SERVICES/RATES

Cancer/Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage is a special type of massage developed specifically for cancer patients. Cancer patients have unique needs which must be addressed to make sure that a massage is beneficial to their health. I focus my attention on creating a gentle, nurturing environment for you to relax into.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. As both a preventative and remedial technique, LDT can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort from pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.

Myofascial Massage

Myofascial massage is a technique used to treat injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion. Myofascial massage differs from other types of massage in that it targets the fascia - the membrane surrounding muscles - rather than the muscle itself. Since fascia completely encases every muscle in the body, imbalances in the fascia can have serious effects on your range of motion and comfort level. While other forms of massage can overlook the fascia, myofascial massage focuses specifically on releasing tension in this important membrane.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.

Indian Head Massage

I came back from India with massage training in Indian head massage based on the ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over  thousand years. It provides Indian families with relaxation and healing on a daily basis, as well as playing a part in rituals such as weddings and births, not to mention everyday events like a trip to the barber.

How does it work?

The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders.

What does it involve?

The client, fully clothed, sits in a reclined position during 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. The session last twenty-five to fifty minutes including 5 minutes to sit quietly once the massage has been completed.

What is it good for?

Indian head massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energized and revitalized and better able to concentrate.

What are the benefits?

Indian head massage helps increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow, frees knots of muscular tension, relaxes connective tissue, and aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products. It is particularly good for reducing the effects of stress and tension.

Sirodhara

Shirodhara - The Ancient Indian wellbeing technique.   This service is available to be added with any massage.  

Shirodhara is a relaxation therapy, part of Ayurvedic Medicine.  During a Shirodhara session, a patient lying on his back receives a regular flow of a lukewarm liquid which runs on the centre of his forehead and stimulates it. This flow induces a deep state of physical and mental relaxation as well as a feeling of wellbeing. 

Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda medicine that involves gently pouring liquids ( over the forehead (the 'third eye'). It was developed by practitioners of Ayurveda in Kerala, south region of India as a restorative therapy. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiras 'head' and dhara 'flow'. The liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water.

Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière's disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. It is also used non-medicinally at spas for its relaxing properties.

The traditional method usually uses oil.  However, oil presents some disadvantages:

• oil impregnates head, hair, table, towels etc;
• hygiene is hard to maintain;
• the container must be filled regularly oil temperature is inconstant;

Furthermore:

• it requires a special table of massage with an oil collector;
• an assistant must be present to fill up the container; all this handling causes disturbances. 

In order to make it easier for you, I offer a simpler, soothier method created by Dr. Bertrand Martin, Psychiatrist in Switzerland. His sirodhara machine"Cristalmind" has been awarded and more information are found on his website:

http://www.cristalmind.com/english/about-cristalmind-shirodhara.html

What to expect during your Sirodhara session? 

A still moment of tranquility  (20 minutes minimum) and a relaxing combination of reflexology and soothing massage

Abhyanga Massage

Abhyanga is an ancient Indian Ayurvedic oil massage therapy for healing and detoxifying Body, Mind and Spirit. This ayurvedic detox and stress reduction therapy is performed by herbal oils. It incorporates an aromatic combination of oils prepared with herbs warmed and blended to your Dosha type. A variety of Ayurvedic techniques is applied to work along the energy channels of your body in a synchronized manner to restore the flow of vital energy, Prana, where it has become blocked. Lymphatic stimulation with ayurvedic herbal oils help squeeze out toxic accumulation from channels. Hence it is DETOXIFYING massage.

Benefits of Abhyanga

• Nourishes mind and body
• Rejuvenates the whole body
• Increases longevity
• Delays aging
• Relives fatigue
• Builds stamina
• Promotes deeper sleep
• Enhances complexion and luster of skin.
• Cleans your body (detoxify) 
• Helps you avoid stress and enjoy a brightness of the senses (Balance body, mind and soul.)
• Prevents stiffness of muscles 
• Corrects digestion and blood pressure and enjoy better sleep
• Mind (Avoid bad thoughts and feel happy) 
• Soul (Only a sound body can bear a good soul!)
  

Trigger Point Therapy

This is one of my favorite technique because it can used on anyone and can be done at an office fully clothed! Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

Pediatric Massage

Just like with adults, children benefit greatly from massage.  Pediatric massage can alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms caused by anything from strenuous activity to stress and anxiety.  

Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic massage is a style of massage therapy focused on treating painful conditions that affect the soft tissues of the body. Because orthopedic massage is designed to treat medical conditions, it requires extensive training. It involves releasing tense muscles, helping to stretch and lengthen tight muscles and tendons, and decompress rigid joints. My goal is to restore full health to the soft tissues of your body, both treating your specific conditions as well as improving your overall well-being.

I am a bodyworker at Northwestern Integrative Medicine, call for appointments at 312-926.3627