Techniques

If you know what style of massage you prefer, please let us know when you book your session and we'll match a therapist to your specific needs. Otherwise, merely tell us how you feel when you come in, and our therapists will use a variety of styles to create a custom session just for you. Please note that not all therapists use every technique, so if you know you like deep tissue, lomi lomi, etc., you'll want to mention it when you call to set your appointment.

Swedish

The most commonly offered massage technique. Swedish features long strokes and kneading of the muscles. It is used primarily for full body sessions to promote full relaxation, circulation, and to relieve muscle tension.

Deep Tissue

This massage releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through long slow strokes and deep finger pressure on tensed areas. This technique improves body alignment and freedom of movement. If you enjoy massage work with a fair amount of pressure but find deep tissue uncomfortable at times you may want to request firm Swedish massage for a portion of your session.

Shiatsu

A Japanese massage system that incorporates finger, thumb and palm pressure along the body’s energy channels. The intent is to release energy blockages, rebalance and stimulate energy flow.

Sports Massage

This massage focuses on the muscles relevant to a particular athletic activity. It is usually more vigorous and deeper than Swedish massage.

Reflexology

This ancient Chinese technique applies pressure to points mainly on the feet but also on the hands and ears which correspond to specific areas of the body.

Acupressure

An ancient Chinese finger point massage designed to release muscle tension and promote healing by applying pressure along vital energy points in order to improve energy flow.

Polarity

Designed to balance the body's subtle electromagnetic energy through touch and stretching.

Trigger Point

Applies concentrated finger pressure to tender areas in the muscle in order to break the cycle of spasm and pain.

Myofascial Release

A mild and gentle hands on form of stretching which relieves connective tissue restrictions all over the body promoting strength, flexibility, range of motion and proper alignment. It releases chronic problems and reduces pain.

Craniosacral

This gentle massage centers on the head and corrects imbalances in the spine.

Energy

A balancing of the body energy field through laying hands on specific energy centers with the intent to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions.

Lymphatic

This technique features gentle pumping and stroking techniques to drain away pockets of water retention and trapped toxins. It boosts the body ability to eliminate waste and tones the tissue by reducing swelling.

Lomi Lomi

Traditional Hawaiian massage.

Aromatherapy

This technique incorporates the use of essential plant and vegetable oils into the massage session.

Esalen

This highly nurturing and sensory massage incorporates long, slow and flowing strokes.

Thai

An ancient Thai bodywork system designed to unblock trapped energy and improve vitality by applying pressure along the body's energy pathways. It uses slow rhythmic pressing with fingers, thumbs, hands, forearms, elbows and feet, and stretches with gentle rocking motions.