Massage Techniques

Every massage that I give is a custom massage - that unique blend of massage techniques that are right for your body. I am trained in a variety of massage modalities, and often my clients will request a massage style they particularly enjoy. I am experienced in all of the following massage therapies:

Portland Swedish Massage

Using light to medium pressure, this is a relaxing, smooth massage with gliding strokes and rhythmic kneading. Swedish Massage therapy is ideal for stress relief because it increases the level of oxygen in the blood, improves circulation and flexibility, decreases muscle toxins and feels great!

Portland Hot Stone Massage

Smooth, rounded basalt stones are heated and used to melt knots and deliver penetrating heat to tight, sore muscles. Palm-sized stones are used to massage the back, neck, arms and legs. The thermal energy of heated rocks promotes relaxation and muscle release. I combine hydrotherapy packs with the hot stones for local heat application to your most stressed areas. This massage is especially soothing and great for people who hold chronic body tension.

Portland Pregnancy Massage-Prenatal & Postpartum

Self-care is crucial during all stages of motherhood. Providing skilled, nurturing massage to mothers and mothers-to-be in Portland,Oregon is a rewarding part of my work as a licensed massage therapist. 

 I have been carefully trained in pregnancy massage. Beyond the required training for my massage license I have taken additional coursework and been certified in pregnancy massage and massage for birthing under the guidance of registered nurse Leslie Stager at the Oregon School of Massage. I completed "Birthing From Within" training and am certified to teach birthing education to parents.

 Prenatal massage is designed to keep pregnant women comfortable and safe. After the first trimester, the back massage is done side-lying with your head, legs, belly and arm supported with cushions and pillows. Next you will be helped into a semi-reclining position with your legs elevated. This position allows me to treat the rest of the body (shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, scalp, face), and it allows you to experience great comfort and deep relaxation in the safest way possible. Prenatal massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, hip pain, stiff neck, leg cramps, and headaches. It reduces swelling and alleviates the fatigue of the expectant mother. In addition, pre-natal massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and encourages blood and lymph circulation.

 Your comfort and safety, plus the safety of your child, are my primary concerns.  During your first appointment, a complete health history will be taken.  If you have had any complications, conditions, or high risk factors during this or previous pregnancies, please be sure to discuss them with me and your maternity healthcare provider to ensure that receiving massage is safe for both you and your baby.

Postpartum massage is one of the best gifts you can give to a new mother. Besides a much needed break and a relaxing retreat, post-natal massage is a great way to help new moms as they go through another set of physical changes. Of course, you can bring your baby along!

Portland Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue work is a treatment aimed at releasing muscle spasms, and relieving pain. It is ideal for anyone who suffers from chronic pain or limited mobility due to athletic training, repetitive movements, or overuse. I use slow, even pressure and gradually work into the tightest areas, allowing the muscles to start to release before focusing more intense pressure on the targeted area. This ensures comfort during the deep tissue massage and reduces soreness after your treatment. Let me work out those tensions, knots, and kinks in a targeted area such as your shoulders and neck, back and hips, legs and feet, or arms and hands.

Portland Muscle Melt Massage

A muscle melt massage uses an herbal liniment to complement a combination of Swedish, hot stone and deep tissue massage techniques. The essential oils and herbal extracts in the liniment penetrate to alleviate pain and inflammation, increase circulation, and promote tissue repair. Maximize relief from tension and pain with a muscle melt massage.

Portland Aromatherapy Massage

An aroma therapy massage combines essential oils with a fusion of massage techniques. Request the aromatherapy that is right for you on a given day. A Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage will calm your nervous system, soothe your muscles, and quiet your mind. I'll use lavender essential oils in long, slow gliding strokes that will transport you to a peaceful place. If you are grieving and need to release your sorrow, I'll choose rose essential oil.  An Energizing Aromatherapy Massage will raise your spirits, awaken your senses, and invigorate your circulation. I'll use orange, grapefruit, lemon or eucalyptus essential oils to rejuvenate your body and soul.

Portland Arthritis Massage

Massage may be a good complementary therapy to the arthritis treatment plan you have agreed to with your physician. Massage for arthritis can be beneficial in relieving pain, assisting with flexibility, and helping you relax.

An arthritis massage is different from a conventional therapeutic massage.  Communication is key. I physically and verbally assess the condition of an arthritis patient on a given visit and adjust accordingly. With clients who have advanced arthritis it is critical to start gently and work sensitively with any affected areas. Many of my clients are experiencing the beginnings of osteoarthritis in a single joint such as a knee or hip. I have found that localized heat packs, hot stones and thoughtfully applied massage strokes are very effective tools for minimizing their pain and maintaining mobility.

Arthritis in its differing forms affects millions of people. The Arthritis Foundation reports that 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis, and 1.4 million Americans live with rheumatoid arthritis.  And according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), arthritis is the nation’s most prevalent cause of disability. Although the chance of getting arthritis increases with age, more than 2/3 of arthritis patients are under the age of 65. More women have arthritis than men. 

All people who suffer from arthritis have one thing in common at least: they hurt. So what are some of the ways a massage for arthritis can help? The Arthritis Foundation provides this information about managing pain:

What can help block arthritis pain signals?

• Positive attitude and pleasant thoughts
• Appropriate exercise
• Relaxation
• Medications
• Massage
• Distraction
• Topical pain relievers
• Humor
• Heat and cold treatments

A full-body massage for arthritis is both relaxing and soothing. This results in pain reduction, tension release, increased blood flow, oxygen and nutrient delivery and a general boost in your health and happiness.

Massage therapy for arthritis encourages the body’s natural defense mechanisms to engage. Chemical imbalances can be lessened or reversed. The healing of sore muscles and joints is accelerated. After a full-body arthritis massage, the individual is left feeling invigorated and more capable. Because you feel better, you are once again able to participate more fully in life. 

Portland Foot Reflexology

Your feet are like a mini map of your entire body. Various points on your feet correspond to different organs and areas of the body. By using deep pressure on these points on your feet, I increase circulation to the corresponding areas and restore the natural flow of energy. In the days before shoes, people walked barefoot and the reflexology points were stimulated through their everyday actions. Now, a foot reflexology session can mimic that process, resulting in detoxification. While foot reflexology can be an intense experience, many clients report long-lasting benefits.

Portland Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that a "life force energy" flows through us. While using Reiki, I work energetically, rather than through muscle manipulation. Most people feel deeply relaxed from a Reiki treatment. I was trained by Reiki master Luellen Garrett, and will add Reiki work as a complement to other massage techniques if requested.

Private Therapeutic Yoga Sessions Now Offered

Private therapeutic yoga can give you access to the powerful healing benefits of yoga in a safe and beneficial setting.

Private Therapeutic Yoga & Ayurveda Sessions

We will include an Ayurveda Dosha assessment. This informs us which breathing practices and yoga postures will be most balancing for your body.

Add a massage and we can incorporate a therapeutic Ayurvedic massage oil with herbs blended specifically to help balance your Dosha.