Massage Therapy
Massage are only available with Bio-Energetic Treatments except for Ashiatsu.
Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy can help with pain management, flexibility, and relaxation. Plus, it just feels good to get a massage!
Therapeutic massage targets painful areas, relieves tension, increases circulation, and reduces recovery time. It is also a great way to fit some self-care into your life, even if you are not currently experiencing pain. Making time for relaxation and reducing stress is important for physical and mental health.
Like exercise (or eating chocolate!), massage promotes the release of endorphins, your very own painkilling and stress-reducing chemicals. Massage produces a sense of calm and relaxation and can reduce the levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Services Provided
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stones are actually to massage the body. The weight and warmth of the stones cut through muscle tension and pain.
Cupping
Cupping uses special cups placed on the skin to create suction. The negative pressure from the cups causes suctioning, causes an increase in blood flow, and a corresponding decrease in pain and inflammation. Cupping can cause non-painful bruising.
Myofascial Release Massage
Myofascial pain is caused by the fascia around the muscle becoming tense, stretched, and knotted. It often results in trigger points or particular painful points in the body. Myofascial release is a modality that uses stretching of the myofascial, skin rolling, and IASTM tools. The fascia responds well to hot stones and FSM.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Tools (IASTM)
These are massage tools made out of stainless steel used for myofascial release, breaking down abnormal densities in tissue, stimulating the nervous system, and jump-starting the healing process. Ideal for scar tissue, fascia tension, muscle shortening, and trigger points.
Ashiatsu Massage
“Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure in the Japanese language. Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. Ashiatsu therapists can provide an effective therapeutic massage that is deep and relaxing. This type of massage is done on the floor on a mat, and the massage therapist uses one foot at a time to massage the client. The massage therapist uses bars overhead to help with balance.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage targets the inner muscles and connective tissue by applying sustained pressure and using deep strokes. Check out Ashiatsu massage, hot stone massage, and IASTM tools for those interested in deep pressure. It can be effective in treating sports injuries and chronic pain.
Swedish Massage and Stretching
Swedish massage is a gentler style and promotes relaxation, circulation, and recovery. Swedish stretching improves your performance in physical activities and decreases your risk of injuries. It can help your joints move through their full range of motion and enable your muscles to work most effectively.
Energy Work
Energy work is just as much about mental and emotional healing as physical healing. At ALA, I apply a bit of polarity, traditional Chinese, and Core Synchronicity.
My Philosophy
My massage philosophy is to focus on finding the right amount of pressure for each client. The pressure should be enough to release muscle tension but not too much that it causes stress. Everyone is different, and I focus on finding a rhythm and a modality that resonates with my client.
Massage is not only a physical practice but is similar to meditation in that it provides a time and space for being present and being at home in your body. I foster this by creating an inviting and accepting atmosphere where my clients can feel relaxed. I emphasize open lines of communication and feedback. Communication increases the effectiveness of our work together so that we can target your specific concerns.