What is Massage and Body Work?

What is Aromatherapy Massage? Using a mix of one or more essential oils (highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from flowers, leaves, bark, roots and seeds), with carrier oils (such as sweet almond, apricot or grapeseed), the therapist will massage you using a combination of Swedish massage and Acupressure / Shiatsu.

When essential oils are inhaled, it positively affects the heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

• Not meant for:
  • Those with epilepsy, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, contagious skin conditions or areas of broken skin
  • Infants and very young children
  • Those who recently had surgery
• Always get advice on appropriate oils and massage techniques from a trained aromatherapist
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or high blood pressure, certain essential oils should not be used
• Consult your doctor if you are on medication

What is Traditional Ashiatsu? Meaning foot (ashi) pressure (atsu) in Japanese, therapists apply pressure to your body with their feet, but may also use their knees, elbows, palms and/or fingers.

Treatments are usually done on a mat on the floor and typically include stretching, stimulation or sedation of acupressure points/meridians, and structural alignment techniques, deeply working your muscles, internal organs, and bones.

What is Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy? Stabilizing herself with bars hung from the ceiling, the therapist climbs up on the massage table and massages you with her feet using a combination of Ashiatsu and Swedish foot massage.

AOBT is a deep compression massage that is done in a push-pull-pumping effect on the patient’s muscles.

What is Deep Tissue Massage? Compared to classic massage, deep tissue massage focuses on a specific problem. Deep tissue massage works on tissue structures of the muscle and connective tissue in order to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions"). Many movements and techniques are based on Swedish massage, but the movements and pressure are generally slower, more intense and more focused.

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during deep tissue massage.

Good for those who enjoy deep pressure or who have chronically tense areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

• May be slightly uncomfortable as compared to classic Swedish massage, speak up if the pressure is too intense
• Relief from chronic problems is best achieved with an integrated program of exercise, posture and movement work, relaxation techniques and a regular massage program
• Drink plenty of water after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues
• Consult your doctor if you suffer from any illness

• Four hand massage allows you to relax and ease pain more quickly than regular massage

Ancient civilizations believed that hot stones were beneficial in healing, especially for cleansing the body, relaxing the heart, grounding the soul and soothing the mind.

Mary Hannigan, of Tucson, Arizona, trademarked her particular style, 'LaStone Therapy', in 1993. Today, most spas offer their own versions.

What is Hot Stone Massage? While using strokes from Swedish massage, the therapist holds smooth, heated stones (often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well), to provide a deep, soothing massage.

The therapist might also leave stones on specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes. As stones cool, the therapist replaces them with new ones.

• Heat of stones comforts and helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage
• Good if you tend to feel chilly, have cold feet or if you have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage
• If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used
• Small local day spas might have less experienced therapists. Ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long she has done it

Derived from the ancient Polynesians and the master healers of Hawaii, it was practiced by “kahunas" (medicine men). The techniques were passed down through family members, from generation to generation. Each family had its own method, but every form had some sort of religion attached to it.

In the early 1900’s, Margaret Machado (known as “Auntie”) made diagrams and began teaching outsiders the techniques.

• Good for those who prefer a soothing massage with a bit of deep tissue work
• If the treatment is traditional, it includes several sessions in a steamy hut. Think about incorporating a steam at the spa prior to your treatment for extra intensity
• Typically, lomi lomi is safe for everyone, unless you are pregnant or intend to be soon. In that case, you should let the therapist know in advance.

What is Manual Lymph Drainage? MLD is a comfortable, non-aggressive type of massage involving light, rhythmical strokes that collect and move lymphatic fluid to help detoxify the system, reduce fluid retention of certain parts of the body, speed up the healing process, and address allergies, headaches, sinusitis, low energy and frequent infections.

Points of focus include the neck, abdomen, trunk and extremities.

• Good for those with water retention and severe swelling of a limb or body part
• Not recommended if you have a fever, serious circulatory problems or major cardiac problems
• If you have a lump or clot, do not have this treatment

What is Myofascial Release? Therapists use interactive stretching techniques and varying degrees of pressure to slowly relax the malleable, thin, continuous layer of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ and bone.

This can be done alone, however, many therapists incorporate it into their regular practice/techniques.

