This technique is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. Nurturing touch and oil or lotion make the flow of this massage luxurious and calming. The technique may include long strokes, circular motion and kneading, applied with soft to medium pressure. In addition to alleviating muscle tension and a variety of symptoms, therapeutic massage aids in circulation, lymphatic movement, and cortisol (stress hormone) reduction. Therapeutic massage can be integrated into other modalities, or experienced on its own for an extremely relaxing experience.

This massage style is often generally called “Bodywork”, as it integrates various techniques to create more space in the body, while targeting a variety of physical symptoms. Deep tissue massage aids in pain relief and injury rehabilitation by penetrating deeper layers of soft tissue and muscle. Pressure is usually medium to firm, but can be catered to meet the needs of the client. A common misconception is that deep tissue massage is supposed to be unbearably painful. Although it can be uncomfortable, it should never be something the client and practitioner can’t comfortably work through.

Neuromuscular and trigger point therapy may also be integrated into a deep tissue session. These techniques involve adding concentrated pressure on areas of muscle spasm and tightness. Muscle articulation (gentle movement of limbs etc.) and resistance-based techniques may also be utilized to promote muscular release. Deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, and trigger point techniques are highly effective for clients who present with chronic pain, and are often successful in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of longstanding painful conditions.

Cranial Sacral Therapy (also known as CranioSacral and CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University, where he served as professor of biomechanics. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. For more information about Cranial Sacral Therapy, visit upledger.com.

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective technique that involves applying sustained pressure into myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The practitioner applies techniques very slowly and does not use oil. The slow “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load of gentle pressure is applied slowly which allows the viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate. Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce pressure and painful symptoms. Myofascial Release therapists use a multitude of techniques and movement therapy to relieve symptoms and fascial strain. After a MFR session, clients report feeling much more spacious, elongated, peaceful, and stretched out. Flexibility and postural awareness is also improved with regular treatment. Myofasical release was developed by John Barnes, P.T. More information can be found at myofascialrelease.com.

Accupressure, also know as Jin Shin Do, promotes a pleasant, trancelike state, in which one can relax and move into their body to access feelings and inner wisdom. This modality helps release body armoring (tense psychosomatic holding patterns) and chronic tension, balances “Qi” (energy), and improves vitality. Accupressure involves gentle, yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points along the body. Generally, a local point in a tense area is held together with related distal points to help the tense area release. This clothes-on method helps relieve stress, muscle tension, and trauma related problems. Accupressure is a synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupressure theory, Taoist philosophy, Reichian segmental theory, Ericksonian psychotherapy, and breathing techniques. You can learn more at jinshindo.org.