My approach to the therapeutic massage session involves a holistic integration of modalities drawn from swedish massage, deep tissue, shiatsu acupressure and stretching, and reflexology, while also incorporating therapeutic-grade organic essential oils that contain the highest quality for the body, mind, and senses. Each session is tailored to your specific needs. Below is an expanded description of such modalities. Swedish Massage known as the foundation of western massage, incorporates long fluid, gliding strokes and muscle kneading using massage lotion. Its goal is to increase blood and lymph circulation throughout the body, to facilitate the release and movement of toxins out of the body, while activating the parasympathetic nervous system-encouraging relaxation and stress reduction, and prepares the body for deep tissue work. Deep Tissue Massage as it relates to western massage, incorporates specific, direct finger/elbow pressure and slow strokes to contracted, tight areas or what we commonly know as "knots" along and across bands of muscles, tendons, and fascia. Its goal is to loosen muscle fibers from its holding pattern while breaking up and eliminating scar tissue, thus, releasing toxins and encouraging better blood and oxygen flow into the area. During this time, I encourage feedback to my depth of pressure used, as I believe, to work beyond one's pain threshold is counterproductive to the session. Working beyond the pain threshold may trigger the muscles to seize and tighten further inhibiting the purpose of the work. As deep tissue work aims to access the deeper muscle fibers, it may create soreness in the area in the following couple of days. This response is normal and part of the process of releasing toxins and increased blood and oxygen flow to the area. It is therefore IMPORTANT to drink plenty of water to continuously encourage toxins to flush out of the body while applying ice to the area encourages the reduction of soreness and inflammation. Shiatsu (5 Element Style) is a form of eastern-oriented bodywork, performed usually on a padded floor with the client fully clothed in loose comfortable clothing. The techniques involve stretching various parts of the body, palming, and thumbing along the meridian pathways and acupressure points in the body. Shiatsu aims to encourage the release of stagnated qi or bring release to congested areas within the body and encouraging it back into a state of balance, improving blood circulation and lymphatic flow; boosting the immune system, and increasing range of motion within the joints. Peri-natal Massage is tailored to a woman's need and comfort as her body wonderfully blossoms through the various stages of pregnancy. At the start of the session, various pillows and bolsters are provided to ensure maximum support and comfort in her position. Cream/oil is used during the session while she is positioned unclothed between the sheets properly draped for her privacy and comfort. Massage during pregnancy is a great tool to aid in the release of stress held in body and mind as it encourages increased blood and lymph circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It is extremely beneficial to help relieve edema and pain in the legs, alleviate low back, as well as head, neck, shoulder, upper back soreness-some of the most common patterns and symptoms during a pregnancy.