Probably the most familiar style of massage in America. Swedish massage is a vigorous yet soothing system of treatment that uses oil or lotion, and five basic strokes. It's energizing in how it stimulates circulation, and it's incredibly calming in the way it causes the body, mind and central nervous system to relax. This relaxed state is the optimal state for the body/mind to heal and self-correct. It's many benefits include the reduction of stress, pain, swelling, scar tissue and adhesions. It normalizes blood pressure, improves circulation and digestion, expedites the healing of injuries, improves the health of the skin, and promotes general relaxation, vitality and a sense of wellbeing. It's ideal for maintaining health and a balanced life.

Deep tissue massage focusses on the deeper layers of musculature and fascia. It's indicated for chronic muscular pain and stiffness, injury rehabilitation, and it reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. Scar tissue, adhesions, trigger points and "knots" are all helped with Deep Tissue work. It is highly therapeutic and specific, and integrates well with other massage techniques.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including: migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, colic, autism, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, infantile disorders, learning disabilities, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, stress and tension-related problems, fibromyalgia and other connective-tissue disorders, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ,) neurovascular or immune disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-surgical dysfunction.

MFR is a safe and highly effective technique for relieving pain and restoring good posture, ease of movement, and functionality. Myofascial Release provides sustained, gentle pressure and stretching into myofascial restrictions (tightness, scar tissue, injured areas) to eliminate pain and restore the natural range of motion. 

Fascia is a densely woven connective tissue, covering and inter-penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as the spinal cord and all internal organs in the body. Remarkably, the fascial system is actually one structure that connects from head to toe without interruption. It provides structure, stability, and helps to hold the body upright and together. Its fibers are oriented in all directions, and it's designed for dynamic movement and strength. However, because it is one continuous web, any restrictions or adhesions in it can have significant consequences throughout the body. Much like a snag in a pair of panty hose that causes a pull all the way up the leg, a hitch in the left foot can create a system-wide drag that is eventually experienced as pain and stiffness in the hips, low back, and neck. 

Reiki, or spirit life energy, is the electrical life force in all people, animals, and living things. The practice of Reiki involves a simple technique of laying on of the hands to bring comfort and healing through the moving and channeling of energy. Humans have instinctively done variations of this throughout the ages. In the late 19th century Reiki was rediscovered and refined by Dr. Mikao Usui. 

A Reiki practitioner is simply someone who has had their energy pathways cleared by a Reiki Master, thus enabling them to channel and move this life energy more effectively than the average person.

With clients' permission, I often incorporate Reiki into my sessions, as it easily blends with and enhances other work.

Cupping is a technique that is often used by acupuncturists. Its origins date back to ancient Egypt, and it has been used throughout the ages in Europe, Central America, and China. Today, it is most commonly indicated for chronically tight, knotty muscles, and is also effective during the early stages of colds and flu.

Deep tissue and other types of massage often use compression as a major technique. Cupping actually does the reverse: it lifts the tissues and creates space between the skin, fascia and muscle. This allows for greater circulation and works well to break up stubborn knots.