Modalities

Shiatsu

Shiatsu therapy is the Japanese contribution to the holistic healthcare.
“Shiatsu” literally means ‘finger pressure’.
Thumb and palms pressure is applied along the body’s energy lines (meridians) to release blocked energy (Qi) and stimulating it. The session involves gentle stretching and manipulation techniques to help stimulate the movement of energy, loosening of the joints and relaxation of the muscles. The amount and type of pressure depends on the specific needs of the individual.
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing treatment that eases the client into a healing, meditative state throughout the session.
Following a Shiatsu treatment, the individual feels relief from pain, increased flexibility, vitality, a calmer mood, and clearer mind.
Treatments are performed on a padded floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing.
Shiatsu therapy is an important part of a preventative or rehabilitative health care program.


Thai Massage

Thai Massage uses two primary techniques: gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements. The body’s energy and the internal organs are stimulated by pressure on peripheral reflex points. The receiver is gently ushered into various positions of yoga during the course of the massage. Thai massage is typically performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing. It’s applied in a quietly meditative atmosphere. Thai massage creates space in the muscoskeletal structure, allowing the body to begin to open and regain flexibility as well as ease of movement, while the mind gently returns to calm alertness. Tension and toxic material is released from the joints.
Thai massage is typically performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing.

Swedish Massage

Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin. It works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. Massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

Sports Massage

The main purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension that builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion or overuse, this modality can break them down quickly and effectively. The sports massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance, drain away fatigue, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and even prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.



Reiki Treatments

Reiki is a spiritual healing method that was developed during the mid-19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese physician and monk.  The Japanese word  “Reiki” means ‘Universal Energy’.
The session is usually carried out with the client fully clothed, lying down or sitting, in a comfortable and peaceful environment. The practitioner places her hands gently, in a series of positions, on or slightly over the body. The client's system automatically draws in only as much Reiki as is needed; using it in whatever way is most appropriate at the time. Reiki may be felt as a flow of energy, mild tingling, warmth, coolness, other sensations, or nothing at all. It is deeply relaxing, eases stress and reduces negative energies. Reiki helps harmonize our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

Chair Massage

Anyone who has ever sat behind a desk all day will recognize the symptoms of workplace fatigue such as a stiff neck and aching shoulders or wrists. Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a workstation that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chair massage counters the circulatory problems and can provide an appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, returning energy levels and help keep the body injury free. This will make a healthier and happier worker that contributes better work results.

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Yael Acrich, CMT 408.836.6078 Yael@Hands2Heal.com All rights reserved, 2007