Custom Massage
A massage which is customized to your needs and integrates a variety of styles or techniques to help you accomplish your goals, from relaxation and wellness to pain management and the rehabilitation of injuries. Styles and techniques may include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular, trigger point or myofascial therapy, muscle energy techniques (METs) or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF,) and/or assisted stretching. Click on each for more info.
Hot Stone Massage
Smooth basalt stones are heated and lubricated with massage oil, then used as an extension of the therapist’s hands with long gliding strokes on the back, neck, arms and legs, using light to medium pressure. Tension melts away as a result of the heat, allowing your massage therapist to access deeper layers of muscle. The use of hot stones relieves pain, reduces stress, promotes deep relaxation and provides a unique experience many find to be tremendously calming and centering. May be combined with other massage styles and techniques.
Gliding Cupping Massage
Massage cupping is a modern adaptation of the ancient art of cupping therapy. While regular massage is performed by applying downward, or positive, pressure, cupping instead uses negative pressure to pull, lift, open and expand the body’s soft tissues. Massage cupping helps to alleviate pain and stiffness, to soothe and relax, and to promote tissue healing by decreasing restrictions and adhesions in the muscle and fascia while encouraging blood and lymph circulation. Plus it feels wonderful!
A silicone suction cup is used as an extension of the therapist's hands and slowly glided over the back, neck, arms, legs, and face (if desired) using various techniques and patterns. This type of cupping typically doesn't leave any cupping marks which are characteristic of stationary cupping treatments. May be combined with other massage styles and techniques.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage focuses on addressing the special needs of expecting women. It can help reduce stress, relieve muscle pain and tension, reduce swelling, improve sleep quality, encourage blood and lymph circulation, and help reduce anxiety and depression associated with hormones. Women with normal, healthy pregnancies benefit greatly from regular prenatal massages. If, however, you have a high-risk pregnancy, speak with your doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program. Sessions are typically done after the first trimester and in your choice of either side-lying position (alternating sides halfway through) or face-down using a special prenatal bolster with cut-outs so both you and child are comfortable. Everything is adjusted for your comfort and safety, and don't worry if you need to run to the restroom in the middle of the massage; there is a clean bathrobe and slippers for your convenience!
ENHANCEMENTS
Foot Scrub and Reflexology
Enhance your massage with an exfoliating foot scrub using your choice of either AVEDA Beautifying Radiance Polish or AVEDA Cherry Almond Body Scrub, followed by foot reflexology using AVEDA Foot Relief. In reflexology, pressure is applied to specific points on the bottom of the foot that correspond to specific organs, areas and energy meridians in the body, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The treatment is believed to induce a healing response and other benefits, including reducing stress, aiding digestion, and promoting sound sleep.
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AVEDA Beautifying Radiance Polish: mineral-rich salt crystals comfortably polish away surface cells to renew your skin while certified organic plant oils melt moisture in.
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AVEDA Cherry Almond Body Scrub: 98% naturally derived, walnut shells and bamboo soften and smooth skin with gentle exfoliation, a plant-derived blend of cherry blossom extract and sweet almond oil condition skin.
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AVEDA Foot Relief: Moisturizing foot cream with exfoliating fruit acids and jojoba and castor oils softens and smooths dry feet, while peppermint oil and tea tree oil cool and invigorate.
CBD Massage Oil (optional menthol & camphor)
Enhance any massage with the benefits of high quality CBD-infused massage oil to help relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, peripheral neuropathy and some skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Choose between organically-grown CBD massage oil from Ambary Gardens or Charlotte's Web CBD Clinic Level 3 or Level 5 Massage Oil which also include topical analgesics menthol and camphor to provide cooling relief from muscle and joint pain.
CBD Topical for Focus Area (optional menthol & camphor)
Enhance your massage by having your therapist work in a high quality CBD topical salve, cream or ointment into the focus area(s) of your choice. Topical CBD can help relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, peripheral neuropathy and some skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Choose between:
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Ambary Gardens CBD salve (Muscle Recovery or Deep Rub) and take home any leftover product from this trial-sized package.
