Swedish
Swedish massage uses light to medium pressure with a moderate to brisk tempo, designed to increase circulation and stimulate the venous return of blood and lymph to the heart.
The basic techniques focus on relaxation with a continuous and rhythmic flow, including:
Effleurage (sliding or gliding)
Petrissage (kneading)
Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
Vibration (shaking)
Friction
The basic techniques focus on relaxation with a continuous and rhythmic flow, including:
Effleurage (sliding or gliding)
Petrissage (kneading)
Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
Vibration (shaking)
Friction
Effleurage
Swedish technique of sliding or gliding
Petrissage
Swedish technique of kneading
Deep tissue
Deep Tissue is Swedish massage with slower, heavier pressure that is adjusted for the receiver. As the tissues warm up, the muscles relax and become looser. Deep pressure is not applied immediately because the muscles will contract. The level of force applied depends on preference of the client and pliability of their tissues.
Experiencing pain from the massage should be communicated immediately to the therapist and is not more effective. However, the loosening of tight muscles can feel uncomfortable, cause soreness in the following 1-2 days, which usually results in feeling less pain or discomfort.
Deep pressure "hurts good" to most, but is not for everyone. Also some areas may take or need more pressure than others, according to the preference of the client.
Experiencing pain from the massage should be communicated immediately to the therapist and is not more effective. However, the loosening of tight muscles can feel uncomfortable, cause soreness in the following 1-2 days, which usually results in feeling less pain or discomfort.
Deep pressure "hurts good" to most, but is not for everyone. Also some areas may take or need more pressure than others, according to the preference of the client.
Customized routine
Sections of the routine can be re-ordered for the goals of the session and preferences of the client.
Gloria is dedicated to performing techniques in a symmetrical fashion to each side of the body, as well as frequently switching sides.
Gloria is dedicated to performing techniques in a symmetrical fashion to each side of the body, as well as frequently switching sides.
Treatment work
Areas of focus are prioritized and the timing of the routine is adjusted.
Scraping and other massage tools, as well as a vibrating massage gun, may be used in treatment work depending on the needs and preferences of the client.
Scraping and other massage tools, as well as a vibrating massage gun, may be used in treatment work depending on the needs and preferences of the client.
Stretching
Stretching is commonly performed during a massage to loosen joints and limbs after working the tissues.
Hot towels
Hydrotherapy, icing, and heat, such as the use of hot towels, are part of the tradition of Swedish massage.
Hot stone
With the application of oil, heated stones are glided with continuous movement. The warmth permeates tissues which helps muscles to relax. Stones can also be used as massage tools, however deep pressure is not the main objective.
Please request if you would like hot stones during your session.
Always inform your therapist immediately if a stone is too hot.
(Contraindicated for certain medical conditions and not ideal for heat sensitivity.)
Please request if you would like hot stones during your session.
Always inform your therapist immediately if a stone is too hot.
(Contraindicated for certain medical conditions and not ideal for heat sensitivity.)
Massage cupping
Cupping is the use of suction, a negative application of force, creating traction to soft tissues. Cupping loosens tight muscles and adhesions, lifts and separates tissues, opens lymphatic pathways that drain stagnant fluids and toxins, reduces inflammation, and helps increase range of motion promoting healthier, soft tissue.
Cupping may sedate or stimulate the nervous system. Cupping may feel unusual and/or intense and can create a profound state of relaxation.
Massage cupping, is the use of silicon cups that create suction by squeezing then applying to the tissues. In addition to suction, sliding or moving around the massage cups stimulates the superficial layers of tissue.
Cupping may sedate or stimulate the nervous system. Cupping may feel unusual and/or intense and can create a profound state of relaxation.
Massage cupping, is the use of silicon cups that create suction by squeezing then applying to the tissues. In addition to suction, sliding or moving around the massage cups stimulates the superficial layers of tissue.
Stationary cupping
Stationary cups are plastic and do not slide. The suction is created by using a tool to draw out air, thus pulling the tissues into the cup. Stationary cups are generally placed for a period of time such as 3-15 minutes and create cup kisses.
Cup kisses are circular discolorations due to toxins, stagnant blood, and broken capillaries brought to the surface. Cup kisses are not bruises and will clear in about 3-7 days.
Please request if you would like massage or stationary cupping during your session.
Cup kisses are circular discolorations due to toxins, stagnant blood, and broken capillaries brought to the surface. Cup kisses are not bruises and will clear in about 3-7 days.
Please request if you would like massage or stationary cupping during your session.
Neck, scalp, & face
Massaging the sub-occiputal muscles, levator scapula, cervical erectors, and scalenes relieves neck tension and pain.
Face and scalp massage can be extremely relaxing for some clients, especially because of acupressure points on the face and occiput.
Face and scalp massage can be extremely relaxing for some clients, especially because of acupressure points on the face and occiput.
Reflexology
With thumbs and fingers, the therapist applies on-and-off pressure tracing the feet. There is no use of product so friction enables the therapist to use greater pressure.
Reflexology in theory interrupts pain signals to the brain and is based on a system of zones that reflect a map of the body on the feet, hands, and ears. Pressure on these zones reflexively affects a physical change in the corresponding area, organ, or system of the body.
Please request foot and/or hand reflexology before your session, for 10 minutes on the feet, and/or 5 minutes on the hands at the beginning of your massage.
Reflexology in theory interrupts pain signals to the brain and is based on a system of zones that reflect a map of the body on the feet, hands, and ears. Pressure on these zones reflexively affects a physical change in the corresponding area, organ, or system of the body.
Please request foot and/or hand reflexology before your session, for 10 minutes on the feet, and/or 5 minutes on the hands at the beginning of your massage.
Pregnancy cushion
Earthlite’s pregnancy cushion enables prenatal massage in prone. When turning over, the client gets on all fours, the therapist removes the pregnancy cushion underneath her, the client turns over, and the therapist elevates the table for her comfort and safety in supine.
Prenatal massage
Laying prone in the pregnancy cushion, shown here without draping.