Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing neck pain, back pain, and mental stress (among other things). It does this by optimizing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. Developed by physicians William Sutherland and John Upledger, this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience.
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.
Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.
Touch can bring many memories and reactions. Some therapists say, 'what the mind forgets, the body remembers.'
My work is to help you feel a sense of control and relaxation while receiving gentle touch. We want your body to relax during the massage so that you do not have to leave the scene in your imagination. My hope is that after we have worked together for awhile, your reaction to massage touch will be enjoyment and relaxation.
I offer trauma-informed massage as part of your therapy team. Ideally, we begin with a joint conversation with you and your therapist about what you are wanting from the massage sessions, and what I can offer. I like to be able to communicate with your therapist occasionally as we work together, so I will ask your permission for that.
Our first session is usually half an hour, especially if this is your first massage experience. You will have several choices:
- Light: the room is usually dimly lit, but we can turn more lights on.
- Privacy: the door can be cracked open, or closed.
- Position: you can sit in a chair or be on the table face-up.
- Clothing: usually stays on, except for shoes.
- Scents: you can choose lotion with essential oils and/or the diffuser on, or no scents. Or no lotion at all! Lavender is a relaxing oil, for example. I also have scent-free oils
- Sounds: you can choose soothing music or no music. I may ask a few questions during the session.
We begin with some deep and slow breathing. You choose an area for me to work on: lower legs and feet, forearms and hands, or head and neck. I will pay attention to signals from your body and anything that you say. Our goal for that session is to observe your body's relaxation and tension patterns. And for you to enjoy what you can!
You are able to signal any time that you want to end the session.
And then we take things from there! Sessions can become longer and I can work on additional body areas.
Our massage work can begin with a half hour session every week. We will see how things progress. I will check in with you and your therapist about what we are learning and experiencing.
I admire people's willingness to be vulnerable and outside their comfort zone on the way to becoming more whole. I offer you my complete attention and my appreciation for the intricacies of our interconnected body, mind, and spirit in our work together.