Info

• Ahhh... massage.
• Just saying the word can make you more relaxed.
  Images of a tranquil setting, soothing music and caring, gentle hands may come to mind followed by a feeling of unwinding.

• Or perhaps you imagine your sore
  aching muscles and knots here, there and everywhere being released.

• If either of these scenarios fit your idea of a fabulous massage, please come see me.
  I am a experienced, licensed and nationally certified massage therapist who will address your concerns using a variety of techniques based on your condition and preferences. My fees are reasonable and if you pay for an hour massage, you get a full hour massage.

• Wishing you great health, happiness and peace

Massage and Bodywork Techniques

Therapeutic Massage

• You may wonder how Therapeutic Massage differs from Swedish Massage. A Swedish Massage is what most people think of as a massage with the focus being on relaxation. A Therapeutic Massage, while often times relaxing, focuses on relieving specific pains and discomforts by using a variety of techniques that can be anywhere from "deep" to extremely light. Within my Therapeutic Massage session, I will work with a variety techniques based on what I feel will be the most affective for addressing your issues and your comfort level. Therefore, your input is essential to help me help you achieve your goals. My Therapeutic Massage incorporates the following techniques:
• Craniosacral Therapy
  (see "What is Craniosacral Therapy?" in the side bar)

• Lymphatic Massage (Lymphatic Drainage)
  Lymphatic drainage is a holistic approach to promoting a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and ducts that move fluid throughout the body and is responsible for moving toxins away from healthy cells and carrying germ-fighting materials to cells when they are under attack by viruses. Though fluid moves through the lymphatic system, it does not have its own pumping mechanism. Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage primarily focuses on specific lymph nodes and the natural flow of the lymphatic system. To help lymph fluid move through the body, special rhythmic hand strokes are used, which many patients consider very relaxing. Proponents of lymphatic drainage believe that the process will reduce blockages of the lymphatic system, which in turn promotes a healthier body. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymph nodes may become swollen. Further, the system fails to remove the body's toxins and can even affect white blood cell counts. Lymphatic drainage is believed to reduce blockage, which promotes health in the lymphatic system as well as other bodily systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular, and endocrine systems. It has been recommended for conditions like lymphederma, in which a blockage in the lymphatic system causes swelling in the arms or legs. Some therapists believe that lymphatic drainage therapy can also reduce allergies, menstrual cramps, and colds and other illnesses caused by viruses. Note: While lymphatic drainage is often about preventative health care and is considered safe, physical symptoms, such as swollen glands, can indicate a problem with the lymphatic system and should be evaluated by a physician. In addition to lymphatic drainage therapy, there is research that indicates there are additional measures people can take to promote a free-flowing lymphatic system. Some of these measures include things as simple as avoiding tight-fitting undergarments such as bras, underwear, and pantyhose, and other restrictive clothing. Reducing stress can also help promote a healthy lymphatic system, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

• Myofascial Release
  Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body. This tissue covers every muscle and every fiber within each muscle. All muscle stretching, then, is actually stretching of the fascia and the muscle, the myofascial unit. When muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia which surrounds it become short and tight. This uneven stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts of the body, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms in areas you often wouldn't expect. Myofascial Release treats these symptoms by releasing the uneven tightness in injured fascia. In other words, Myofascial Release is stretching of the fascia. The stretch is guided by feedback the therapist feels from the patient's body. This feedback tells the therapist how much force to use, the direction of the stretch and how long to stretch. Small areas of muscle are stretched at a time. Sometimes the therapist uses only two fingers to stretch a small part of a muscle. The feedback the therapist feels determines which muscles are stretched and in what order. Each Myofascial Release technique contains the same components. The massage therapist finds the area of tightness. A light stretch is applied to the tight area. The therapist waits for the tissue to relax and then increases the stretch. The process is repeated until the area is fully relaxed. Then, the next area is stretched. Most patients are surprised by how gentle Myofascial Release is. Some patients fall asleep during treatment. Others later go home and take a nap. Most patients find Myofascial Release to be a very relaxing form of treatment. Myofascial Release is not massage. Myofascial Release is used to equalize muscle tension throughout the body. Unequal muscle tension can compress nerves and muscles causing pain. Progress is measured by a decrease in the patient's pain and by an improvement in overall posture.

Reflexology

• Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body. Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. Reflexology
• Creates relaxation
  From the moment the reflexologist's hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate reflexology's relaxation effects.

• Reduces pain
  Pain reduction following reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states

• Ameliorates health concerns
  Research shows that reflexology work helps indiviuals of all ages with some 78 health concerns ranging from aggressive behavior in children to urinary concerns of the elderly

• Improves blood flow
  Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.

• Aids post-operative recovery
  Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics. Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and MRI)

• Enhances medical care
  Reflexology helps where nothing else can for many: phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients, and hemodialysis patients to name a few.

• Benefits mental health
  Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies)

• Complements cancer care
  Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by16 studies fom 7 countries

• Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects
  Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements. In general terms, the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.

