RELAXATION
Masters of Relaxation
Integration of Science and Bodywork to achieve Relaxation
SWEDISH
Swedish massage is typically gentle and relaxing, it can be beneficial for most people. Everyone working in an office hunched over a computer or sitting in traffic on a daily basis can benefit from the healing elements of Swedish massage, if only to address stress, anxiety, and the pressures of our fast-paced society. You should consult with your massage therapist regarding any injuries or concerns you have, the depth of the pressure, skin sensitivities, or areas that may need more attention.
Multiple studies have found that Swedish massage is an effective way to help relieve anxiety. One study tracked the anxiety and vital sign levels of ICU patients before and after a 30-minute Swedish massage, and found that anxiety was reduced and vital signs improved immediately post-massage. Because Swedish massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, it can help improve your sleep. One study found that massage therapy improved the quality of sleep in breast cancer patients. Better sleep, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. One of the biggest benefits of a Swedish massage is that it really helps to elevate your mood. Studies show that massage can increase serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, which all help to elevate your mood and general well-being. It can also help reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes stress, which we could all should reduce at this time.
ESALEN
Esalen Massage is a unique form of Bodywork developed over the last 40 years at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. This technique is known for its long, integrating strokes, creating an experience of deep relaxation supporting the natural ability of body and mind to self-heal. Esalen Massage was designed to give the client a sense of deep relaxation and integration of body, mind, and spirit.
Personalized treatment: Esalen Massage is a unique massage treatment combining different facets of all sorts of massage styles based on your needs and the experiences of your massage therapist. Instead of getting a typical Swedish massage, or the same style of deep tissue massage that the next guy gets, you’ll have a unique massage suited specifically to your needs. Your therapist will draw on his or her experiences gained by helping others with similar and different needs. Esalen Massage has more freedom to meet your needs instead of straining to follow a list of Modality rules.
HOT STONE-LOMILOMI
The stone massage is a form of alternative medicine massage therapy and bodywork involving the placement of a number of heated stones to the body for the purpose of pain relief, relaxation and therapy. There are many variations and techniques used in the application of stone massage therapy, deriving from a variety of traditional practices. Stone massages are primarily used to alleviate physical pain issues, however, are also used to promote emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Stone massage and similar practices involving the placement of objects of different temperatures have been dated back to ancient civilizations as a form of healing and therapy. Cultures including Native American, Hawaiian and many South Pacific nations have practiced similar methods and technique to provide physical and spiritual ease. The traditional Hawaiian healing massage ‘Lomilomi’ involves the use of warmed Volcanic stones in order to increase areas of blood flow in the body and provide a healing. Similar practices in China have also dated back 2000 years involving the use of heated stones to stimulate internal organ function. Such traditional practices have evolved and influenced the application of modern stone massage practices.