Acupressure

This ancient Chinese technique is based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use finger pressure on specific points along the body to treat various ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, arthritis or menstrual cramps. It can also be used for general preventive health care.

Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy

Developed by fitness expert Bonnie Prudden in 1976, this bodywork method is intended to relax muscle spasms, improve blood circulation and diminish pain. Using elbows, knuckles, or fingers, the practitioner applies pressure to highly irritable spots on muscle tissue that may send pain to other areas.

Cranio-Sacral

A technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Hellerwork

Developed by Joseph Heller, this technique combines deep-tissue muscle therapy and movement reduction with discussions about the emotional issues that may be causing one's bad posture. Because it stresses the mind-body connection, Hellerwork is used to treat chronic pain as well as to help people learn to live more comfortably in their bodies.

Infant

Infant massage instructors teach parents the art of infant massage.

Kripalu

Based on the principles of Kripalu Yoga, this bodywork method seeks to promote a deep state of relaxation. Patients are guided into a meditative state wherein physical and mental tension may be accessed and released.

Lymph Drainage

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system in the body. Lymphatic drainage massage assists the operation of the lymphatic system. The system was devised in the 1930's by a Danish massage therapist, Dr. Emil Vodder, and is popular and well established as a health modality in Germany and Austria.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a technique for working with the fascia as a means of achieveing pain relief, restoring function and reducing stress.

Ohashiatsu

A system of exercise and meditation used to relieve tension and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The practitioner first assesses a person's state by feeling the "hara" , the area below one's navel. This is followed by the practitioner pressing and stretching the body's energy channels, working in unison with the person's breathing.

Swedish

Swedish massage is the most commonly practiced form of massage in Western countries, integrating ancient oriental techniques with modern principles of anatomy and physiology.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork which uses pressure to points on acupuncture meridians. Practice of shiatsu is usually accompanied by study of Chinese five-element theory and meridians, and it involves a way of looking at the body that is completely different from the "muscles, bones and blood" view of Western science, focusing instead on energetic awareness.

Rolfing

Ida Rolf was the first to create, practice and teach a system of bodywork aimed toward working with the connective tissue of the body to achieve structural changes in the client.

Trigger Point, Neuromuscular, Myotherapy

This refers to any of several systems of working with trigger points. Trigger points are tender congested spots of muscle tissue, which may radiate pain to other areas. Significant relief results when the trigger point is treated.

Watsu

Watsu (from "water" and "shiatsu") began when Harold Dull started floating people, applying the moves and stretches of the zen shiatsu he had studined in Japan. Physical and emotional blocks are removed by the work, which can be done even by small individuals since the client's body in water is bouyant. It is done in chest-high, 94-degree water.