Swedish Massage is bodywork that is specifically designed to relax muscles. Interestingly, it was originally derived from the oldest known form of massage which is Chinese Tui Na. By applying deep pressure to muscles and bones, by rubbing concurrently with the circulation towards the heart, Swedish massage purposefully enhances oxygen flow in blood and helps to rid toxins from the muscles.

Shortening recovery time from injuries like muscle sprains, Swedish Massage helps to flush body tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Aside from increasing circulation to the heart, Swedish massage stretches ligaments and tendon making them more flexible. Swedish massage is also known to stimulate the skin and nervous system to enhance emotional and physical well-being.

Myofascial Release is a tender mixture of stretches and massage techniques. Derived from the Latin words “myo” meaning muscle, and “fascia” for band, myofascial release therapy releases tension from the fibrous bands of connective tissue (fascia). Myofascial release therapy aims to free constrictions or blockages in the fascia, thereby alleviating problems with connective tissue scarring or injury.

Myofascial release therapy utilizes gentle, kneading manipulation that softly stretches, softens, lengthens and realigns fascia. Stretches are held for a couple of minutes until a softening or release is felt. These stretches are repeated until the tension is no longer felt. A myofascial release session may last up to an hour and can be administered one to three times per week depending on a patient’s condition.

In addition, myofascial release therapy can be used to treat back pain; help suffering from frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, incontinence, tennis or golfer’s elbow, shin splints, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, whiplash injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, myofascial release can be administered to children suffering from birth trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis as well. Ultimately, myofascial release can restore complete balance back to the body.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, and should not be confused with wanting a deep pressure massage. Deep tissue massage is especially designed for chronically tense and contracted areas. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, which limits movement, and increases inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement thru slowly increasing pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

· Chronic pain

· Limited mobility

· Recovery from injuries (e.g. sports injuries, falls, whiplash)

· Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

· Postural problems

· Ostearthritis pain

· Muscle tension or spasm

Massage Therapy For Fertility Enhancement & Other Female Reproductive Support

Nurturing The Mother Fertility Massage is another treatment designed to enhance a couple’s potential to conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive technology. The intention of this therapeutic fertility massage session is to support the body in cleansing, reducing stress hormones, balancing reproductive hormones, and stimulating the reproductive organs utilizing acupressure, abdominal massage, castor oil packs and essential oils.

The techniques in Abdominal Massage are used to:

· Break up stagnation

· Break up scarring and adhesion’s

· Increase lymph and blood circulation in pelvic region

· Improve digestion for improved nutrient assimilation

Benefits Beyond Fertility Enhancement

Originally developed for use in assisting women on their paths to motherhood, it also has many benefits to women with heavy or painful periods, scarring from previous births or surgical procedures and digestive discomforts/ailments.

When To Do a Fertility Massage Within A Menstrual Cycle

Due to the stimulating effects of this massage it can only be performed between a woman’s last day of her period through the day of ovulation (and/or day 15 of the cycle if you are not sure when or if you are ovulating).  

It is also not recommended while breastfeeding due to the detoxification of the body with this massage, as it can possibly taint breast milk. “Pumping and dumping” is an option if a woman wants the treatment done while breastfeeding, as the effects are only known to last a day or two.

Abdominal massage cannot be done if a women has an IUD.

Because of the many inherent differences anatomically specific to a pregnant woman and being that every pregnant woman’s body is unique, very refined techniques and releases are utilized. Our prenatal massage therapist will provide a tailor-made massage that is truly beneficial for you and your baby, while easing the pain and discomfort of pregnancy, delivering a safe, relaxing, and effective massage. The goal of prenatal massage is to give special attention to the mother-to-be and nurture the new life growing within her.

To read more about prenatal and pregnancy massage, please click here.

This massage is specific to women at 38 to 40 weeks gestation or those who have gone beyond their due date. Labor preparation is a gentle but effective way to nudge the body to get ready for labor. It will not force the body to go into labor, but instead work with where the body is naturally to help get the body and baby ready and or help facilitate the process. Studies have shown that stimulating specific acupressure points help raise oxytocin levels (hormones needed for labor) to stimulate the body to shift into labor (however, the body and baby must be ready for labor for the massage to stimulate labor). If the body or baby is not ready, the massage will help the cervix to ripen, efface and dilate, but labor will not begin until mom and baby are truly ready.

