body, which can stabilize hormone levels and relieve tension throughout the body. Prenatal massage also promotes relaxation while providing mental support and restoring energy during pregnancy.

Postpartum massage can help restore a mother's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. It helps to realign the body weight and tones the overstretched skin over the belly. As with all massage, it relieves muscle tension and stress from mothering duties.