Invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tucson, Arizona, this is a specialty massage that uses hot, smooth stones. The stones are usually a black volcanic rock called basalt, used because of their exceptional ability to absorb and retain heat. Before you arrive for treatment, your massage therapist sanitizes and heats the stones in 120-150 degree water. Often, they may choose to place the stones on specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hands and sometimes in between your toes. The therapist then uses Swedish style movements with the stones to reduce muscle tension, replacing stones as they cool off with hot ones. The biggest benefit of a Hot Stone Massage is that the heat in the stones release tension in the muscles quicker than in a traditional massage.     

Swedish Massage

Developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812, this is the most popular type of bodywork practiced in the West. Swedish Massages uses five specific techniques: long, gliding strokes; kneading of individual muscles; friction; hacking or tapping and vibration. Swedish Massage also employs varying degrees of pressure for different parts of the body. A lighter, softer touch is used on more bony parts of the body, where stronger, deeper strokes are used on thickly muscled parts of the body.

Developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812, this is the most popular type of bodywork practiced in the West. Swedish Massages uses five specific techniques: long, gliding strokes; kneading of individual muscles; friction; hacking or tapping and vibration. Swedish Massage also employs varying degrees of pressure for different parts of the body. A lighter, softer touch is used on more bony parts of the body, where stronger, deeper strokes are used on thickly muscled parts of the body.

Developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812, this is the most popular type of bodywork practiced in the West. Swedish Massages uses five specific techniques: long, gliding strokes; kneading of individual muscles; friction; hacking or tapping and vibration. Swedish Massage also employs varying degrees of pressure for different parts of the body. A lighter, softer touch is used on more bony parts of the body, where stronger, deeper strokes are used on thickly muscled parts of the body.

Deep Tissue Massage

A Deep Tissue Massage is exactly what it sounds like. With this form of massage, a therapist works intensely to realign deeper muscles and connective tissues in the body. Movement is slower and pressure is deeper than classic massage in order to loosen and release toxins, as well as get blood and oxygen circulating correctly. Deep Tissue Massage is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. It is important to drink plenty of water after this massage treatment because toxins released will cause soreness in the body - water can flush excess toxins out.

Shiatsu     

This holistic massage is a form of acupressure meant to heal the body, mind and spirit. The therapist uses joint rotation and joint manipulation, as well as application of pressure with their thumbs, fingers and palms of the hand, to activate pressure points of the body. Tapping, squeezing and rubbing are also used to clear energy blockages in the body. This form of massage is usually done with the client clothed, either lying down or sitting on a futon on the floor. Benefits of Shiatsu include deep muscle and tissue relaxation, stress reduction and increased flexibility.

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