Massage has a long tradition as a healing therapy and has been used by many cultures for centuries to treat and alleviate a wide range of disorders.

I utilize several methods including Effleurage: which is the French word for stroking.  It is a good technique for beginning and ending a massage, or a particular area of body work.  It is executed by sliding the hands evenly over the body surface with long gliding strokes.  The strokes begin lightly, gradually increase in pressure and taper off at the end.

Petrissage: is the French work for kneading.  It is a rhythmic lifting, squeezing, pressing and rolling stroke performed with the hands either stationary or traveling the length of a muscle.  The pressure can be increased or decreased, depending on the tone of the muscles and the penetration desired.  Both hands may be used alternately to grasp, lift and gently squeeze the muscles.

Friction: is performed with the thumb, fingertips, palm or heel of the hand.  It consists of smaller circular movements varying in pressure.  Stiff joints respond well to this technique.  Both hands are always kept in contact with the body.

Tapotement: means percussion in French.  It is performed using short, rapid, constantly moving strokes.  They may resemble soft karate chops or pity-pat-like up-and-down movements using the palms or sides of the hands.

Shiatzu: is based on the Japanese art of massaging and applying pressure to the body on the energy lines called meridians.

Reflexology: This therapy focuses on stimulating reflex points on the feet to maintain good health.  It is based on the theory that every part of the body corresponds to a very precisely located point on the feet, and that by applying pressure to these reflex points, you can relax and balance the whole body and help treat a range of disorders.

Some Benefits of Massage:

It improves circulation, it's a mechanical cleanser (increases the interchange of tissue fluids emptied into the capillaries and lymphatic system), it brings about a state of general relaxation, relieves muscle spasms, improves muscle tone, redirects negative energy, produces an alpha state in which body and mind are totally relaxed, promotes good digestion, relieves head, neck and backache, reduces cellulite and varicose veins, helps release negative and pent-up emotions, helps firm and soften skin, helps remove toxins from skin, helps relieve tensions, gives a glowing appearance to skin, helps breakdown fatty tissue; stretches tight muscles; helps open and clear sinuses; increases joint mobility; relives tired and sore muscles; improves self-esteem; dilates blood vessels; increases nutrient distribution in the body; improves condition of arthritic joints; useful in bursitis, tendonitis; helps stimulate cell activity and hair growth; helps prevent wrinkles; helps relieve menstrual cramps and It Feels Good!