Reiki

• Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a combination of two Japanese words rei and ki meaning universal life energy.
  Reiki is an ancient laying-on of hands healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies. Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. This healing art is an effective delivery system. The Reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching the recipient's body. This healing art is none invasive and no injury can occur. Everyone's experience is unique but most often, a treatment leaves you feeling relaxed and in a peaceful state of mind.

• You will be asked to lay down on a massage table, couch, or bed. You will be fully clothed except for your shoes.
  You may also be asked to remove or loosen your belt so that your breathing is not restricted in any way. It is best to choose loose-fitting garments to wear on the day of your appointment. Wearing natural fabrics is best (cotton, wool, or linen). You may also be asked to remove any jewelry (rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.) prior to the session, so consider leaving these items at home.

• During the Reiki healing session the practitioner will place his hands lightly on different parts of your body.
  Some Reiki practitioners will follow a predetermined sequence of hand placements, allowing their hands to rest on each body placement for 2 to 5 minutes before moving on to the next. Empathic practitioners will freely move their hands in no particular order to the areas where they "feel" Reiki is most needed. Some Reiki practitioners do not actually touch their clients. Instead, they will hover their lifted palms a few inches above the reclined body. Either way, Reiki energies flow where they are suppose to. Reiki is a smart energy that automatically flows where the imbalances are in your body regardless of where the practitioner's hands are placed.

Swedish Massage

• The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques
  s specifically designed 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 main purpose is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

• Swedish massage involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health.
  Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage.

• Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.
  It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, improves range of motion, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Trigger Point Therapy

• A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot that is painful. Trigger points are located in a taut band of muscles fibers and is the most tender point in the band.
  But a trigger point is more than a tender nodule. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness or a local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle spasm because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle contracting whereas the local twitch response refers to the entire muscle but only involves a small twitch, no contraction. Trigger points also frequently refer pain or a sensation to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. The therapist will locate and deactivate them using finger pressure. Since it took a while to get the muscle in this condition, it will likely take more than one massage to get rid of it.

• Trigger points have several causes. Some common causes of trigger points are: birth trauma, an injury sustained in a fall or accident, poor posture, or overexertion.

• The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits.
  After several treatments, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved.

Individual Treatments

• In addition to Therapeutic Massage, I also provide these individual treatments:
• Craniosacral Therapy

• Sinus Relief
  Sinus Relief massage promotes sinus drainage and helps relieve headaches. Treatment will involve a variety of massage techniques that address massaging facial tissues, head, neck, shoulders, upper chest and ears too. Techniques may include applying pressure points, gentle massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology and Myofascial Release. All techniques help promote drainage and circulation and alleviate congestion. The client will remain clothed from the waist down but having the skin accessible (yet remain fully draped) is important to affect the shoulders and upper chest. To help move those toxins out of the body, you need to drink plenty of water (6 - 8 glasses in the 24 hr. period) following the session. A session can be 30 minutes by itself or as an added 15 minutes to their 30 - 90 minute massage.

• Swedish Massage

• TMJ Massage
  Massage for the relief of pain and tension in the Temporomandibular Joint promotes circulation and helps relax the muscles and connective tissues around and related to the jaw area. A massage treatment will involve a variety of massage techniques and include treatment to areas other than just the jaw since other connective muscles and tissues can contribute to tension in the TMJ. The areas that will be addressed are the face, head, neck, shoulders, upper chest and ears too. In addition to manual massage and pressure point release, Lymphatic Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology (involving the hands or feet), and Myofascial Release may be included. Since tension, stress and repetitive motions can be a major factor in TMJ dysfunctions, a discussion of what you feel may be contributing can help the therapist target certain areas. The client will remain clothed from the waist down but having the skin on the shoulders and chest accessible (yet remain fully draped) is important to affect those areas. After the massage your jaw and neck area should feel more relaxed and less painful. To help move those toxins out of the body, you need to drink plenty of water (6 - 8 glasses in the 24 hr. period) following the session. A session is 30 minutes by itself or can be added to their 30 - 90 minute therapeutic massage. Any additional massage is beneficial to the reduction of TMJ dysfunction since, as mentioned above, reducing stress can help relieve TMJ dysfunction symptoms.

Amethyst BioMat Therapy

• Amethyst Biomats is a medical-grade technology made with Amethyst crystals which produce Far Infrared rays and negative Ions, both of which help heal the human body.Whether you need to release stress, detoxify your body or you have health issues, simply lying on the BioMat promotes a feeling of well-being for a healthier mind and body. Benefits of using the BioMat. Regular use of the BioMat has even been documented to help reduce or even eliminate cancerous growths. BioMat is medical-quality, FDA-Registered and based on award-winning research. Used in healing practices around the world.
• Reduces stress and fatigue

• Relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation

• Improves sleep patterns

• Reduces inflammation

• Eases joint pain and stiffness

• Provides warm, soothing pain relief

• Eliminates toxins in the body

• Increases blood circulation

• Alleviates migraines and tension headaches

• Reduces allergy symptoms

• Improves immune system function

• Improves cardiovascular health

• Burns calories and controls weight

• Improves muscle tone and skin quality

Session Fees

• Investing in massage is an investment in your health!
• Customized Therapeutic Massage30 minute: $50.0060 minute: $70.0090 minute: $95.00120 minute: $120.00

