Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindication:

TOTAL (when massage is not recommended) – fever, contagious or infectious diseases, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, recent operations, neuritis, skin diseases.

LOCALIZED (where therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by) – undiagnosed lumps or bumps, varicose veins, bruising, cuts/abrasions, sunburn, undiagnosed pain, inflammation, broken bones.

MEDICAL (massage can only take place once it has been approved by a General Practicioner) – pregnancy (not advisable during the first 3 months), cardio-vascular conditions, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma/bronchitis, acute rheumatism and arthritis, cancer.

Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies that use the pharmacological, physical and aromatic effects of essential oils for relaxation or rejuvenation to improve the physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions.

Using aromatherapy oils during massage therapy can benefit the body in a number of ways. These benefits are not only brought about through the massage itself, although these positive effects are obvious, but also by the direct effect the essential oils have on the body. The interaction that occurs between the aromatherapist and the person receiving the massage is also an important factor in getting the most out of an aromatherapy massage.

Aromatherapy oils play an important role in massage therapy. They can often mean the difference between a successful treatment and an unsuccessful treatment. This is because the recipient is not only benefiting from the massage, but from the inhalation of aromatherapy scents, as well as from the effects the oils have as they are absorbed into the skin and then into the bloodstream.

An essential oil is an aromatic, volatile substance that is extracted from plant material. These oils are extracted from a variety of plants, and can be taken from the seed, the flower, the bark, the fruit, the leaf or the root of the plant. Some plants produce more than one essential oil. An example is the orange tree that produces three essential oils – Petitgrain (from the leaves and branches), Neroli (from the blossom), Sweet Orange (from the peel of sweet orange).

They can be used to treat a variety of illnesses, conditions and complaints. Some oils have a balancing effect on the body, others help to promote relaxation , for example lavender; others like rosemary and ylang ylang have an uplifting and stimulating effect. Used correctly, essential oils are very safe, mainly because they are diluted with carrier oils and only applied in small amounts.

Because the oils are extremely concentrated they should be diluted before you apply them to the skin. If the oil is going to be used for a massage, make sure you use a good carrier oil such as jojoba. You should be looking to have just two or three percent concentration of essential oils. Aromatic oils should never be ingested, and should never come into contact with the eyes. If this does occur, blot the eyes with olive oil and then rinse well with water. There are certain oils that should not be used by anyone unless they have been specifically advised to do so by a qualified aromatherapist. There are also many oils that should be used with care especially with prenatal massage.

Oncology Massage is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received specific training in oncology massage.

Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist’s skill set are an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the disease.

A properly trained massage therapist will ask questions about these issues and more, depending on your unique situation. Many of the changes that will be made to your session will be virtually imperceptible to you as a recipient (and others may be quite obvious), but they are essential to the safety and proper support of your well being.

Soft Tissue Technique is firm, direct pressure to relax hypertonic muscles and stretch tight fascial structures.

Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion.

Sports Massage is the use of specific massage therapy techniques in an athletic context to improve recovery time, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of injury. This is accomplished using techniques that stimulate the flow of blood and lymph to and from muscles. Sports massage is often delivered before or after physical activity depending on the athletes needs, preferences and goals.

Swedish Massage (which is a proper name, not a reference to Sweden) refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Friction is reduced by oil, gel or lotion. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.

On-site or Chair Massage are names for a short (15-20 minute) massage of a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. On-Site is popular in some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events.

Trigger Point Therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the application of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. It may also be called myofascial (myo meaning muscle, fascial meaning connective tissue) trigger point therapy.

Prenatal Massage can relieve back pain and improve sleep and mood, as well as decrease stress and reduce labor complications. Prenatal massage is best given while you lie on your side propped up by pillows. Neck and shoulder massage is a safe sitting-up option, as well.

Postnatal Massage otherwise known as post baby massage is done during the period after birth to allow the mother’s body to recover and recuperate in the comfort of one’s home. In addition to that, postpartum mothers will usually have the desire to regain their pre-pregnancy body.

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is an advanced massage technique, which uses a combination of passive stretching and isometric contractions (gentle resistance), to break neuromuscular holding patterns and to help reset muscle holding patterns and overall length.

PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY – Before any treatment can begin, we will do a consultation to find out your needs and expectations. This consultation serves as a fact-finding mission for both parties. The therapist will find out about the client’s medical history, whether there are any contra-indications to treatment and the client’s reasons for choosing a particular treatment. As the first contact between therapist and client, the consultation also helps to establish a professional relationship. All information given will be confidential.

ETHICS – Bodywork benefit the whole body and massage therapy has become a reputable and recognized therapy, thanks to increased awareness and interest in complementary therapies and alternative medicine.

POLICIES – For your convenience and ours, please give us at least 12 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Please be punctual for your appointment for the consideration of others.

PROCEDURES – Our treatment requires you, the client to be partly or completely undressed (underpants could be kept on). Undressing takes place in private and a towel is provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body to be worked upon to ensure that your privacy is respected at all times. Your treatment will take place in an ambient atmosphere with soothing music being played. You will be lying on a comfortable padded massage table. Your role is to relax and trust the therapist to work on you.

For pricing, please call (713) 503-2435 or Send a Message.