The goals of this massage include:

· Relaxing the mother-to-be

· Releasing stored emotional and energetic blocks to help with readiness for labor

· Preparing the birthing muscles

· Assisting the body in activating contractions and labor

· Helping with cervical dilation through the use of acupressure points

· Stimulating specific acupressure points thought to help move the baby down the birth canal

· Helping with oxytocin production to facilitate labor

· Providing a nurturing and safe space for the mother to be and process any fears or anxiety about labor

To read more about labor preparation massage, please click here.

Postnatal or postpartum massage is a powerful tool to help restore the body to its pre-pregnant state and is designed to address the stress of caring for a newborn. This is such a sacred and transitional time in a woman’s life. It can also be a very difficult time in a woman’s life as well. Most women need to heal and receive support from the tremendous changes that pregnancy, labor, and postpartum bring. We are committed to providing holistic care that supports women physically and emotionally.

Postpartum Massage Can Help With:

· Weight bearing joints (pelvis & hips)

· Activation of abdominal wall muscles

· Soreness from overused birthing muscles

· General fatigue following delivery and caring for a newborn

· Structural imbalances that occur from nursing and caring for a baby

· Stress relief through therapeutic & nurturing touch

· Hormone regulation (decreasing cortisol a stress hormone)

· Improving sleep

· Increasing milk production through relaxation and increasing circulation

· Decreasing postpartum depression

When Should Women Come In For Their First Postpartum Massage?

Postpartum massage can be safely received at any point following delivery.

Research on Massage & Postpartum

A study currently underway at the Touch Research Institute concerns the effects of touch on pregnant women. [Massage]… is also said to help with such pregnancy-related conditions as sciatica and constipation. “We’re trying to find the best ways to reduce pregnancy anxiety” says study director Tiffany Field, Ph.D., “which we know contributes to premature delivery and prenatal problems.” TRI has found… massage releases a substance similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter related to pain relief.

In a groundbreaking 1986 study, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine, Tiffany Field, Ph.D., showed that premature infants who were massaged three times a day for 15 minutes gained 47 percent more weight than other preemies and were released from the hospital six days earlier. It wasn’t just that the massaged kids felt more secure for being coddled. In later research, Field showed that massage (as opposed to light touch) stimulates the brain’s vagus nerve, causing the secretion of food-absorption hormones, including insulin. Nerve stimulation probably explains other benefits as well.

Oncology massage therapy is a light pressure massage with modifications and support for those in active cancer treatment, post treatment, survivorship, and end of life. It is performed in a comfortable, soothing atmosphere and the client is well supported to receive the ancient healing art of massage therapy. It is a wonderful break from the emotional and physical stresses of cancer treatment, and provides a safe space for people to feel good in their bodies and reconnect to their spirits.

Oncology massage can help:

· Medication and treatment side effects

· Address and support emotional well-being, and

· Provide deep relaxation and muscle pain relief.

Oncology massage is sensitive to surgical sites and vital organ involvement. In traditional massage therapy, one of the goals is to promote lymph flow and circulation. Oncology massage is modified to not encourage excessive detoxification or to speed up the processing of medications through the system.

Oncology massage is available only through Colleen Eimerman.

Himalayan Salt Stone massage can reduce inflammation and replenish minerals lost during hard workouts and ongoing stress. Himalayan Salt contains over 80 minerals that alkalize and nourishes the skin. The salt is naturally anti-microbial and helps to detoxify the body and skin.

Himalayan Salt Stone Massage is only provided by Katie Mogg.

Medi-Cupping Vacuum Therapy utilizes glass or plastic cups and a vacuum machine to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using walking, shaking, rotating, and pulsing techniques while the cups are gently lifted away from the body. Parking and soaking techniques are used to achieve soft tissue release and hydration. Toxins and inflammation are pulled to the surface to be eliminated more readily by the lymphatic system and the skin. Scar tissue is often released easily using Medi-Cupping regardless of its age.

Benefits of Medi-Cupping Vacuum Therapy

· Relieves pain and inflammation

· Relieves deep muscular issues

· Lifts and separates soft tissue to relieve fascicle restrictions

· Softens and releases scar tissue

· Moves stagnation and enables tissue hydration

· Restores proper lymphatic flow

· Enhances any athletic regiment to promote peak performance

Medi-Cupping is only provided in conjunction with massage services through Katie Mogg.