We use “hands on” therapy at the physical level to bring about a change in the body, mind and spirit. By using Massage, Myofascial Release Therapy and Craniosacral therapy, the physical body can get relief from unwanted symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, stress or chronic illness. However, we also know that these techniques work deeper than just the physical release of tension, and can have effects on the immune system, the endocrine system, circulatory system and facial system of the body.
Therapeutic (Relaxing) Massage with or without Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release Therapy, Trigger-point Therapy, Reflexology & Craniosacral.
A few of the benefits of Bodywork are:
- Reduction or elimination of pain and discomfort
- Greater mobility, flexibility and relaxation
- Release of painful restrictions or adhesions
- Improved balance, breathing, circulation and well being
- Increased awareness and understanding of your own personal body language and pain patterns.
- Complements all other healing modalities
MASSAGE THERAPY
Therapeutic Massage Therapy is a “hands on” therapy that promotes relaxation. It is used to release the stress and tension in your body. Our Therapists use long gliding strokes, rhythmic kneading of the muscles, along with gentle touch, to relax the muscles, ease stress and improve circulation. With this therapy you can also add the use of essential oils to allow yourself to escape with Aromatherapy. With an Aromatherapy massage we use a custom blend of essential healing oils that will delight your senses and relax your tired body. Imagine drifting away on your own personal journey of scents and wonder.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure essential oils known as hydrosols, distilled from a wide variety of plants to treat the body, mind and spirit. Pure essential oils derive their therapeutic qualities from complex components found in authentic plant oils and can be used to treat stress, tension, emotional imbalances (depression, grief or anxiety) or physical aliments such as sore muscles or cramps. The power of scent can transport you to a sense of calmness and healing within seconds. Aromatherapy used with massage is a wonderful way to treat the whole body.
DEEP TISSUE THERAPY
Also known as connective tissue massage) is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. Deep tissue massage uses slow focused techniques such as trigger point therapy, deep finger pressure and friction in areas of chronic muscular tightness or knots (also known as “adhesions.”) Deep tissue massage should not hurt, but it’s likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic therapeutic massage as the pressure is deeper and more intense. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
It’s important to be realistic about what one massage can achieve in one session. Many people ask for more pressure or deep tissue massage thinking that if the therapist just pushes harder or deeper they can get rid of all their knots in a one hour session. This just won’t happen. In fact, this is why some clients have unnecessary soreness and discomfort after a massage. The best way to properly release chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is with an integrated program of massage, stretching, and relaxation techniques.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
It is a bodywork technique that involves applying pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger points are areas of tenderness in a muscle and are very commonly referred to as muscle knots. Trigger points may be associated with Myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia. Trigger points differ from acupressure points in that acupressure points are concentrations of energy or blockages of the body’s energy pathways, whereas trigger points are physical adhesions or restrictions of the tissue that can be felt by touch. Trigger point therapy is used to eliminate pain and to release painful knots and adhesions in the muscles of your body.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY (MFR)
MFR is a gentle “hands on” therapy that can melt away painful fascial restrictions and muscle tension. MFR, increases joint flexibility and mobility, releases emotional and physical bracing patterns, corrects structural imbalances and relieves chronic pain. It works the connective tissue of the body on deep levels.
What is Myofascial?
“Myo” means “muscle” and “Fascia” is the “connective tissue” of the body. The fascial system supports and surrounds the muscles, bones and organs and is structurally integrated within them so as to connect them in a giant web. It is the fascia and muscle that work together to support your body and to facilitate movement.
Fascia in its normal state is relaxed and smooth. It allows your muscles to glide fluidly and easily over each other, your organs and bones without restriction or strain and is essential to the proper function of the whole body.
When fascia is injured it becomes restricted binding down and exerting pressure and stress on the soft tissue, organs and bony structures of your body. This causes pain and dysfunction and if left untreated, can lead to structural imbalances and disease.
Myofascial restrictions do not show up on any of the standard tests (x-rays, CAT scans, or MRI’s) and for the most part have been ignored or misdiagnosed. Many clients can have painful symptoms that appear to be unrelated to the original or primary complaint. However, many of these symptoms can be understood in relationship to our knowledge of the fascial system and the body. Because fascia permeates all regions of the body and is interconnected, any restrictions or adhesions in the fascial system can cause tension on adjacent pain-sensitive structures as well as on structures in far-away or remote areas of the body. This often explains why we can feel pain in an area unrelated to the initial trauma or injury site.
Therefore, it is important to look at the big picture and treat the whole body and not just get lost in the symptoms. Myofascial Release Therapy uses whole body approach to healing and maintaining a health.
