Reflexology – Available soon | Notify me when this therapy is available…
Reflexology applies pressure to areas in the hands and feet called “reflex zones,” which relieves stress, addresses conditions of the feet and ankle and promotes overall relaxation.

Foot Reflexology massage can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic modality for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries or even everyday work and play. Your massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish and sports massage techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. This will not only help relieve toe pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis, but can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. In addition, a variety of stretches can be beneficial. With pain and sensitivity in the foot, heel and calf areas, be sure to communicate your pain levels with your massage therapist during your treatment. It is also a good idea to rest after receiving the reflexology massage.

If you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of foot Reflexology massage, you should know that the benefits are compounded when utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you go the more you can enjoy these benefits.

Acupressure Face Lift – Available soon | Notify me when this therapy is available…
Look Younger Without Surgery! An acupressure face lift combines exercising and massage of the facial pressure points to achieve younger looking, more toned facial skin. An acupressure face lift consists of facial exercises and utilizing various pressure points on the face.

Traditional Chinese medicine discovered that by pressing certain acupressure points on the face, there was greater flow of blood and oxygen to the facial areas, which promoted a release of tension, a softening of the lines, toning and tightening of sagging skin and stimulates the body's natural healing ability.

Acupressure face lift technique works with acupressure points located on the face. Using finger pressure on these specific points brings blood circulation to the skin, restores skin tone and brings balance to the internal organs.

The face lift technique is a time tested, proven technique that offers anti-aging. The facial muscles are toned and skin softened. You will feel a deep relaxation.

Cupping Massage – Available soon | Notify me when this therapy is available…
This ancient technique has found its place in the modern world of healing. Massage cupping is a modified version of the common practice of cupping therapy, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and the results that this simple treatment produces are impressive. Through suction and negative pressure, massage cupping releases rigid soft tissue; drain excess fluids and toxins; loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue; and bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles.

The therapeutic applications of cupping have been documented through several thousand years of clinical experience. Cupping is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine and has now been adapted for other health-care modalities, including massage therapy and chiropractic. Massage cupping intensifies the therapeutic aspect of traditional cupping and is an effective addition to any spa, healing facility or private practice. The therapy is fun and result-oriented, and the client response is remarkable.

A Cup of History
Cupping developed over time from the original use, by various indigenous peoples, of hollow animal horns to drain toxins out of snakebites and skin lesions. Horns evolved into bamboo cups, which were eventually replaced by glass. Therapeutic applications evolved with the refinement of the cup itself, and with the cultures that employed cupping as a health-care technique.

The Chinese expanded the use of this technique to surgery, to divert blood flow from the surgery site. Cupping eventually developed into a separate therapy under the traditional Chinese medicine umbrella, with healers trained specifically in this technique. Other ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and early Greeks, embraced the therapeutic value of cupping. The technique eventually spread throughout Europe and later to the Americas.

Cupping was common in households of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Indeed, many people still remember Grandma cupping their back for congestion and colds. European and American doctors used cupping into the late 1800s, and cupping sets were still carried by medical-supply companies well into the 1940s. Breast cupping became common for inflamed breasts and lactation dysfunctions, and the familiar breast pump evolved from this practice.

With this rich history of medical application, how does cupping fit into current health practices? Massage cupping, or the use of glass cups, held by suction, to massage the body, can be added into almost any massage or bodywork session. The action on the nervous system is sedating, and clients will often experience a deep state of relaxation.

A favorite area for massage cupping is on the broad area of the back. Larger cups are used for this, and a strong vacuum will mimic the rolling action of deep-tissue massage without any discomfort. The movement may be long and intended to drain fluid, or circular and stimulating for stubborn knots and areas of rigid tissue. The skin will turn red with strong massage cupping, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface.

Application of liniments, analgesics, plant hydrosols and essential oils immediately after the treatment will facilitate the absorption of the product deep into the tissue. The increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be carried away through the veins. Clients often feel deep warmth during the session and a tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.

Massage cupping is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out, yet does not add to it. This technique is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with cold compresses or liniments. The cups may also be manipulated to mimic other massage techniques without the normal stress on the hands of the therapist.

There are two main uses of cupping: stationary and in massage. Stationary cupping is used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear stagnation of blood; to facilitate the release of pathogenic factors; and to dispel internal heat. Cups are placed on the skin and left for five to 15 minutes. Four to six cups may also be applied and then removed cyclically in a technique called flash cupping. Both methods are commonly used for treating lung congestion and for removing heat from the body. The stimulation on the back, over the lungs, activates the ciliary escalator of the lungs and facilitates expectoration of congested material. The other action is to bring heat from the lungs to the surface of the skin to be eliminated. Stationary cupping sometimes results in rings and circles on the back as toxins and blood move to the surface.

Cupping used for massage is the more common form among practitioners of Western healing arts. Before applying the cups, administer plenty of oil on the areas to be cupped, to facilitate smooth movement. Take this opportunity to palpate areas of tension and congestion. Place the cup on the area, grasp it with one or two hands, and begin to glide it over the skin. The movement should be smooth, without pressing down, as this will inhibit the suction effect.

Cup Creatively
Some of the most enjoyable aspects of this technique are the subtle nuances of the movements. Creativity provides a variety of methods, and alteration of pressure and speed produce amazingly different sensations.

Clients respond to the experience with positive feedback, often reporting that the treatment stayed with them longer than most sessions and was cumulative in its effects.

Numerous conditions respond beautifully to massage cupping, including fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post-surgery adhesions, cellulite and sluggish colon.

Massage cupping continues to evolve as new equipment is located and creative applications are discovered. A small micro-cup set has led to a new technique used to drain and lift the face, loosening tight facial muscles and stimulating blood flow to the skin. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders also respond well. This is a quick yet effective addition to a facial, massage or body treatment.

One way to begin to learn more about this incredible therapy is to experience it. There are not many massage-cupping practitioners at this time, yet interest is growing as more therapists are exposed to this technique. Massage cupping is sure to prove itself as a viable addition in efforts for assisting in your healing path.