Traditional Bodywork




Traditional Bodywork

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BLISSFULLY AWESOME 60/90mins

Inhalation and application of essential oils down the full length of the back sealed with steamed towel to encourage deeper relaxation, steamed towels to the feet at the start and end of the massage. Swedish technique is complimented with water-heated basalt stones melting away any residue of tension!

SWEDISH 60/90 mins

A gentle yet vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered/draped by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. A combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements is performed with the application of enriching lotion, oil or crème! Benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. It is a great introduction to massage for first timers and senior citizens!

DEEP PRESSURE 60/90 mins

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep pressure massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It is supportive of chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques to allow the innate intelligence of the body to be realized towards ultimate healing.

SOOTHING STONES 90 mins

Hot Stone Massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. This treatment dates back 5000 years to the Indian and Mayan cultures. These therapists used “tools” provided from the earth to better heal and calm; their hands were only used for manipulation and some healing. These stones come from river beds and were warmed on hot coals. The therapist would place these stones along the energy centers of the body, causing healing to occur which seem to connect with the flow of energy to rebalance the physical body, emotional qualities and spirit as one! These stones can also be effective when used during Reflexology treatments to de-stress and stimulate tiny nerve endings in the feet.

REFLEXOLOGY (30/60 mins)

Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands and ears (auricular therapy) that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs, relieve areas of congestion and toning. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow “innate intelligence” to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. The technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or dis-eased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate; allowing distal points to bring relief to the body, i.e., applied pressure to the “neck of the big toe” offers relief to tight neck and shoulder areas.

SPORTS 60/90 mins

It is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are 3 contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed using fast-paced and stimulating techniques establishing blood flow and warming up muscles. On-site post event massage is delivered with the intent to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

PRE-NATAL MASSAGE 60 mins

Specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts, concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions and contraindications is highly recommended.

In keeping with the well-being and safety of the Mother and unborn child, we DO NOT provide massage and/or spa treatments to pregnant women who have not completed their first trimester. FYI, up to 3 months the fetus is a jelly like substance that is devoid of any solid matter and hence is in a very feeble and unstable state. In such a case even a gentle massage might sometimes cause termination of pregnancy, especially if performed by an in-experienced person.

Contraindicative ingredients in products that are applied to the skin of the expectant Mother ends up in her blood stream which can eventually affect the health and development of the fetus. A fragrance free Spa Massage Cream which contains aloe vera, royal jelly, algae extract is safe to Mother and fetus. Pillows are positioned at the head of the massage table and second pillow is positioned between the knees to support the lower back and thighs. There are energetic contraindications; the following are a few reasons to be mindful of:

  • Abdominal massage totally contraindicated for 1st trimester and limited to effleurage for remainder
  • Gymnastics/ ROM – do not do movements when nausea present; or when symphysis pubis separates ( 2nd trimester)
  • Pressure point around ankles and Achilles tendon should be avoided; pressure point between thumb and finger should be avoided
  • Swedish strokes that affect circulation should not be used in the 3rd trimester, especially if the client has a heart condition
  • Tapotement contraindicated on the legs because of the increased danger of blood clots during pregnancy

The margin of safety being exercised will serve to avoid endangerment of the Mother and fetus. The well being of both the Mother and the developing fetus is our first and foremost professional commitment and obligation!

FULL BODY TREATMENTS

Lemongrass Sugar Scrub or Dead Sea Salt Scrub and Aquatherapy are an excellent conditioning to heighten a sense of well being to the most frequent spa indulging soul!

ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND SPECIALS
Please inquire about our ongoing specials and promotions!

“Therapeutic bodywork is a superb reminder that you are more than your present circumstance.”

– R.L. Woodhouse

 

CONTACT:
Rhonda L. Woodhouse
Ayurveda Practitioner
Licensed Massage Therapist
Phone:  323.364.9791
Email:  rhonda@mahananda.com
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