Healing Tree Wellness Center
Where the Impossible is Possible!
BodyWork ~ Massage ~ Reflexology
At the Healing Tree, we offer a wide variety of bodywork and massage therapies. Whether you're looking to relieve stress, lower your blood pressure, or you're interested in getting some much needed relaxation, explore the benefits to unlocking a more healthy, energetic, and stress-free lifestyle through the power of touch.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish massage is the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage. It was developed in Stockholm a couple of centuries ago and is the most common and best-known type form of bodywork performed today.
The goal is relaxing the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin.
Swedish massage is exceptional for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. HOT STONE MASSAGE Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. Provides relief from pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other chronic conditions Contraindications: Hot Stone massage is not appropriate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are on medication that thins your blood. You shouldn't get a hot stone massage if you are pregnant or have a sunburn. You also may want to reconsider if you are menopausal, as it may trigger a hot flash. PRENATAL MASSAGE Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension-which aids in better sleep-and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes. The benefits of prenatal massage include: Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from prenatal massage. Women in high-risk pregnancies however, should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program. If at any time during the prenatal massage you experience discomfort, tell your therapist immediately.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Combining hot stone protocols with a full body massage provides a very healing and effective experience. The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy include:
Decreases pain and muscle spasms
Reduces chronic stress and tension
Increases flexibility in joints, aiding in easier mobility and movement
Relieves pain and tension created by strained and contracted muscles
DEEP TISSUE
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
A deep tissue massage may help loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it is recommended to drink plenty of water after a deep tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body.
This type of massage is often used to treat chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension or spasm.
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Ostearthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events. This therapy may be used to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
CRANIOSACRAL MASSAGE
Craniosacral massage is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system. Craniosacral massage deals with the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures. This type of massage employs a very light touch and uses specifically designed techniques to release restrictions and compression in these areas. Increasingly used as a preventive health measure, craniosacral massage may be sought to help with chronic back and neck pain, headache, migraines, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties and stress related disorders.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology involves the application of manual pressure to specific points or areas of the hands and feet called "reflex points". These points correspond to other parts of the body and are shown in deatil on a reflexology chart.
Reflexology charts consist of pictures of the soles of the feet on which diagrams of corresponding internal organs or parts of the body are drawn. The right side of the body is believed to be reflected in the right foot and hand, and the left side in the left foot and hand.
Reflexology is primarily based on Western physiological concepts of reflexes and the nervous system, rather than Oriental concepts of energy meridians or acupuncture points. Thus reflexology was not introduced as a form of energy medicine per se, but rather as a form of massage therapy and bodywork based on Western anatomical principles.
Reflexology is often used with the intention of relieving stress or preventing physical disorders. In addition to reducing stress and improving circulation, reflexology can assist in conditions such as: allergies, arthritis, constipation, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, pain relief and respiratory imbalances.
