Wellness vs. Medical Massage

The terms ‘Wellness’ and ‘Medical’ massage have recently been used to replace ‘Relaxing’ and ‘Restorative’ massage. Used primarily for preventative reasons, wellness massage includes modalities best used for relieving stress and inducing a deep state of relaxation. The foundation of most massage techniques is Swedish massage - a form that is known for moving fluids through the tissue, increasing circulation which brings vital nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the cells; improving flexibility of muscles and joints; and decreasing heart rate, muscle tension and related pain. Medical massage is a very specific form of massage which addresses acute and chronic pain patterns associated with injuries and the long-term effects from bad posture, compensation due to injuries and repetitive use stress patterns. Neuromuscular massage therapy and trigger point therapy address the 'knots' in muscles which are very common causes of headaches; neck and back pain; TMJ dysfunction including pain and/or jaw ‘popping’; numbing and tingling in the arms, legs, hands and/or feet; frozen shoulder; and sciatic pain, just to name a few. Myofascial release addresses the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles. This tissue can become shortened and/or twisted, thus restricting normal movement of the muscles and limiting the range of motion in joints. When these modalities are used properly, many surgeries for chronic pain can be avoided; movement repatterned and the pain completely alleviated.

Both wellness and medical massage modalities can be combined to provide an individualized and unique experience for your specific needs.

Craniosacral Therapy

CST is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the physiological system called the craniosacral system which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST releases restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The benefits are vast and include reducing pain associated with headaches and migraines, chronic neck and back pain, TMJ disorders, children with learning disabilities and attention disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. This modality is done fully clothed or can be modified to be used with other modalities.

Injury Rehabilitation

Utilizing neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and low-grade joint mobilization, acute and chronic pain patterns resulting from injuries and/or repetitive overuse are addressed and related pain patterns are eliminated. The specific focus of this therapy is to help reestablish normal range of motion, improve posture, increase circulation and eliminate referral pain patterns associated with trigger points.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage caters to the specific needs of expecting mothers as their bodies change on a daily basis.

Swedish Massage

One of the most commonly known forms of massage, Swedish massage is deeply relaxing with a multitude of benefits ranging from decreasing stress, enhancing the immune system, and increasing circulation to lowering blood pressure, eliminating fatigue and eliminating pain.

Thai Massage

Also known as “lazy-man’s yoga”, Thai massage incorporates meridian work to open energy pathways throughout the body along with movement and yoga poses to enhance overall flexibility and vitality. This modality rejuvenates the body-mind, soothes the nervous system, restores fluid mobility in the muscles and joints, assists in releasing stress and toxins and alleviates general aches and pains. It is done fully clothed on a mat on the floor. It is highly effective regardless of your level of flexibility.

Traditional Thai Massage, evolving from the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and Thai Buddhism, leads to greater physical awareness, grace, and spiritual energy. The practitioner uses hands, feet, arms, and legs to guide the recipient through a series of yoga postures involving fluid movements, gentle stretching, and breathwork. Performed on a floor mat in comfortable clothes, this assisted yoga creates a therapeutic "dance" incorporating rhythmic motion and palming and thumbing along energy lines to invoke emotional calming and deep relaxation.

Part of a uniquely Thai medical tradition involving diet, physical exercise, spiritual healing, the use of medicinal herbs and therapeutic massage, Traditional Thai Massage, also known as Nuat Thai, Nuad Boran or Thai Yoga Therapy, is a therapeutic bodywork technique that dates back thousands of years.

Thai Massage involves gentle stretching and pressure techniques, used to release held patterns and blockages in the body and to treat persistent pain. Being a strongly Buddhist tradition, the practice of Nuat Thai is a practical expression of compassion toward oneself and others.

Benefits of Thai Massage

The Thai massage techniques, evolved and refined over 2500 years, work together to provide profound benefits including:

relief of pain due to arthritis, repetitive stress, overworked muscles
enhances your practice of yoga, pilates, and other physical modalities
balances the body's energy pathways
better resistance to injury
improved range of motion
release of lactic acid and other toxins from areas of accumulation
toning of internal organs
increased energy and peaceful alertness
emotional calming and deep relaxation

Reiki

A gentle modality wherein universal life energy is channeled through the practitioner into the client. The energy then goes to the problem - which is not always the symptom. Very effective for people who are in a place of emotional processing/clearing or are uncomfortable with a regular massage due to personal reasons or pain levels. Classes to learn how to perform Reiki are also available.

What Is Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEE)?

Thought to have originated in Tibet thousands of years ago, this ancient healing process was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "universal life force". When the word Reiki is broken down, "REI" means Universal Energy and "KI" means Fundamental Life Force.

Is Reiki A Religion?

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It is a healing connection.

Is Reiki Safe?

Reiki is completely safe. It is a non-invasive healing technique. It works on all levels of existence — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Who And What Can Be Treated?

Virtually every known illness and injury
Children are especially responsive to this treatment
Plants and animals also respond well

How Does Reiki Work?

Since Reiki is an energy that comes from the highest source, it has its own intelligence and knows exactly where to go and what to do. It is self-directing and therefore brings healing to whatever level the body may need. It can never do any harm.

What Makes Reiki Different From Other Healing Methods?

The Attunement, also known as the initiation process, which creates a Reiki channel. After the attunement you are able to use this energy at any time or place for as long as you live. The ability to channel Reiki does not wear off, even if you stop using it. Whenever you want to use Reiki, just thinking about it or holding your hands out will activate it.

Healing And Curing

"Healing" does not mean "curing". Curing means to completely eradicate an illness or disease while healing can occur on many different levels.

What Does A Reiki Treatment Feel Like?

You feel very relaxed and peaceful as the energy flows through your body. The Reiki Treatment:

You lie fully clothed on the table (remove shoes and jewellery)
I may touch your body or have my hands a few inches above your body. Your body draws the amount of energy it requires. I am never drained in the treatment process and most importantly, you do not inherit any of "my energy" (especially negative energy). Each person has different needs and will draw the energy accordingly. Reiki is pulled by the client rather than pushed by the practitioner
You may or may not feel any sensation. All outcomes are different for every treatment and results vary from individual to individual. Sometimes during the treatment, you may feel energy of warmth, stress or emotional release, muscle twitches or a feeling of deep relaxation

What Are The Benefits Of Reiki?

The benefits are countless. Remember that Reiki can never do any harm. To name a few:

Reiki promotes healing on emotional, mental and spiritual levels. You may experience a wonderful radiance and deep relaxation as the healing energy soothes and regenerates your entire being
One of the greatest benefits of Reiki is the "Self Treatment". Once a person is attuned (initiated), one need only have the intention to perform Reiki on oneself and the energy is immediately drawn through

'Rei' means universal and 'ki' means life force. In different systsems of thought, Ki is also known as Chi, Prana, Mana, Wakan, Eckancar, and Bioplasmic Energy. Reiki is a gentle method of energy balance and renewal. It is a simple, gentle and effective way of bringing in universal life energy to enhance healing and growth for mind, body and spirit. Through the hands of a Reiki practitioner, the energy is transferred and used by the receiver. The Reiki practitioner is a channel, attuned to the energy by a Reiki Master. Reiki has a mind of its own. It goes where it is needed and does what is needed. This is a great way to receive bodywork for those individuals who are not able or willing to be massaged. Sessions can be with one practitioner or two. Clients also have the option of having vibrational harmonics added to a session with two practitioners.

Reiki Class Schedule

Classes can be taught in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis. Please call Melinda for available class times at 303-519-0477.