Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, considered massage of prime importance in any health regime. Galen and the Romans also greatly prized the healing benefits of massage.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage was originally developed in the late eighteenth century by a Swedish fencing master as the first systematic application of therapeutic massage in the West. It was based on European folk massage, oriental techniques from the Middle East and the then emerging knowledge of modern anatomy and physiology. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit.

One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed the venous return of non-oxygenated and toxic blood from the extremities.

It shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.

It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and young.

It also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of subtle energy, or Ch’i, through meridians running through and over the body that ultimately govern the internal organs and thus our entire metabolism. Situated along these meridians are points, the same as those used in Acupuncture, where the therapist can effectively manipulate this energy.

Although the foundation of this massage is deep pressure exerted upon these specific localized points, this system also includes a wide variety of stretches, rubbing, hacking and other common massage techniques. It is a somewhat subtler form of massage since it deals with a higher level of body mechanism - the etheric Ch’i prana -- or energy, rather than just the gross physical bones, joints, muscles, etc. , Shiatsu requires the recipient’s participation with the therapist in coordinating the breath with the manipulations. 

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a sensible blend of traditional Swedish Massage and Shiatsu. It was developed by Jack Meager, who is the official masseur for the U. S. Olympic Equestrian Team. There are twelve principle body postures that form the axis of all athletic movement. Each sport demands that the player attains specific postures; hence, each sport tends to strain the muscles at certain predictable points. Sports massage can help heal strained muscles and allow healthy ones to reach peak action and to maintain it, with less risk of injury.

Medical Massage

• to prevent muscular atrophy in cases of broken bones,
• to reduce inflammation in strains and sprains,
• to reduce inflammation of sciatica and lumbago, \to lengthen shortened muscles,
• to release bound connective tissue ( fascia)
• to increase circulation of varicose ulcers,
• to stimulate normal bowel movements and much more.
• to balance the bodies bony structures with the soft tissue attachments so that the body moves with ease.

Your range of motion may be checked and questions regarding lifestyle and make recommendations for simple exercises to maintain or improve your health.

The success of massage depends on the client as well as the practitioner. Relaxation is an essential element of massage that allows muscle tissue to move from a contracted position to an extended or relaxed state. Only in the relaxed position is it possible to nourish muscle tissue with blood. It is helpful to know that oxygenation of the blood is accomplished by breathing. Consequently, the body’s need for energy may be satisfied by deep breathing that causes a more rapid breakdown of those chemicals in the blood which nourish muscle tissue.

Petrissage/Pump Massage

Integrative Thai Massage

”Lazy man yoga.” Integrating stretches to aid the muscles adjoining one another and to stretch the joint capsules. Energy lines in the body are opened up throughout the body using direct pressure. You are in various positions on the table sidelying, sitting, prone or supine. Soft tissue work done in yoga positions or (asanas) are done. This can enhance the individual to achieve more from a yoga pose on his own or to significantly break up functional patterns in the body.

Bowen Therapy

An Australian technique utilizing soft tissues at specific points along the muscle origin and insertion attachments points. 1-2 second moves are made then a relaxation period follows. This induces a central nervous system relaxation response from the nerves in that region. Muscles and or muscle groups then relax back toward the normal length thus allowing the skeletal involvement to be in their neutral place with minimal or no tension placed on it. 

Young Living Essential Oils

used with each session with Donna. European Therapeutic Grade essential oil - oxygenate the blood penetrating the cells almost immediately. They are anti-biotic, anti-tumoral, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, anti-spasmotic and more depending on the oil or oil blend. Each oil or oil blend has different properties, so they can be used for orthopedic problems, diseased conditions, emotional or focusing problems. The limbic system of the brain is stimulated by the sense of smell through the olfactory nerve. This is the emotion center of the brain. Emotional memory can be triggered and stimulated through the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. Applied directly on the skin, feet or diluted with a carried oil if needed.

Raindrop therapy

Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential oils applied along the spine, on the feet or directly on the area of concern for emotional and or physical trauma. Hot towels or moist heat is added to drive the oils in. The receptor sites along the spine become clearer for neural impulses, and can help rid the body of viruses and bacteria. Used for scoliosis, lung detox, cancer and more.

Energy work - Polarity - Zero balancing - Touch for Health - Acupressure - Healing Touch - Cranial - Sacral Therapy

Connective Tissue release

Utilizing Bowen, Rolfing styles along with other fascial release techniques. The connective tissue is around the organs and between the layers of muscles. Often soft tissue problems arise from the fascia due to functional patterning of the body.