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Massage Glossary.

La Stone Therapy is a spiritual and metaphysical massage that uses both hot AND cold stones to massage the body. La Stone is a trademarked style of massage that can only be performed by a certified La Stone Therapist. It was developed in 1993 by Mary Nelson, a massage therapist and native of Tucson, AZ, who "created a method of progressively opening up the energy channels (Chakras) of the body,"  Up to  54 hot stones, 18 frozen stones, and one room temperature stone can be used in each session. La Stone can be an spiritual healing experience for those seeking a connection linking body, mind and soul in their daily lives.

Medical Massage.What is medical massage? Medical massage is sometimes defined as medically necessary massage, to help individuals who suffer from an assortment of health conditions, including repetitive motion injuries, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, muscle spasms, neuromuscular conditions, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chronic headaches, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, and soft-tissue injuries as well. Additionally, medical massage increases blood supply to skeletal muscles and other body components and stimulates the nervous system as well. Overall, medical massage is a noninvasive therapy that produces beneficial health results to those experiencing numerous health-related illnesses and injuries.

Deep Tissue Therapy focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Slow strokes and deep finger pressure, directly on the contracted areas of muscle and fascia, helps reduce chronic tension, stress and sore, aching muscles. Pressure or friction is applied across the grain of the muscles also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. When the deep tissue massage is done correctly by a deep tissue specialist, clients should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Relaxing Swedish. The licensed massage therapist applies gentle to medium pressure of the hands to the body, gently manipulating the tissue to promote deep relaxation. The gentle kneading and rubbing of the outer layers of the body tissue covers a wide range of areas on the body including the back, legs, arms and neck. The overall affects of Relaxation or Swedish Massage can heighten the holistic, healing experience and allow for greater relaxation and restoration of one’s energy balance.

Sports Performance. Sports Massage prepares athletes, sport enthusiasts, joggers, personal trainers, etc. for high energy activities at peak performance. Sports therapy energizes, relieves swelling, reduces muscle tension, and promotes flexibility, to prevent the recurrence of injuries. Sports therapy helps to alleviate the stress, tension and toxins which build up in the body’s soft tissues during overexertion and demanding physical activities.

Trigger Point. Trigger points are "points" or spots of hyper-irritated skeletal muscles caused by some form of injury. The injured area of the muscle contracts, which restricts normal blood flow and allows the build-up of toxins to accumulate. Pain, numbness, tingling and weakness is felt at the trigger point, and "referred pain" is felt in other locations in the body. In Trigger Point massage, the therapist applies static compression for 10 seconds, releases the pressure, and reapplies the pressure 10 more seconds in a pumping action while the client breathes deeply. This action flushes the toxins, calms the nerves, releases endorphins and re-energizes the body and mind.

Reiki Attunement. Reiki is a form of energy "healing". Energy Healing involves direct application of Chi for the purpose of strengthening the clients energy system (aura). Chi is the term used by the Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying force the Universe is made of. Modern physics research is now coming to understand the Universe is made of some form of energy which is subject to (or affected by) thought. Reiki is very simply performed. The therapist places his/her hands upon the person to be healed and then the energy begins flowing.The energy manages its own flow to and within the recipient for the purpose of healing.  

Rising Sun Yoga Therapy  The purpose for the practice of yoga is to enter the integrated state of our being. The body is used as a vehicle through which we recognize the blockages that keep us from our true being. They exist not only on the physical but also on the mental and emotional levels. Yoga postures and breathing exercises are used as a vehicle to bring these blockages to the surface to be reintegrated. This particular therapy is very personalized in which the instructor will customize the yogic program for the needs of the client. Contact Healing Springs Massage Therapy to discuss your particular needs and goals in further detail.

Myofascial Release is a unique form of massage that targets the fascia, the thin tissue that covers every organ, every muscle and muscle fiber in the body. When muscle fibers are injured, from sports injuries, fibromyalgia, back pain, recurring headaches, etc. the fascia which surrounds it become short and tight. This uneven stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts of the body, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms in areas you often wouldn't expect. Myofascial Release treats these symptoms by releasing the uneven tightness in injured fascia. In other words, Myofascial Release is the therapeutic stretching of the fascia.

Raindrop Therapy combines aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, foot reflexology, gentle feathering massage, etc. in the application of essential oils. 9 essential oils are used in raindrop: 7 single oils and 2 therapeutic blends. A person receiving raindrop lays facedown as oils are dropped up their back from a height of 6-12 inches. The oils are gently massaged in with a  "feathering” motion. After the essential oils have been applied, a towel soaked in hot water is applied to the back to drive the oils further into the body. The oils used in raindrop flush out toxins and kill dormant viruses and bacteria along the spine, restoring health to the entire system

Reflexology Foot Treatment is a treatment where the licensed therapist works primarily on your feet. The theory behind Reflexology states that there are "reflex points" in the feet, hands and ears that relate to specific organs and glands in the body. (A reflex point chart can be used to visualize and identify the reflex points.) Manual stimulation to these specific "reflex points"  will  affect targeted organs via the body's energetic pathways .Using thumb, finger tip and hand pressure without the use of creams or oils, healing and deep relaxation can be felt throughout the body.

Healing Hot Stones is a style of massage therapy in which water-treated stones are placed at specific sites on the client's body to promote relaxation and to help open up the meridians (energy pathways). Muscles are treated with the heated stones to allow the therapist to more easily perform deep tissue manipulations. Cool stones are sometimes used alternately with hot stones. Massage oils are usually incorporated into the massage treatment to promote deep muscle and tissue relaxation, reduce stress, flush out  toxins relieve pain, increase circulation, and calm the psyche.