• Sinus Relief or TMJ Massage30 minute: $45.00

• Craniosacral Therapy60 minute: $70.00

• Chair Massage15 minute: $20.0030 minute: $35.00

• BioMat Session30 minutes: $15.0060 minutes: $25.00
  Added to your existing massage $10

• Package Rates4 (60-minute massages): $230.006 (60-minute massages): $350.004 (90-minute massages): $320.006 (90-minute massages): $485.00

Biofreeze and Olive Gold 03

• Biofreeze$10.00
  Biofreeze is the most frequently used and is the #1 recommended topical pain reliever by hands-on healthcare professionals including chiropractors, physical therapists, podiatrists, and massage therapists. For over 20 years, our products have been helping people manage their discomfort by offering a variety of benefits that assist in therapy, pain relief, exercise/training and overall comfort. Using menthol as the active ingredient, Biofreeze products penetrate quickly, preventing or relieving pain through cold therapy. Biofreeze products can help facilitate freer, more pain-free movement. They can also provide effective relief for people troubled by sore muscles; back, shoulder and neck pain; arthritis; painful ankle, knee, hip and elbow joints, and muscular strains. Available in a 4oz. tube.

Olive Gold 03

• Olive Gold 03 is a perfect proprietary blend of SUPER OXYGEN, in an all natural organic olive oil base, with super-charged vitamins (A, B's, C, D, & E), 72 minerals, alpha-lipoic acid, and exotic botanical essence. Olive Gold 03 inherently is hypoallergenic. Nothing harmful to humans or animals can live in it. Contains no: corn, sugar, soy, starch, wheat, yeast, preservatives, synthetics, or GMO derived sources known. I myself have used Olive Gold for many skin conditions and for healing purposes with great results. Olive Gold 03TM has no known side effects and little to no healing reaction. There is no known interference with prescription medication. Olive Gold 03TM stays fresh for at least 2 years in the original container. 0.27 oz. - $7; 0.50 oz. - $12; 2 oz. - $36

For your health

• Neutralizes toxins, harmful pathogens, bacteria, viruses, fungus and chemicals

• Enriches brain function for alertness and mental clarity

• Delivers more energy to muscles, optimizes performance with less ache and pain

• Enhances metabolism for better digestion and detoxification

• Increased assimilation of nutrition

• Remove gallstones according to the liver and gallbladder cleanse by Andreas Moritz

For your skin

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Adds texture to the skin

• Assists in the production of collagen

• Protects, nourishes and moisturizes

• May help resolve a variety of skin related issues such as acne and psoriasis

• Provides a reserve of oxygen to the body presenting
  a greater life force as it enriches the appearance and health and helps reverse aging

• Never clogs pores
  It is not oily, greasy, or sticky

Packages and Special Offers

• YELP ME to enter a monthly drawing. If you have experienced one of my massages and you enjoyed your session, found my techniques to be affective or maybe just enjoyed the atmosphere and want to share with others, please consider going to YELP.COM to write a review. You'll be entered into a monthly drawing to win a massage. And, you'll be helping me build my on-line review! Drawings will be held the last business day of each month starting with June, 2013. The massage you win must be used within a year for either yourself or someone else you know who deserves a little TLC. Thank you in advance!!

Discounts Always Offered

• Refer a friend and get $15 off
  of your next 60 or 90 minute massage! Please be sure that your referral mentions you at the time of scheduling.

• Multi-packages4 (60-minute massages): $230.006 (60-minute massages): $350.004 (90-minute massages): $320.006 (90-minute massages): $485.00

• During your birthday month take $15 off
  one 60-minute massage during your birthday month. Just mention it when you schedule your appointment.

Consider Gift Certificates For

• Birthdays

• Graduates

• Father's Day

• Engagement gifts

• Loved ones who have completed anything from a marathon or a walk-a-thon

• Pregnant Moms or AFTER the baby is born!

• As a tip for your landscaper, home improvement contractor, or anyone that has put in a hard days work!

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

• The session usually takes about an hour. Often, I incorporate CST into my regular massage as it can be beneficial in enhancing the massage experience. During the treatment you are on the massage table fully clothed and relaxed. You may experience subtle muscular movements or sensations such as tingling, twitching or warmth. Or you may not feel anything except total relaxation. It's hard to explain and the treatment may seem subtle but the affects can be powerful! Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a deeply relaxing technique that relieves the body of tensions and restrictions at a deeper level so that the central nervous system can perform at its peak. This allows the body to heal itself, just as it was designed to do! CST is an effective, light touch therapy that can help with many dysfunctions of the body including:
• Migraine Headaches

• Chronic Neck and Back Pain

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Scoliosis

• Chronic Fatigue

• Emotional Difficulties

• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

• Stress and Tension-Related Problems

• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

• Motor-Coordination Impairments

• Central Nervous System Disorders

• Orthopedic Problems

• Learning Disabilities

• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders and Much More!