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Charlotte's Web CBD Clinic (Level 3 cream or Level 5 ointment) which also includes topical analgesics menthol and camphor to provide cooling relief from muscle and joint pain.
All CBD salves, creams and ointments are also available for purchase to take home with you.
Hot Stones for Focus Area
Enhance your massage with hot stones on the focus area(s) of your choice, typically the back and neck. Smooth basalt stones are heated and lubricated with massage oil, then used as an extension of the therapist’s hands with long gliding strokes using light to medium pressure. Tension melts away as a result of the heat, allowing your massage therapist to access deeper layers of muscle. The use of hot stones relieves pain, reduces stress, promotes deep relaxation and provides a unique experience many find to be tremendously calming and centering.
Cupping for Focus Area
Enhance your massage with a cupping treatment on the focus area of your choice, typically the back. Massage cupping is a modern adaptation of the ancient art of cupping therapy. While regular massage is performed by applying downward positive pressure, cupping instead uses negative pressure to pull, lift, open and expand the body’s soft tissues. Massage cupping helps to alleviate pain and stiffness, to soothe and relax, and to promote tissue healing by decreasing restrictions and adhesions in the muscle and fascia while encouraging blood and lymph circulation.
Choose from stationary or gliding cupping (or a combination of both):
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Stationary cupping: Special silicone suction cups are applied and left in place for 5 to 10 minutes. This type of cupping will leave characteristic circular cupping marks on the skin that may last anywhere from 2 hours up to 2 weeks, so be sure to plan ahead if you will be wearing a bathing suit or strapless dress in the near future.
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Gliding cupping: A silicone suction cup is used as an extension of the therapist's hands and slowly glided over the tissues using various techniques and patterns. This type of cupping typically does not leave any marks.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS
Styles and techniques which may be incorporated into any massage.
Swedish Massage
The ideal choice for those that are new to massage or very tense, Swedish massage will ease your stress and allow you to slip into a calm state of relaxation. It is one of the most commonly taught and well-known massage styles, employing long smooth gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart, and firm kneading of the muscles. It often mixes in rocking, vibrational and friction movements, percussion-like tapping, as well as stretching of the joint and muscles. It is applied using the hands and palms with light to firm pressure depending on the client's preference, and utilizes oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but uses slower strokes and deeper pressure to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. People who suffer from chronic pain, high blood pressure, or muscle injury and overuse tend to benefit most from deep tissue massage, as it helps to to break up scar tissue and reduce tension in muscle and tissue. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques. The therapist may use their fists, forearms, elbows or even specially designed massage tools to apply pressure. Be sure to communicate openly with your therapist about the pressure they're using and your comfort level. Some pain and discomfort is to be expected, but it should be manageable and should never feel like you're "bracing" your muscles.
Neuromuscular / Trigger Point / Myofascial Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release are terms often used interchangeably and, although there are differences between them in technique and intention, all are highly-specialized forms of manual therapy that help with pain and dysfunction by treating trigger points and addressing muscle and fascial adhesions and holding patterns that can form due to specific trauma, postural patterns or series of repetitive movements. During a trigger point release, you will participate by breathing deeply when asked and by communicating with the therapist about the location and intensity of referred pain, while the therapist identifies and uses isolated cycles of pressure and release on the trigger point.
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) /
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET,) also known as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF,) are an advanced type of stretch that aims to restore normal range of motion by relaxing tight muscles. METs require your active participation, but are usually painless, quick and effective. The therapist will ask you to activate a muscle against resistance (an isometric contraction) followed by a gentle assisted stretch, then will repeat this sequence several times.
METs can be performed either directly on the tight muscle group, called autogenic inhibition or post-isometric relaxation (PIR) or on the antagonist (opposite) muscle group, called reciprocal inhibition (RI.) Muscle Energy Techniques are used in conjunction with other techniques. You may not feel very much during the technique but, afterwards, the muscle group in question should feel more relaxed and stretchy, often with reduced muscle pain.