Reiki - The word “reiki” (ray-key) means Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is a Japanese healing art whereby the practitioner places his or her hands upon the person to be healed and acts as a conduit, channeling the healing energy of the universe into the recipient to restore balance and harmony. During a reiki session the client may remain clothed as the energy passes directly through ones clothing. As emotional problems often manifest themselves in physical ailments, and physical trauma often brings about intense emotional responses, reiki simultaneously brings about both physical and mental balance and harmony.

Myotherapy - Myotherapy is a trigger point therapy. Trigger points are localized areas of decreased circulation, increased muscle contractions and increased nerve sensitivity. They often cause immense pain and suffering. They are typically the result of injury to the muscle, or formed at birth. Myotherapy is used to relax these trigger points, relieving muscle stiffness, inflammation, pain and spasms, and improving circulation and range of motion. The myotherapist applies pressure to affected muscles through fingers, knuckles, or elbows. For example, headache pain is often caused by myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the neck. The myotherapist will press his or her fingers deeply into the knotted muscles on the neck of a client suffering from a headache in order to release the trigger points that are causing the pain and tension.

Craniosacral Therapy - CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle form of manipulation of the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and includes the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, and the sacrum (tailbone). Craniosacral therapy has proven effective for the relief of migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, central nervous system disorders, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), Scoliosis, and fibromyalgia, among other ailments.

Swedish Massage - When most people think of massage, they think of “Swedish massage”. Swedish massage is a classic western massage technique which combines kneading and long smooth strokes to improve circulation and that relax and loosen muscles. The techniques applied in Swedish massage are gentle and rhythmic. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements, usually accompanied by the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes, and it speeds the venous return of un-oxygenated blood and toxins from the extremities. Even though the pressure is relatively light, this treatment still has therapeutic benefits including: an increased blood flow, increased muscle tone, improved oxygenation to the muscles, and, of course, relaxation. For someone has never had a massage before, Swedish massage provides a great introduction.

Shiatsu - Shiatsu is a traditional form of Japanese pressure point massage. Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning “finger pressure”. A Shiatsu massage may incorporate not only the use of finger pressure, but also pressure by the therapists thumbs, palms, knees, forearms, elbows and even feet. Pressure is applied to areas of energy lines (known as “meridians”) to promote good health by stimulating the bodies energy flow.

Sports Massage / Deep Tissue Massage - Deep, focused massage strokes utilizing all or some combination of compression, drainage, friction, vibration, and tapotement are used in sports or deep tissue massage.

Thai Massage - No oils or creams are generally used in Thai massage. The client typically remains fully clothed and the massage usually takes place on a floor or mat rather than on a massage table. Thai massage may be best thought of as a form of assisted yoga. The therapist uses his or her hands, feet, elbows, knees and legs to stretch and manipulate the client’s body.

Tuina - Tuina (pronounced “twee-nah”) is a traditional Chinese massage therapy that has been practiced in China for over two thousand years. The term “tuina” translates into “push-grasp” in Chinese. The massage aspect of Tuina involves the use of pressing, tapping, and kneading to removes blockages along the meridians of the body and to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee” and sometimes spelled “chi”) and blood to promote healing. This therapy is based on traditional Chinese medicinal practices and, in addition to massage techniques, it incorporates, acupressure, manipulation, musculoskeletal and ligamentous realignment techniques, stretching, and medicated oils and salves to help restore balance to the body. It is believed that by bringing about a balanced and harmonious flow of energy throughout the body, that the body may more effectively heal itself. Tuina can be used to relieve symptoms associated with certain musculo-skeletal disorders as well as chronic stress related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Manual Lymph Drainage - A therapeutic massage where the therapist uses a gentle “pumping technique” that drains away pockets of water retention and toxins that are trapped in the body. Many consider Lymph Drainage to be an anti-aging treatment.

Acupressure - Acupressure is possibly best thought of as acupuncture without the needles. It is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure on specific points along the body. Some of these “pressure points” are believed to affect a specific part of the body, while others are more general in their affect. Chinese cultures believe these points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called chi. Acupressure helps to removes energy blockages within the meridian pathway by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue and joints, causing stiffness and pain. Acupressure stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony to the body.

Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. Aromatherapists use therapeutic oil extracts from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds. There are approximately 150 essential oils, each having its own distinct therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves. As we breath the scents, our brain releases chemicals that communicate with our nervous system to produce a calculated result such as relaxation, digestion, invigoration, or pain relief. Many of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant.

Watsu - Watsu means “water shiatsu”. Watsu is a massage treatment conducted in a warm pool of water (usually 92-96 degrees) using rhythmic movements, pressure points, massage and stretching techniques. The effects of massage are amplified and made more profound by stretching a client while having her or him float in warm water. The buoyancy of the water allows the practitioner to use stretches and muscle manipulations that would normally be impossible. Because the client’s body is in a state of constant movement, it is impossible for him or her to anticipate, and thus resist, the work that is being done. For those who suffer from mobility problems (i.e. senior citizens and handicapped persons) Watsu is ideal. The warm water helps to loosen the muscles and joints, and helps increase circulation to underutilized and paralyzed limbs.

Reflexology - Reflexology is based on the belief that ones feet and hands are maps or mirrors of the body. By putting pressure on and massaging specific areas of the feet or hands, the reflexologist may relieve pain or tension in corresponding areas of the clients body.

Pohaku (Hot Stone) - This technique uses heated river stones or lava rock to carry warmth deep into muscles, tissues and joints, releasing tension and stress.