Swedish Massage
The benefits of Swedish massage include increased circulation, relief of stress and muscle tension, improved range of motion and an overall sense of well being. This treatment, relaxing & restorative, can be enjoyed by people of all ages and lifestyles.
Integrated Lymph Drainage
This gentle rhythmic technique enhances the normal function of the lymph system, supports the immune system, reduces fluid retention and cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins. Integrated Lymph Drainage is effective in reducing swelling due to injury, surgery or illness. This deeply relaxing technique can be beneficial in relieving the discomfort and chronic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, sinusitis and headaches.
When combined with other therapies, treatment schedules can be shortened and tissues rebalanced which often prevents reoccurrence of symptoms.
Reflexology
Reflexology can help restore, maintain and enhance your health and vitality. Reflexology is an alternative healing therapy, based on the principles that every system, organ and gland are mapped out on the bottom of the feet. By applying pressure and stimulating the various areas energy pathways are opened and crystals built up in nerve endings are released. With this relaxing and warming circulation, treatment positive change occurs throughout the body. Reflexology can be a session all on its own or can easily be integrated into your massage session.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage
Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a unique sequence of reflexology techniques that were researched and developed by Sally Kay to stimulate the lymphatic reflexes on the feet.
RLD was initially developed to help reduce the tissue swelling that many women experience after surgery for breast cancer. However, this reflexology technique has also been shown to be useful for clients who are dealing with non-cancer related issues such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, headaches, auto immune and other inflammatory type conditions. RLD can be used to reduce any swelling associated with fluid retention, whether it is related to cancer surgery or not. RLD is recommended as both pre-operative and on-going preventive postoperative therapy. RLD can help to reduce swelling, lessen pain and discomfort, improve mobility, renew sense of wellbeing and act as a preventative measure.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses applied pressure to key points in the body to stimulate self healing. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, improves circulation, relaxes the body and promotes wellness. Complement your health care with learning which points are most beneficial for you. Acupressure can be a valuable addition to any massage session.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for improving and maintaining physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Aromatic essences have been used for over 4,000 years and when used properly have the ability to enhance our lives on a biochemical, cellular and physical level. Essential oils are one of the most valuable gifts nature has given us to enjoy! Restore balance and harmony with a customized blend that can be integrated into your massage or reflexology sessions.
Thermal Palms® Massage
A soft alternative to the traditional hot stone massage, this massage soothes to the core. These hand-held heat modalities mould to the contours of the body and provide a deep penetrating heat. Indulge in a decadent one hour full body massage or just add a pair of ThermalPalms® to target those trouble spots and let the tension in your body melt away!
Breast Massage
Massage therapy is a gentle and effective way to promote breast health and help relieve the discomforts of life cycle changes. Breast massage enhances the function of healthy breast tissue, reduces the discomforts of pregnancy, breast congestion, fibrotic tissue and pre & post surgical conditions. The techniques I use and teach in this 90 minute session are very gentle and respectful of the individual needs of the client. A combination of reflexology, lymph drainage, aromatherapy and acupressure are included in this massage. In addition to gentle hands on techniques hydrotherapy and castor oil wraps may be used to decrease congestion and soften scar tissue. Following this treatment you will feel more connected, relaxed, and open.
Breast massage follows specific protocol and is always done with total respect for the client’s comfort and privacy. I suggest that our first treatment not include breast work. I encourage clients to be comfortable with me as a therapist first, and to consider all the treatment options that we will discuss. There are several draping options to consider. Clear intention, communication and consent are essential to an effective and educational treatment. I'd be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about this heart centred treatment.
Pregnancy Massage
A wonderful way to relax and relieve the discomforts of pregnancy as your body adapts to the changes that occur during this time. Before, during and after pregnancy, a soothing massage can help to relieve physical and emotional tension. With massage, the discomforts of swelling, tingling or numbness in the hands and sciatic pain can be addressed. Massage during pregnancy can be comfortably received in a side-lying position with the use of the Body Cushion System or in a seated position.
Massage for Seniors
Massage therapy can be helpful in the management of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, depression, insomnia and postural dysfunction. The healing touch of massage therapy contributes to the overall sense of well-being. Massage therapy can add to the quality of life both physically and emotionally promoting lifelong health, relaxation and vitality.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points occur in taut bands of muscle fibres and are commonly referred to as ‘knots’. They can cause pain that refers locally or at some distance away from the affected muscle. Factors that can contribute to trigger point activation include emotional, postural or mechanical stress and nutritional or metabolic imbalances. It is important to address any perpetuating factors to successfully eliminate the trigger points.
Trigger point therapy uses a variety of techniques that interrupt the neural signals that cause both trigger points and pain. Once trigger points have been reduced stretches, specific to the involved muscles, are a necessary part of the treatment to ensure that the muscles don’t return to their shortened state.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is an advanced hands on technique that can help to relieve long-held tension and pain. Prolonged physical or emotional stress, injuries, poor posture and chronic inflammation can lead to restrictions in the fascia. A session of myofscial release includes structural assessments and manual massage techniques that will release and lengthen both muscles and fascia. This technique relies on tissue drag to be effective so little or no lotion is used. Reorganization of the fibres through direct and indirect soft tissue manipulations allow them to become more flexible and functional. Home care exercises and relaxation techniques support the effectiveness of myofascial release.
Positional Release
In this technique tender points are used to guide the placement of the body into a position of comfort. This position is held for some time allowing the neuromuscular mechanism to reset itself. This allows for a gentle repositioning and restoration of balance. Tender areas and muscle spasms can be released with this technique without inducing additional pain.
Aquatic Massage Therapy
This is a wonderfully relaxing, passive and therapeutic treatment. It is received in a warm body-temperature pool.
The techniques used in the water include land-based massage techniques, range of motion, trigger point, stretches, reflexology and craniosacral. It is beneficial for clients experiencing arthritis, post surgical rehab, neurological conditions, anxiety, insomnia and physical or emotional stress. If you have a pool you can request one of these amazing treatments!
CranioSacral Therapy
A gentle hands on therapy that evaluates and enhances the functioning of the craniosacral system. This system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This treatment is received fully clothed while a soft touch is used to release restrictions in the craniosacral system. Once the body begins to release tension, stored experiences and old patterns it will be able to rebalance and heal itself. CST can restore proper functioning of the central nervous system and help to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunction including headaches, chronic fatigue, anxiety, PTSD, fibromyalgia and orthopedic problems.