Jin Shou Tuina

Tuina is the modern name given to the system of remedial massage that developed as one modality of Chinese Medicine along with acupuncture and herbology.  There is historical evidence that treatment with massage preceded and laid the foundation for these other skills, and that the practice of bodywork is rightfully the first branch of Chinese medicine.  Certainly many of the theories of Chinese Medicine are made manifest for a person practicing massage on a regular basis.  The treatment with massage requires no tools other than yourself so the idea that in antiquity this was the first skill to develop is logical.

The words Tuina translate into "push-grasp" or "poke-pinch" in Chinese. Physically, it is a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles or implements that help the body to remove blockages along the meridians of the body and stimulates the flow of qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure. Tuina's massage-like techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue work which would be considered too vigorous or too painful for a recreational or relaxing massage. Clinical practitioners often use liniment, plasters, herbal compresses and packs to aid in the healing process.  In a typical tuina session, the patient wears loose clothing and lies on a massage table or floor pad.  For more information click here

 Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. For more information  click here

Nuat Bo-Rarn (Northern style Thai massage)

Thai Massage, often called Thai Yoga Massage in North America, is called Nuad Bo Rarn or Ancient Massage in Thailand.  It is indeed an ancient form of manual therapy whose origin can be traced back two thousand years to Dr Kumar Jivaka, the personal physician of the Guatama Buddha.

Traditionally in Thailand, health care, including manual therapy and therapeutic massage, was provided by Buddhist monks.  Nuad Bo Rarn was for them a form of meditation and an expression of cultivated compassion.  The beginnings and development of Thai massage rooted as it was in Buddhist practice has infused it with a calm and meditative method that is powerful and effective, providing benefits for practitioner and patient alike. This bodywork method uses passive stretching, pressure points, and abdominal techniques to bring the body back to balance.  Loose clothing is worn, and it is usually performed on a thick mat on the floor. For more information click here

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury.