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Transformational Healing Massage and Therapy Services |
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Massage/Bodywork: |
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Massage/Bodywork |
 Swedish
Massage
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage
techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of
treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating
circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the
heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body.
The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the
area being worked on exposed. Laurel uses a combination of
kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping
movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction
on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may
include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue
adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing
and reduce swelling from injury. |
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 Deep
Tissue Massage
Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are
administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and
fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and
a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The
muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep
tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent
Laurel from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with
chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces
inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and
tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage
techniques. |
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  Barefoot
Shiatsu
Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique
utilizing the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental
healing. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on
unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in
the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing.
The client is placed on a special body cushion on the floor
and Laurel uses her feet to apply pressure along the
meridians. The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation
while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of
this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening
of the body’s resistance to disease and disorder. |
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Injury Rehab Massage
Laurel is specially licensed and trained as a physical
therapy assistant with extensive rehab background. She uses
medically proven techniques to assist the body recover from
traumatic injuries during the rehabilitation phase of
healing. This may include but is not limited to, assisting
the body in decreasing inflammation, decreasing pain,
improving range of motion, releasing trauma out of the
tissues/cells and decreasing recovery time. |
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Manual Lymph Drainage
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to
stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to
assist the body in cleansing, and decompressing blocked
lymph vessels. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that
cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and
toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces
pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous
system. Requires advanced training and precise movements.
For more information see
www.klosetraining.com ,
www.nortonschool.com. |
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Geriatric Massage
Geriatric massage, with its focus on the elderly, addresses
the psychological and physiological aspects of aging and its
associated diseases. Bodywork, often limited to a shorter
time span, is performed in residential care facilities.
Massage for Seniors
Bodywork Improves Quality of Life
Almost 35 million Americans are age 65 or older,
and about 2,000 more reach this age every day.
As the U.S. demographic shifts to an older
population, it's important to find ways of
helping our elders maintain their health and
vitality. Massage for seniors is gaining
importance as an alternative therapy to increase
quality of life, and many massage therapists are
getting special training to better serve this
growing population.
Seniors' Special Needs
While similar in technique to other forms of
massage, geriatric massage considers the special
needs of the elderly. The specialty trained
practitioner knows about positioning for
greatest comfort and will often have the client
rest in the same position for the entire
massage. Mobility challenges may dictate the
massage be done in a bed or wheelchair. The
therapist may also work both sides of the body
at the same time to enhance body awareness, or
only work hands and feet, if the client prefers.
Sessions may be limited to 30 to 45 minutes, as
older clients often do better with shorter, more
frequent, massages.
The geriatric massage therapist is aware of
health issues associated with aging and how to
safely work with this type of client and with
associated physicians. Consequently, the
practitioner is able to individualize the
massage service based on the client's health,
mobility, and comfort level.
Benefits of Geriatric Massage
A recent study conducted at the Weaver's
Tale Retreat Center in Oregon looked at the
effects of massage for elderly clients. The
results of the two-year study showed that
participants experienced a decrease in breathing
rate of 50 percent and an improvement in range
of motion, posture, body awareness, skin color,
and muscle tone. Furthermore, it is well
documented that caring touch benefits emotional
well-being in seniors -- a population at greater
risk of suffering from depression.
Massage therapy can add to the quality of a
senior's life, both physically and emotionally.
Consider booking a session for someone you love,
and make a difference in their life.
--Compliments of ABMP |
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Medical Massage
Medical massage addresses the psychological and
physiological aspects of diseases and injuries. Bodywork,
often limited to a shorter time span, is performed in a
hospital setting. Laurel has 7 years experience working with
infant through geriatric patient populations as well as
diverse diagnosis. |
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 Reflexology
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves
manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands,
and ears that correspond to other parts of the body.
Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork
involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to
stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion.
Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with
the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and
maintain balance in physical function.
Developed in the United States in the early 1900s, this
technique is used today to reduce pain, increase relaxation,
and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It
is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional
disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an
area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent
that direct manipulation is not appropriate. |
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Pregnancy Massage
 Customized
for the mother-to-be.
Special cushions and positioning are arranged for mother’s
complete comfort. Pregnancy massage is ideal for relieving
discomfort from aching muscles, stress and anxiety; Relieves
fatigue; Reduces stretch marks and swollen ankles; Relaxes
muscles to improve rotation of breech presentation. It also
is beneficial for improving circulation to the organs and
tissues that are being compressed. Relieves Back & Sciatic
Pain, Relieves Neck Pain & Headaches. |
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Teenage Massage
Specific and sensitive to the needs of a young person going
through the transition from child to adult. Teenagers can be
self conscious and shy of their bodies requiring education
and feedback to build self esteem. Laurel’s approach to
teenage massage helps a young adult understand and accept
healthy nurturing touch, as well as, assists teenagers to
manage stress, reduce impact of emotional/hormonal
transitions, relieve muscle tension, improve sleep and study
patterns. |
Ease Adolescent Angst
 While
teens may be less likely than their parents to
go to a massage therapist, there are plenty of
reasons why this age group should be encouraged
to give it a try. The benefits of massage are
well documented, among them relief of muscle
tension, lowered stress hormones, increased
sense of relaxation, improved immune function,
and even a heightened ability to concentrate,
according to studies conducted by the Touch
Research Institute at the University of Miami
School of Medicine. But for teenagers, there's
an additional payback.
The teenage body is in the midst of
transformation -- exponential growth and
development in a rapid period of time. On the
physical side, teens may be at increased risk
for aches, pains, and injury. Many teens strain
their bodies with competitive sports, get
erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal
diet. Massage can help muscles recover from
overuse, and help balance the body and maintain
that stability.
Perhaps even more crucial, teen massage can help
improve body image and sleep patterns, and
contribute to decreased depression, anxiety, and
stress. This keeps a teen connected to her body,
even as it morphs in confounding ways.
"Many teens are self-conscious, and not happy
with their bodies,"
says Eeris Kallil, massage therapist and shiatsu
instructor at the Boulder College of Massage
Therapy, in Colorado.
"Massage can help teens stay grounded."
Bodywork has also been reported to help mediate
eating disorders, a growing concern among teens.
Another potential plus: A beneficial,
therapeutic relationship can develop between
bodyworkers and teenagers during the years when
adolescents need adult confidantes, but keep
parents at a distance. The practitioner can
become a supportive, trusted adult in a teen's
life. And the session itself, according to
Kallil, can be a way to deal with all the
physical and emotional turmoil of this tender
age.
--Compliments of ABMP |
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Breath Therapy
The use of respiratory exercises to open lung passages,
oxygenate the blood, and cleanse the body by eliminating
gaseous toxins. The client is encouraged to breathe deeply
while Laurel works the appropriate muscles. Breathe therapy
can ease anxieties and reduce stress. |
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