Massage can be soft, medium, or firm in pressure. Massage can be given with hands, sides of arms, elbows and fingertips. Depending on the style of massage therapy, the client is fully clothed or disrobed but fully covered by a sheet and or blankets. The therapists uncover the area to be worked on and use draping methods to insure privacy. 

Techniques of movements, including Effleurage, Petrasage, Friction and Percussion, are used in combination in Massage Therapy to relax the muscles of the body. Effleurage is defined as the long strokes of massage, especially over the longer muscles of the body such as the legs, arms, or back. It serves to slightly stretch the muscle while moving the lymphatic fluid and blood in the veins towards the heart. This movement also serves to spread oil or lotion over the skin to control friction. When combined with aromatic essences, essential oils, and rich nut or cactus oils, the effleurage movement bathes the body with touch, aroma, and flow of energy all at the same time. 

Petrasage is the cross-fiber working motion of the fingers perpendicular to the length of the muscles of the body. When the muscles are tight and holding in a protective mode, the physical movement of cross-fiber releases the hold and heats the area worked on. The two techniques move trapped lactic acid away from the cells of the muscle, flush blood back through to the heart, move the lymphatic system, and re-oxygenate the cells of the body through increased blood circulation. When muscles are tight, blood and oxygen cannot flow as easily. For example, tight neck muscles can reduce the amount of oxygen to the brain and result in headaches or dizziness. 

Tight muscles in the arms can limit oxygen and nutrient flow to the extremities which can lead to inflammation, pressure on nerve centers and build up of acids. Massage Therapy is a simple, natural, and useful for helping to increase blood circulation and to relax the tight muscles of the body. We have found massage to help clients find relief from pain.   Aside from the muscular relief, a sense of well-being, relaxation, emotional soothing, improving ability to sleep and anxiety relief, massage feels good too!

If you work out with weights, work long hours, lift or hold positions for long lengths of time, deep tissue may be your match. Deep Tissue Massage can be combined with Stretching, Friction, and Percussion. This form of massage is usually slower, involves deeper pressure, and concentrates on manually stretching longer muscles while breaking up tension knots. Athletes of work or play will benefit from deep tissue massage. 

If you work on the computer for long periods of time, the holding pattern that creeps up the arms and into the upper shoulders and neck can benefit by this work. A combination of pressure points, shaking, karate chops, friction and long pressure holds convert tight, tough muscles masses into flexible, circulating parts of a healthy body.   

Deep Tissue can break down scar tissue and improve circulation after an accident or injury. The level of pressure varies from person to person but the results can be amazing. If the injury site is knotted or the stress constant and profound, regular treatments can be very therapeutic.

Looking for a little escape? Feel the elements of peppermint scented salt scrub for the feet, hot steamy towels for feet and back, a creamy natural mud mask for the back, and a relaxing massage coaxing the body to let go into the bliss. The treatment has going to the day spa and this is my retreat written all over. It’s a great next step from our regular relaxing massage, and is a favorite gift for loved ones.  

The elements of heat, salt, aromatherapy, and warmed oils are combined with a mini reflexology and lotion treatment for the feet. Afterwards we recommend a refreshing luncheon in one of Petaluma’s historic downtown or purchase some yummy bubble bath from our retail shop and bubble up at home for a while.

Melt away with a warm stone therapy treatment. Heat penetrates deeply and evenly into the muscle. Lava stones are perfect for emiting heat slowly. Hot Stone Massage Therapy is the incorporation of smooth lava stones into a body massage. Stones are heated and kept warm with heated water, steam or electric heat. They can be placed on the body directly as heat packs, placed in the hands of the therapist and moved with effleurage movements over the skin to heat the skin, or placed/wrapped into the feet or hands for heat therapy. 

Heat treatments are great for clients with arthritis, sore muscles, and circulation issues. The stones are tested with a thermometer for temperatures, and on the inside of the wrist for comfort level.   Since everyone has different levels of sensibility to heat, it is important to communicate about heat levels during the massage.   I like to place stones on the back, under the hands, and upper shoulders before the massage starts to start the warming effect. The soft stones glide seamlessly over the body and are intermingled with a relaxing massage. This treatment is good for ticklish clients. The heat seems to relax sensitive nerve endings and allow for a deeper relaxation.   Have you ever stretched out on the river rocks at the Russian River in the summer after a quick dip? Try it sometime for a full warming nature effect.

Most people feel that a foot massage is delightful. Reflexology takes a normal foot massage to the next level. Reflexology is the working of the reflex centers of the feet, hands, and/or ears. The glandular system is activated by the pressure of reflex points which in turn stimulates oxygen flow to the body and muscles of the body. After a treatment, clients have a sensation of lightness and relief from pain. Some people feel a gurgle in their stomach or a general sense of well-being. 

Reflex points on the left foot correspond to the reflex points of the left side of the body.   Hands and ears have a complete set of reflex points. If you are stressed, try pressing on your ears…..it takes some practice but the effect is amazing. Our hands and feet do so much for us. Give them a treat of reflexology and reward them for all the pressure they take for us.