Swedish Massage

Gentle to medium pressure massage strokes performed in rhythmic and long flowing nonspecific motions to promote general relaxation and a feeling of overall well being. The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping." One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. This firm but gentle pressure is to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. Swedish massage employs five different movements: long, gliding strokes, kneading of individual muscles, friction, hacking or tapping vibration. Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy

Purpose of Swedish Massage? The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage 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 pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Benefits of Swedish Massage? Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep pressure massage strokes targeted at the deeper structures of muscles and fascia in the body. Primarily done to promote therapeutic healing to the body's soft tissues. Strokes are slow and deep. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.")

Will A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt? It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.

How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage? It's important to be realistic about what one massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body.

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage? Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage: The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes. The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage. You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense. Technique is very important.

Back to Top

Four Handed Hot Stone or Swedish Massage

The most indulgent of all massage services begins with a synchronized pattern of fluid movement that passes over the body. Two pairs of hands will choreograph a rhythmic, dance-like massage to glide over you. Each movement is mirrored on the opposite side. This incredible massage experience is equal to receiving a two hour massage, advanced notice required.

Private Massage Lesson for Two

Learn fun and easy relaxation techniques that you can use at home with your family and friends. Your private 1-1/2 hour lesson will be custom designed to your individual goals. Everything is provided -- just bring willing hands and an open heart. The session includes a take-home handout and massage oil.

Traditional Thai Massage

is an ancient system of healing with its roots in Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Buddhist spiritual practice. This system of Yoga therapy combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, gentle twisting, deep stretching and meditation. Thai Massage releases tension, increases vitality and creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit.

David Bliss 646-334-8824 Working knowledge of various forms of Eastern and Western bodywork including, but not limited to, Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, SoTai, Tui Na, Polarity Therapy, Myofascial and Trigger Point work, Sports Massage, Muscle Release Techniques, Medical Massage, Cupping, Moxabustion and Gua Sha

Back to Top

Shiatsu Massage

The massage of Shiatsu has its origins in the Asian belief of Ch' I (circulation of subtle energy) by meridian lines or passages in all the body. These meridian lines have specific points which correspond to certain internal organs and the metabolism of the body. The massage of Shiatsu implies to operate these points on the meridian line to stimulate the corresponding organs. It is employed for healing, but is also employed for the relaxation, relieving and a feeling of general wellbeing. As the therapist works the areas indicated, the patient breathes in coordination with the massage.

Benefits of Shiatsu include: Reduced stress & fatigue (tsubo) accumulated in the body. Increased circulation of blood and lymph. Reduced blood pressure and muscle stiffness. Increased vitality, stamina and energy (Qi).

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture. It involves the use of finger pressure (with no needles) on specific points along the body. It's a way of accessing and releasing blocked (congested) energy centers in the body. Various ailments such as tension, stress, aches, pains, arthritis or menstrual cramps can be alleviated. Acupressure is also used for general preventative health care.

Foot Massage

is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points that travel from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head encompass all vital organs on the way. A trained therapist applies pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and sides of the feet to revitalize these areas. This makes a great addition to add on to other services.

Back to Top

Therapeutic Scalp, Facial and Neck Treatment

Warm paraffin facial treatments enhances the moisturizing effects for softer, healthier looking skin, leaving your skin more radiant and smooth. A stimulating and de-stressing scalp massage with essential oils increases the circulation to the scalp and works out the kinks in your neck. A great add-on to any service for those who love to have their heads massaged. It helps to alleviate some headaches or with cancer patients reduces discomfort associated with hair loss or a sensitive tingling scalp. Gently massaging the face opens up the sinuses and addresses any TMJ issues.

Chair Massage

The client remains clothed and sits in a special massage chair. No oil is used and various massage strokes such as compression and kneading is done on the client's head, neck, back and arms to promote relaxation and to relieve muscle tension. Sessions can be anywhere from five to 30 minutes long with the optimum length of 10 to 20 minutes.

Chair Reason for Chair Massage and Benefits - A stiff neck. Aching wrists. Shoulders that feel as if someone folded them up. Anyone who has ever sat behind a desk all day will recognize the symptoms of workplace fatigue. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, returning energy levels and helping keep the body injury free.

Back to Top

Stretch Therapy

With certifications in personal training from the National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association, our trainers can teach you how increased range of motion throughout the body can enhance your health and well-being.

Photo courtesy of the American Massage Therapy Association ©2006.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage massage is designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Various medium pressure massage strokes are used as well as stretching and joint movement. In some cases the client will assist by moving parts of his/her body while massage strokes are being applied to further lengthen or broaden muscles. But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.

What Happens During Sports Massage? Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

1) Pre-event massage a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event.
2) Post-event massage given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.
3) Restorative massage given during training to allow the athlete to train harder & with less injury.
4) Rehabilitative massage aimed at alleviating pain due to injury & returning the body to health.


Back to Top