Acutonics

Acutonics® is a powerful, deeply transformational, non-invasive healing system that incorporates, sound and vibration to re-harmonize and attune the human energy field to achieve optimal health, actualization and wholeness. This harmonic healing modality combines the practitioner's knowledge of acupressure points and specific tuning forks calibrated to help facilitate relaxation and healing. Each client's treatment includes physical and mental components. A typical session begins with tuning forks placed on specific body sites and may include the use of drums, rattles, Tibetan singing bowls, chimes and mini-gongs.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using pure plant extracts known as essential oils to relax, balance, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. Together massage and aromatherapy create the perfect sensory blend for everyone's therapeutic experience. Massage relaxes muscles and improves muscle tone, circulation, and aids lymph flow. It relieves physical tension and, in turn, mental stress. Aromatherapy is a well-known healing modality, which can easily be included into any bodywork practice. The use of plant extracts is a pleasant, gentle and soothing tool used to relieve everyday stress as it reminds us of what it is like to be quiet and to float away.

Core Individuation

Core Individuation, founded by Desda Zuckerman, is based on the belief of eight energetic layers arranged in a concentric pattern. The physical body is layer one, with the rest of the layers expanding outward.  While there are several healing techniques with this system, two of the more accessible ones include a basic clearing of all eight layers and the "Emotional Peel", a more localized housekeeping of the second, emotional layer.  Both of these sessions involve the practitioner's use of a dowsing rod (think horizontal pendulum) to confirm the thoroughness of the session. 

Deep Tissue

There are many layers of soft and connective tissue the body. Deep Tissue Massage works with many layers to relax and lengthen the tissues, and to release holding patterns in the most effective and efficient way possible. In Deep Tissue Massage there is less focus on pleasure and relaxation as a primary goal and more emphasis on altering structure and muscle restrictions.

Endocrine Balancing

Endocrine Balancing is a newly developed technique from the Sacred Arts Institute that works through body contact points. Through energetics it balances the glandular system with its spiritual and karmic functions. It can be done after a massage or on its own.

Esalen

Esalen massage, developed in Big Sur , California in the 1960's and inspired by the movement of the ocean, is defined by its long sweeping strokes. The ocean provides a slow-moving rhythm very much akin to the internal rhythms of the body. The long, slow, t'ai chi-like strokes awaken awareness, and as the tissues open to the warm of touch, the contact deepens, nudging bound-up muscles, drawing forth expanded movement. Esalen bodywork provides the same benefits as traditional Swedish massage and in addition increases body awareness and brings a greater sense of balance to demanding lifestyles.

Hot Stone Massage

This style of bodywork creates a relaxing, gentle yet effective treatment that has been proven beneficial for several types of conditions as well as for general relaxation. The stones (hot or cold) in combination with Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage techniques produce a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual renewal. As the stones are placed on the body the stagnant areas begin to be drawn outward creating a positive movement of energy. This movement then releases suppressed energy promoting feelings of balance, peacefulness and grounding.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is based on the Ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for thousands of years. The client, fully clothed, sits in a chair for the treatment. The therapist uses a range of different movements including application of deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas. In addition, the therapist will also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face.

Massage for Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society recommends massage therapy to bring comfort and to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, although not to specifically treat cancer. Our nonjudgmental approach to and nurturing acceptance of the client's body may help the client in dealing with difficult body issues in addition to supporting lymph drainage, pain-management, and stress-reduction. The practitioner works with primary doctors, surgeons, and other health-care specialists to modify the treatment course as needed. While a prescription for massage is not necessary, it is recommended. In some cases a physician's release may be required.

**Massage is also a great gift for caregivers or family members who are often under stress.

Prenatal Massage

The challenges of motherhood can begin long before the baby is born. Prenatal Massage can greatly ease this miraculous transition into motherhood. New studies have confirmed what midwifes and doulas have known for centuries, that skilled and experienced touch does much more than just relieve pain and tension. It helps with every stage of the childbearing year, from conception to birth, as well as the postpartum period. The more positive the pregnancy and birth experience is for the mother, the deeper the connection with the child, and the less likely postpartum depression is to occur.

Prenatal Shiatsu

Each stage of pregnancy offers its own insights and challenges to meet and evolve through. Prenatal Shiatsu supports and nurtures the internal creative process. Hormonal fluctuations, fears of unknown aspects of motherhood, the desire to offer the heart and soul more room to embrace the joy of new life, muscle, joint and ligament discomfort are just a few of the aspects of pregnancy that can be addressed by Shiatsu. A more integrated experience can ease the transition for both mother and child and offer a deeper understanding of their mutual journey toward birth. Like traditional Shiatsu, Prenatal Shiatsu is performed on a futon while the client is fully clothed.

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ‘rA-”kE), the ancient Japanese healing art with origins dating back to the Tibetan sutras is based on the work of Dr. Mikato Usui. During a Reiki session the client lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are lightly placed in various patterns on the client's body and universal energy flows though the practitioner to where it is most needed in the client. The energy flows to the highest healing good for the client, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Because of the gentle nature of this modality, it may be ideal when deeper bodywork (like massage) is contraindicated.

Sports Massage/Injury Management

Ever since sports have existed, so has the art of Sports Massage. Sports Massage is a combination of techniques from many different styles of bodywork united together by common goals; prevent injury, enhance performance, and speed recovery. Because our Sports Massage is rooted in Russian Medical Massage, it is generally more vigorous than a traditional Swedish massage, focusing mostly on muscles particular to your athletic event and/or injury with short, quick strokes. Additionally, the practitioner may concentrate on factors that inhibit athletic performance like muscle adhesions, restricted range of motion, and tight respiratory muscles.

Swedish Massage

Swedish or Relaxation Massage is used for stress reduction and a general feeling of well-being. Massage helps people of all ages maintain good physical condition and health by normalizing and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, pain relief, injury rehabilitation, stimulating circulation and producing therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous system and subtle interactions among all body systems.

Zen Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an ancient form of Japanese massage based on the meridian system used by acupuncturists. Zen Shiatsu is a recent form created from the insight and expertise of Shizuto Masunaga. This style recognizes and incorporates psychological and emotional aspects of the treatment within the physiological base. This assists in the direct clearing of blockages or unresolved issues that may hinder healing. The treatment itself consists of stretches and hand pressure along the Meridian system. Shiatsu is generally done on a futon on the floor with the client fully clothed.