Description of Modalities
Modality (technique or style
Holistic
Refers to ‘all of something'. A Holistic approach to health involves
seeing the individual as a whole person and considering their physical,
emotional, social and spiritual well being
The Holistic Experience (THE)
Sandra's Holistic Therapy signature massage is a package of 10-Hours; it
starts with a consultation followed by filling out a profile card on which
we will log your progress and treatments. Different modalities will be incorporated,
as well as the "Chi" machine, infrasound, and other massage tools
and ointments. This is an excellent package to experience the different style
of massages economically.
Steamy Wonder™
Steamy Wonder treatments can be offered as a standalone modality or combined
with other healing therapies (such as massage, or various spa treatments
like seaweed, or mud wraps) Steamy Wonder™ provides a practical and
enjoyable way to help you remove toxins from your body. Benefits of detoxification
include, pain relief, increased alertness and energy, lustrous skin and eyes,
and enhances immunity. For more information please visit http://www.steamywonder.com/health/health-detox.html.
Swedish
Swedish is the most commonly offered massage technique. This modality uses
long strokes and kneading of the muscles. It is used primarily for full body
sessions to promote circulation, relaxation, and relieving muscle tension.
Sports
Sports Massage focuses on the muscles relevant to a particular athletic activity.
It is usually more vigorous and deeper than Swedish massage. On athletes
(dancers) minor injuries and lesions occur due to overexertion and/or repetitive
movement. This technique can break down these minor injuries quickly and
effectively. Sports Massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance,
drain away fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility,
and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Deep Tissue Massage improves body alignment and freedom of movement. Deep Tissue releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through long and short, slow strokes. Deeper pressure is applied on the specific tensed area by using the forearms, heel of hands, elbows, or specific instruments. The amount and type of pressure depends on the specific needs of the individual.
Craniosacral
Craniosacral modality is a nonintrusive gentle manipulation of the skull
and spinal system. There is a rhythmical motion in the craniosacral system
created by the rise and fall of cerebrospinal fluid. This causes a corresponding
movement of the cranial bones; restriction of the rhythmical motion may
contribute to illness.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain, and
regulate mood. Essential oils are volatile, highly concentrated plant extracts
derived from leaves, barks, roots, seed resins, and flowers. Several essential
oils may be combined during a session. Essential oils are usually mixed
with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil.
A relaxing aromatherapy massage might have lavender or bergamot, while
a massage for sore muscles might include peppermint, eucalyptus, and/or
arnica. Grapefruit essential oil is highly recommended for uplifting the
spirit.
Stone Massage
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
release tight muscles.
What to Expect During a Hot Stone Massage?
- Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150-degree water. Stones are placed in a particular manner on the massage bed (different techniques and styles may be used for a stone massage session)
- Some sessions include the burning of Sage before and/or after. (Let your therapist know if you are allergic to the smell of sage.)
- The therapist applies the traditional strokes of Swedish massage with the 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.
Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy (VHMT)
Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy can be done separately or incorporate
with any other modality. The goal is to use vibration, extension, and compression
of joints and muscles to allow the body to release built-up and pent-up
tensions.
This modality, when done by itself, does not require the removal of clothes or the use of any oils. The goal of VHMT is to completely restore the body's circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. It also tries to teach the patient how to utilize the body, as well as speech, in a fluid manner. By doing this; walking, talking and any daily activities seem more like a fluid motion.