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Thai massage, also called Thai yoga massage,  incorporates deep yogic stretching, rhythmic compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure  to help loosen and relax tight muscles and joints.  Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work. A clothing on modality, Thai massage is done without oil or lotion with the client wearing comfortable clothes that allow for movement. Thai massage is traditionally done on a mat on the floor.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. Swedish Massage is a vigorous yet relaxing system of treatment designed to energize and rejuvenate the body by stimulating circulation. It consists of five basic strokes used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. A Swedish massage offers the client many benefits including a sense of overall relaxation and reducing pain and joint stiffness.Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation of blood and lymph. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. Swedish massage is done with the person undressed and covered by a sheet.   One part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. The use of oil or lotion is incorporated into a rejuvenating and relaxing experience for the recipient.

Deep tissue massage is 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. 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.

Hot stone massage is a variation on Swedish massage therapy. Stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they reach a certain temperature range. The stones are then used to massage specific areas of tension, or sometimes placed in specific problem areas to let the body absorb the heat while a different area is being massaged. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows for deeper pressure massage, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation in the muscle tissues and calms the nervous system.   When combined directly with massage, the heat of the warm stones becomes a powerful therapeutic strategy. The heat and pressure mobilize connective tissue (fascia), releasing trigger points and adhesions in a comfortable and efficient way. The broad  pressure of the stones makes deeper work less intense for the client to receive, allowing the  therapist to achieve greater results.

Originally derived from ancient Thai traditions, herbal Thai massage is slowly becoming a popular western modality. Thai herbal heat compress is used in combination with traditional Thai massage. Sore muscles are worked and stretched and then herbal heat compresses are applied to help sooth sore muscles. The herbal heat compress relaxes aching muscles, eases respiration through the use of aromatic camphor, and reduces tension through the heat and aromatic properties of the herbs used in the compress. Traditional Thai medicine uses herbal heat compression for the treatment of sprains, muscle pain, bruises and swelling.

Aroma massage is one of the main ways of experiencing the benefits that essential oils offer. These essential oils are diluted, and then applied to the skin during a Swedish massage.  Swedish massage therapy is beneficial on its own; however when its used in conjunction with essential oils, these two therapies can be synergistically more beneficial than when they're performed separately.

A rare specialty massage traditionally practiced in island communities of Thailand. Offered nowhere else in San Francisco, this type of massage takes years to master. Oils are generously applied to back while clients lie face down. The therapist then stands on your back using feet and body weight to massage your entire body.  This combination of oil and body weight footwork, when done skillfully, allows for a truly unique massage. Island Style massage achieves many of the benefits of deep tissue massage while retaining the relaxing effect of a Swedish massage.

Prenatal Massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through gentle pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. It addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy and the special needs of pregnant women.  Studeis have shown that women who receive regular massage throughout their pregnancies have lower incidinces of anxiety, depresseion and muscle and joint pain while improving labor outcomes.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork designed to promote optimal health by influencing the state of ki (energy) in the body. The receiver lays on a futon wearing loose comfortable clothes and experiences the benefit of rejuvenating stretches, deep rhythmic pressure on powerful acupressure points and the calm satisfying sensation resulting from energy coming into harmony and balance.

Sport massage therapy helps alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, sport massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Sport massage will help prepare the individual for peak performance, drain away fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and prevent injuries. Sport massage can help prevent those nagging injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.