Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. The effects of Swedish massage are acheived through improving the circulation of the fluids in vascular and lymphatic capillaries.

I employ a combination of strokes (called effleurage, petrissage, percussion and friction, trigger point hold/release) to help the body improve its circulation.

An increasing number of research studies show that massage:

• reduces heart rate
• lowers blood pressure
• increases blood circulation and lymph flow
• relaxes muscles
• improves range of motion
• increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment).
• improves sleep thru the increase of serotonin (the relax hormone)

Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Massage isn't a luxury ... it's a necessity.

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of the muscles. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries.

I personally do not believe in the "No Pain, No Gain" theory. I never want you to have to "recover" from one of my massage sessions - therefore open communication during a session is vitally important. The pressure used is always adjusted to your tolerance level. Keep in mind that soreness is sometime experienced after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

Another form of Deep Tissue Massage is Scar Tissue Release.

Please check my articles pages regarding different conditions and how certain types of massage can be helpful.

Sports Massage - My mentor in Sports Massage (Dr. Myk Hungerford) said "It is better to prevent an injury than to receive one." It is also "better to treat an injury with lasting measures than to cover it up with pain killers." Any athlete will tell you that it is "better to train than to take time off" and it is "better to train pain free than to train in pain."

Whether a weekend warrior or accomplished professional athlete, engaging in sports can be harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term.

Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to

• prevent injury
• reduce pains and swelling in the body
• helps the mind to focus
• increases flexibility
• restores lost mobility
• reduces the strain and discomfort of training

Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body’s natural immune function.

Want an edge in your game - whatever that game is ?

Sports Massage employed by a trained therapist will give you that edge.

Medical Massage differs from regular Massage and Bodywork in that the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions diagnosed by a medical doctor. I may use a variety of modalities or techniques during the treatment, but I focus the treatment only on the specific areas of the body related to the diagnosis. This enhances the body’s natural self-healing process and reduces the needed recovery time from injury.

Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet, hands and ears. Unlike massage to these areas that intend to mostly relieve tension in the area themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body has refles points in the hands, feet and ears . Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing “trigger points” in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle tissue rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These ‘knots’ are built up throughout a person’s life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

CranioSacral Therapy is a bodywork method that focuses on gently stimulating your CranioSacral system (membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord) to heal the body by improving the functioning of the central nervous system. CST effectively complements your body’s natural healing process, and has been known to help alleviate a wide variety of problems including:

• Central Nervous System Disorders


• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• TMJ


• Fibromyalgia

Shiatsu Massage is a Japanese form of massage. The word Shiatsu comes from two Japanese words - "shi" (finger) and "atsu" (pressure). In addition to the direct stimulation of pressure points along the energy pathways of your body, gentle stretching techniques are applied over a wider area of the body to integrate the point work and encourage the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Shiatsu is a meditative healing art that honors the body, mind and spirit.

Acupressure is a form of bodywork similar to acupuncture, with the aim of stimulating specific points along the energy lines of the body to establish overall health and vitality by balancing your Qi (energy) flow. Unlike acupuncture however, with this modality I use my hands to apply pressure to the specific points rather than needling, producing similar therapeutic results.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. As both a preventative and remedial technique, MLD can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort from pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.

Pregnancy Massage is a form of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time in which a woman’s body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical, mental, and emotional changes. Using various techniques specifically for the new mother, Pregnancy Massage helps alleviate discomforts experienced throughout the pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the reduction of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, improved breathing and relaxation, and relief from uncomfortable digestive issues.

Labor Assistant - I have had the joy of assisting many clients in the birthing process either bedside OR helping coach dad in helping mom. Such a beautiful experience.

Infant Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically to promote the healthy development of your infant. It is my practice to teach this valuable art and science to caring parents and caregivers. Caring human touch is crucial for a healthy thriving baby, and the benefits of massaging a young child are many, including:

• Improved growth and development of the brain and nervous system


• Strengthened immune system function


• Regulated sleeping patterns, leading to deeper sleep


• Greater levels of trust and intimacy between parent and child.

Call to arrange a class OR one-on-one instruction. Therapy sessions are available for your child, but it is my design to help you fit this loving expression into your own parenting.

"On-Site" Chair Massage - The benefits of massage therapy in the workplace are expanding everyday. Major corporations such as Boeing, Motorola and Apple have made massage a part of their employee benefits program and you can too! I have been providing on-site "Stress Breaks" since 1988 beginning at a hospital business office in Northern California. The recipient is seated in a specially designed massage chair which allows me to work on your back, neck, shoulders and arms, addressing the common problem areas of today's workers. There is no oil used and the recipient is fully clothed. An on-site chair massage usually lasts 10-15 minutes. When calling about this service ask about my "Stress Break" program.

Mini-Spa TreatmentsFrom time to time a client will ask for something different, something special to prepare for a special event or occasion. This is where we become creative in designing a mini-spa treatment that is as unique as your signature. These types of sessions include detoxifying or hydrating body wraps (my favorite is the green tea wrap), "footials" - a hydrating foot treatment, cellulite thermal wraps.....and many other options are available to you.

Couples Massage: This is a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion -or a "get-away-from-it all" without leaving home! Provided by myself and a professional colleague. I also have an esthetician available for special massage and facial "mini spa" days!

Massage Parties - available for bridal and baby showers, birthdays, celebrations of all kinds - can be celebrated with massage. Create an ambiance of un-stress!

Gift Certiticate - Specially made-to-order gift certificates provided for your special person or occasion. You'll be thanked 'twice.'