Massage Therapy

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Practitioners  |   Types of Massage  |   Frequently Asked Questions

Research demonstrates that frequent and consistent therapeutic massage can have a real and lasting positive impact on stress and stress-related conditions (high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety, etc.), recovery from trauma and injuries, chronic pain, and a person’s overall experience of health and well-being.

At Blue Heron Wellness, we strive to make regular, therapeutic massage available and easily accessible. We offer convenient access to services (we will even deliver chair massage in your office), maintain moderate service fees, and we have a diverse, professional team of therapists to enable you to find one that most meets your needs.
Interested in massage treatments for your office or staff?

 

Types of Massage

Aromatherapy Massage is a stress and tension-relieving massage using healing essential oils in the spirit of the season. For the winter season, Blue Heron’s professional massage therapists have formulated an essential oil blend for the body massage using frankincense, bitter orange, and cinnamon to soothe and calm. The massage also includes a special blend for a footrub using peppermint to re-energize.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on bodywork modality that helps remove restrictions in the central nervous system. CST uses the natural rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the head, face, and jaw (cranium) down to the tailbone or sacrum. Like the pulse in the cardiovascular system, the cranio-sacral system has a rhythm which the practitioner can monitor throughout the body to pinpoint areas of stress or obstruction. A light touch is all that is needed to assist the natural movement of the fluid to help the body self-correct. CST helps those with headaches, traumatic injury, TMJ, chronic neck and back pain, PTSD other stress-related conditions, infantile disorders, emotional difficulties and many other conditions.

Deep Tissue uses slow, deep strokes and pressure on the muscles and tendons. This method follows and uses cross fiber techniques to loosen and relieve a contracted or aching area.

Exfoliation Massage helps maintain healthy skin. It rids the body of the most superficial layer of dead dry skin cells. The strokes stimulate nerve endings, increase lymph circulation and increase blood flow to the skin cells which cleanse the cells of natural toxins. People have reported having softer skin for days after the service.

Hot Stone Therapy involves the placement of basalt (warm) and marble (cool) stones on the body as well as massage with the stones. The warmth of the basalt stones melts your muscles into a deep state of relaxation while the marble stones heal acute problem areas. The alternating temperatures increase circulation and improve the quality of blood. Clients find Hot Stone Therapy both deeply relaxing and re-energizing.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle technique that has a powerful effect against lymphedema and inflammation.  Pumping the lymph through the body is vital for strong immunity.  MLD is recommended to treat orthopedic injuries and burns, and can help with the symptoms of arthritis, active migraine or acne. MLD is very safe for those who worry that manual therapy may be stressful to the body, such as those with fibromyalgia or undergoing cancer treatments.  Treatments before and after any type of surgery (or after injury) can help to reduce post operative swelling, minimize the risk of infection, and decrease recovery time.  Lymph drainage is also a great addition to an herbal or dietary cleanse, helping to boost the removal of toxins from the body.

Myofascial Release is very slow bodywork that stretches the fascia (connective tissue just below the skin) surrounding and connecting muscles and bones. This technique is done on a very superficial level yet can affect the body on a very deep level. It helps create space for the body to re-align itself. Myofascial release helps decrease chronic holding patterns.

Pregnancy Massage includes techniques safe for women prior to conception, during pregnancy and labor and after delivery.

Reflexology is based on the premise that there are zones in the hands and feet that correspond to all the body’s systems. Applying pressure to these reflexes results in the reduction of stress and promotes physiological changes in the body.

Reiki is gentle, loving and nurturing energy work that helps restore balance by encouraging the free flow of energy (Qi) in the body. Reiki is done by way of still touch and above-the-body work. The person remains fully clothed throughout the session and can walk away with a more balanced attitude and more relaxed body, mind and spirit.

Shiatsu – An ancient Asian Bodywork Therapy tradition, Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure” in Japanese. Gentle pressure and stretching is applied to access the body’s vital energies called “qi.” Acupressure points are stimulated or sedated to enhance the flow of energy.  As the nervous system signals the body and mind to relax, the endocrine, circulation and lymph, and digestive systems re-balance. Shiatsu’s benefits include relief of aches and pains, reduced stress levels, and better sleep. Most clients report a general improved emotional state, and sense of well-being with regular treatment.

Swedish involves long strokes that promote relaxation. This is the most widely used method. Swedish Massage works mainly the superficial muscles.

Tension Buster a 45-minute deep tissue massage focusing on the head, shoulders, neck, and upper back.

Thai Herb Ball Massage is a massage treatment that uses heated medicinal herbal compresses to induce deep relaxation, ease muscular tension and to boost the body’s energy level. The herbal compress is made from a traditional formulation that includes lime kaffir, tumeric, camphor, lemongrass, and other herbs known for their medicinal properties.

Traditional Thai Massage allows you to relax on a large, soft mat, fully clothed in your own comfortable sweats. The therapist will work firmly along your energy lines to remove blockages, then gently and deeply stretch all your limbs to increase energy flow. Your body will get quite a workout, while you will feel both relaxed and invigorated. Traditional Thai Massage is particularly good for helping restore flexibility to the lower body.