• Myofascial release should never be painful, and if pain is felt the therapist should work differently on the affected area or move to another location

What is Pregnancy or Pre-Natal Massage? When pregnant, your body goes through tremendous change: weight gain, change in center of gravity and posture. Specifically tailored for the expectant mother's needs, the body is properly positioned and supported through the use of pillows and padding to ensure comfort and safety for you and your baby.

Swedish massage technique is used and is especially good for relieving swelling, cramping, aches and pains, constipation, nausea and indigestion, and anxiety, stress and depression caused by hormonal changes. It also provides emotional comfort and support and improves self-image, prepares the body for labor and helps to keep the skin supple, preventing stretch marks.

• Check with your doctor for a list of contraindications (Common contraindications: high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney and bladder disease, previous miscarriage, cancer, lupus, diabetes, mothers younger than 18 or older than 35, those with convulsive disorders or who are at risk for fetal genetic disorders)
• Get a letter from your doctor stating it is OK to receive massage (may be required at some spas)
• Avoid massage during the first trimester, morning sickness, if you have a fever, are experiencing vaginal bleeding, have excessive swelling in the arms or legs, if it causes pain or where you may have bruises or varicose veins

What is Reflexology? Reflexology focuses specifically on the feet. The concept is that all nerves begin in the foot and travel up the body, and as a result, if any area of the body is not functioning properly, reflexology can help relieve the problem.

After assessing the feet, the therapist stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension and will use brisk movements to warm the feet up. Pressure, stretch and movement is then applied from the toes to the heel, according to your comfort, to effect corresponding parts of the body, breaking up patterns of stress.

• Can aid targeted problems, organ dysfunction and pain
• May be too uncomfortable for elderly or extremely young individuals
• May not work on everyone, and works to a different degree on each person
• Consult your doctor before treatment, as certain health conditions may not be suitable for treatment
• If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor
• Avoid during pregnancy

While Shiatsu massage therapy is known to be Japanese, it was actually adopted from Traditional Chinese Medicine and the traditional Chinese belief in Qi (pronounced Chi), the natural energy that flows through all living things.

In both Chinese and Japanese medicine, it is believed that this energy creates health and well-being and if disrupted (can be caused by many things, including negative thoughts and tension), the body will react in illness and bad health. Once the proper flow is restored, your ailments should be cured.

What is Shiatsu? ‘Shi’ meaning finger and ‘atsu’ meaning pressure, the main goal of Shiatsu is to bring the body back into its natural balance and let nature continue its course. Therapists apply pressure to over 300 points all over the body to help regulate or repair the flow of Qi.

Qi runs along the 12 meridians throughout the body, all of which connect to specific organs.

What is Sports Massage? Sports massage therapy is given to active people, usually those regularly involved in sports, as a part of their conditioning program. Often, sports massage is performed before, during and after athletic events.

Although sports massage can include many techniques from many forms of bodywork, Shiatsu and Swedish massage are most common.

• Best if provided on a regular basis—especially before, during and after an athletic event
• Has just recently become an integral part of athletes’ training programs, and is now widely used and supported

• Safe and effective for most people
• Is a great introductory type of massage

Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, may have developed Thai massage over 2,500 years ago.

It made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually integrated with traditional Chinese medicine.

What is Thai Massage? Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. Also called Thai yoga massage, the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.

The treatment Is done on the floor on a thick padded mat.

• Perfect for jet-lagged or frequent travelers
• Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
• Be sure that your massage therapist has your complete health history

Developed by Harold Dull back in 1980, when he started applying Zen Shiatsu stretches to students floating in the warm pool at Harbin Hot Springs in California.

Three main forms emerged:

• Waterdance: created in 1987 by Arjana Brunschwiler and Aman Schroter. Involves being completely submerged underwater at times
• Healing Dance: created by Alexander Georgeakopoulos. It is a mix between Waterdance and traditional Watsu
• Jahara Technique: Gentlest form because of its constant support and gentle bodywork

• If you have trust issues or fear of water, be sure to tell your therapist
• Watsu is done in a private and quiet specialized pool heated to the same temperature as your body
• Some spas have outdoors Watsu pools surrounded by walls, with cloth panels overhead to create a combination of sunlight and shade