Warm Soothing Stone Treatment. Pamper yourself with warm stones massage. You can feel the tension and stress melt away, as smooth, warmed stones radiate their healing energy, deep into your muscles and tissues. Cool marble stones can be used at sites of congestion, injury or chronic pain- or simply as a refreshing compliment to the warm stone therapy. Quite a relaxing experience as your warm stone session is combined with the healing affects of relaxing massage therapy.

Assisted Stretching Muscle Treatment involves active and passive techniques to stretch the muscle fibers. The goals of stretching are to: Increase muscle-tendon Flexibility, Improve Range of motion, enhance musculoskeletal function, and prevent recurrence of muscle strains or injury. There are various types of stretching techniques performed with this specialized treatment, which include active, passive (relaxed), static, dynamic (gentle), ballistic (forced), isometric, and others. Helpful Hint: If you already are exercising in a gym or spa, it is good to know that assisted stretching and ongoing muscle therapy are important components to keeping your exercise regimen effective. We suggest you call Healing Springs Massage to schedule an appointment with  one of our licensed specialists.

Watsu (Water Therapy). Typically performed in a specially designed pool heated to body temperature, Watsu is a series of gentle movements and stretches intended to relax your body, plus Watsu incorporates techniques from zen shiatsu. (An ancient Chinese pressure-point therapy believed to release blockages along the body's meridians where chi, or energy, flows). Medical research shows that floating in warm water can be soothing for acute and chronic pain and may have mental benefits, too. I heard a client say, "Once I've been relaxing in water a bit, my mind starts to slow down and I feel like I'm between dreaming and being awake. The little things become irrelevant and fade away." Practiced with a professional therapist, Watsu also relieves stress, headaches, other discomforts, and promotes a sounder, more beneficial sleep. Call Healing Springs Massage for Watsu location and details. 352.812.3853.

Cranio Sacral Massage is a gentle, hands-on method of healing  the body's Cranio Sacral System. This system, like our cardiovascular and respiratory systems, provides the physical environment in which the brain and spinal cord develop and function. Cranio Sacral treatment targets the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures. A specialized, licensed therapist employs light, soft therapeutic techniques to release restrictions and compression in the injured or imbalanced areas of the body. The goal is to promote deep relaxation throughout the Cranio Sacral System.

Thai Bodywork involves healing, relaxation treatments that involve stretching and deep massage. The bodywork recipient is asked to wear comfortable, loose, clothing and and rest on a floor mat or firm mattress, (provided by the licensed therapist). During this treatment, the therapist leans on the recipient's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the client's body. The massage follows the "Sen Energy" lines of the body (comparable to Chinese meridians). No oil is used, but a hot herbal compress may be applied for its warm and soothing effects. A "full course" Thai Bodywork Massage may last up to 2 hours or more, and includes pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, arching the recipient's back in a rolling action for the most effective healing benefits. Many people prefer to attend "group" sessions which accommodates several therapists and their clients in 1 large room. Call Healing Springs to check on availability and schedules.

Two-Therapists Massage - Your Choice. This service provides you with the Therapeutic massage of your choosing, performed by two licensed therapists at the same time. While one therapist is concentrating on your upper back and neck areas, a second therapist could be attending to your calves, ankles and feet. Many individuals have never experienced a 2-therapist massage. And for those who have, claim it is the "ultimate, most effective therapy" of all other deep relaxation treatments. 

PreNatal Massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork performed by a licensed specialist, that is tailored to meet the unique needs of the pregnant woman. Promoting better function of muscles and joints, prenatal massage also improves circulation and overall body tone. Additionally, prenatal massage decreases mental and physical fatigue and restores balance. The pregnant woman can be massaged on her side, in a semi-reclining position, and even on her belly, with the use of a specially-designed pillows. With low lighting and soft music, prenatal massage is performed via gentle massage strokes over the entire body. Helping to relieve sciatic nerve pain and multiple other conditions experienced during pregnancy, prenatal massage is an effective therapy for helping to calm and promote overall well-being.

Chair Massage is by far, the most convenient method of mobile massage therapy. A special, ergonomic massage chair is used, (see photo to left) and the session usually lasts about 15 minutes, while fully clothed. Chair therapy promotes better circulation, muscle stimulation, and reduces tension in the back, neck and shoulders. The "healing effects" provide deep relaxation and encourages overall well-being, Most chair massages are mobile and easily set up in hotels, hotel suites, malls, airports, expos, convention centers, dental and medical offices, corporate offices, tradeshows, horse shows, street fests, grand openings, health spas, gyms, outdoor events, and more. Customers and potential clients will line up and wait for hours for a professional chair massage.

EquiTherapy. (Horse Massage) Like the human body, your horse is composed of fascia, which is a three-dimensional connective tissue web that runs from head to tail. Fascia surrounds and infuses within every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, blood vessel, tendon, and ligament in the body. It surrounds every single cell in the body as it travels in one continuous web-like sheath from head to tail in the horse's body. Equine Massage is a hands on, whole body manual therapy technique addressing the fascial system. Myofascial release is used to elongate the fascial tissue with a 90-120 second gentle pressure into the restriction or tissue barrier. After releasing through several barriers the connective tissue will become soft and pliable. The pressure will be taken off pain-sensitive areas and full motion ability is restored. Contact Healing Springs Massage to set up appointment for EquiTherapy sessions. Mobile EquiTherapy is also offered.

Contact Healing Springs Massage: Click Here. Or Call: 352.812.3853

Email: info@healingspringsmassage.com