Essential Health
Massage Therapy
At Essential Health Massage Therapy we strive to meet the treatment needs of the widest variety of clients. To that end, our therapists are able to offer our clients a number of specialized treatment types and theraputic modalities. See below for a description of what we offer at our clinic.
Please note that not every therapist has trained and certified on each of the specialized treatment techniques; when booking your appointment with our online booking tool, your first selection will be the type of treatment you are seeking - only the therapists that practice that technique will be displayed for you to book a treatment with.
SPECIALIZED MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone massage combines Swedish massage techniques with the application of heated stones to different areas of the body. Hot stone massage combines the benefits of heat with traditional massage techniques. Heated stones can be used with light, moderate or deep pressure. Stones are used in two ways during this massage therapy treatment; first, the body is heated by placing the stones on specific areas of the body; second, the therapist simultaneously massages the client with oiled, heated stones, using firm strokes along the body. The deep penetrating heat relaxes the muscle tissue, increasing blood flow to the area being treated, and decreases stress and anxiety.
Please note that there are some conditions when Hot Stone Massage is not a safe technique to perform. These include, but are not necessarily limited to: Pregnancy, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Kidney Disease, Open Lesions, Diabetes, Varicose Veins.
ART: Active Release Technique
ART is a soft tissue/movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nervesthat become injured due to overuse and repetitive strain. The therapist combines assessment and treatment in this technique. The ART provider evaluates texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precise tension with specific patient movement.
Pre/Postnatal Massage
Pregnancy creates significant changes in a woman’s body that are physiological, structural, and emotional. Massage is very beneficial for both mother and baby, with treatments for moms-to-be easily modified to accommodate changes during each stage of pregnancy and after baby has arrived. We have pregnancy pillows for comfort while on the massage table.
Please note that if you have any health concerns related to your pregnancy, this massage therapy should be performed only after a doctor has given medical approval.
Myofascial Release
A gentle, hands on technique that works with the connective tissues of the body to promote healing and ease restricted movement. This therapy takes advantage of the body’s innate healing wisdom and utilizes the fascia’s pliable nature in order to achieve increased range of motion along with decreased incidence of pain and discomfort.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands. It is based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body which corresponds to and are relative to all parts, glands and organs of the entire body.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is one of the oldest methods of releasing the toxins from body tissue and organs. It is also known as vacuum cupping, hijama cupping, horn treatment etc. It is a practice in which the therapist puts special cups on the skin to create suction. This causes the tissue beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell causing increase in blood flow to affected area. Enhanced blood flow under the cups reportedly draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination.