Massage Services

Therapeutic massage is the scientific art of assessment and manual application of a technique to a person’s soft tissue. This includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, as well as to the structures that are inside the soft tissue. Massage techniques can be applied by using hands, feet, knees, arm, elbow, and forearm. Manual techniques involve the application of touch, stroking (effleurage), friction, vibration, percussion, kneading (petrissage), stretching, compression, or passive and active joint movements to assess or improve range of motion. 

Hot or cold packs may also be applied as part of the treatment, in order prepare the soft tissue for massage. 

The purpose of massage is to normalize and improve muscle tone, promote relaxation and stimulate circulation, producing therapeutic effects throughout the entire body. These effects are made through the physiologic mind/body connections, in a safe, respectful environment, which welcomes and responds to client feedback. 

• reduces muscle tension and stiffness
• relieves muscle spasms
• increases flexibility and range of motion
• improves ease and efficiency of movement
• relieves stress and aids relaxation
• promotes deeper and easier breathing
• improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph
• relieves tension related conditions such as headaches and eyestrain
• promotes faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments, and reduces pain and swelling 
• reduces the formation of excessive scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
• enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• improves posture by changing tension patterns that affect posture
• reduces stress and is a excellent stress management tool
• creates a feeling of well-being
• reduces levels of anxiety
• increases awareness of the mind-body connection
• promotes a relaxed state of mental awareness

Dynamic cupping uses the suction of silicone cups on the body to create negative pressure. This drawing action is an excellent form of lymphatic drainage, myofascial release. There is also an increased stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system which can increase the relaxation component of the treatment. 

During a session the therapist will apply oil and use traditional massage strokes in combination with the use of silicone cups. The cups can travel over the body in sweeping strokes or stay in one spot to give an area of tightness or congestion some focused work. This releases tension and adhesions from all directions, making it a more complete treatment with more effective results.

Cupping can leave circular markings on the skin which are not painful. They indicate the clearing of stagnation and muscle wastes from the body. The marks can last from a few hours to a week following treatment. Drinking water after a session can help flush the body of the released muscle wastes. 

Soothing Lomi strokes melt away muscle tension, while gentle compressions are used to gradually work keep to the bone. Compression and traction techniques are used to stimulate the Golgi tendon which allows the muscle to relax. Traditional Hawaiian Mana Lomi techniques are a calming and effective way of doing either relaxation or deep tissue massage.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy is a soothing, healing massage, where hot oiled stones are used to make flowing strokes and compressions, allowing the entire body to relax. Traditional Mana Lomi hot stone techniques are effective for therapeutic as well as relaxation purposes.