About Massage Therapy

Massage is the practice of applying pressure
or vibration to the soft tissues of the body,
including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy,
massage can be applied to parts of the body
or successively to the whole body, to heal
injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.
Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed
"therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy include:

• Relaxes muscles and reduces stress
• Helps the immune system
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Increases range of motion
• Increases energy
• Brings oxygen and nutrients to all tissues
• Eliminates toxins by stimulating lymphatic drainage

Massage is more than a just a career, it's an art form. What's the difference? Well, think of a painter. An art school will only shape and improve an artist's natural talent.

For your interest, we have listed here the major
types of massage available and common variations.

We don't practice all the types listed here!

This is just for your information. We specialize
in techniques such as: Swedish, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Deep Tissue, Sports/Injury Massage, Trigger point,
Pre-Natal, Infant, Chair Massage, Geriatric, And Lymphatic. We also cater to special pampering needs
as well by doing Ear Candling, Paraffin Wax
Treatments (for hands/feet), Facials, Body Scrubs, and Hot Stones. We certified in over 13 massage techniques with over 1000 hours of coursework in numerous massage modalities. Currently we are looking to be nationally licensed by Winter 2009

Types of Massage

There are five basic types of massage.

Ayurvedic: Gentle surface massage aimed at
calming the nerves and stimulating blood flow.

Reflexology: Stimulation of points on the hands
and feet that are thought to correspond to other
areas of the body.

Shiatsu: A pattern of finger-thumb-palm
movements along acupressure points.

Swedish: A system of long stokes, kneading and friction on the surface layer of muscles. Also
involves movement on the joints. This is the most common form of massage and is sometimes
referred to by the uninitiated as "regular massage".

Thai: Assisted stretches combining acupressure and yoga positions to focus on specific points on the body.

Within the types of massage there are different methods of approach. For e.g.:

Deep Tissue: Slow strokes and heavy finger pressure applied to areas of chronic tension.

Effleurage: A two-handed Swedish-massage technique using a smooth, gliding stroke to relax soft tissue.

Pétrissage: Squeezing, rolling and kneading. A Swedish method that usually follows effleurage.

Reiki: A 'natural healing' technique in which practitioners simply place their hands on the body at various points to speed recovery from illness or njury.

Rolfing: Focuses on realigning the body along its vertical plane with pressure varying from surface area to deep tissue.

Our massages combines both petrissage and Effleurage for the most part and with regards to our Sports massage it will involve deep tissue with a Rolfing technique.

Extra Add-Ons For a little more, there are specialties that some masseurs offer to add to the massage experience. We are available to provide
Reflexology, 4 to 6 hand, Lymphatic Drainage
and Hot Stone Therapy and

Four - Six Handed: Two to three massage therapists working on one individual at the same
time.

Hydrotherapy: An intense massage performed while the body is suspended in water to lessen the pain and discomfort of deep pressure in releasing tight knots.

Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle pumping and light raking to drain pockets of water retention and release toxins trapped in lymph nodes.

Rosen Method: Tender touch coupled with verbal communication to help release suppressed emotions as well as muscle tension.

Hot Stone Therapy: The application of smooth, heated rocks. The heat has the effect of relaxing the muscles making it easier to remove knots.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage Therapy is a special form of massage therapy and is typically utilized before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose
of a sports massage isto prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to reduce swelling, to relieve muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. The significant purpose of a sports massage is to help reduce stress and tension which builds up in the body's soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, sports massage can break them down quickly and effectively.

Sports massage therapy can help prevent those niggling injuries
that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of sports massage techniques are used. The sports massage often involves a blend of traditional Swedish Massage and Shiatsu massage specifically designed to treat professional sport athletes. Each type of sport has different demands on the therapies.

Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic
endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and
reduce recovery time.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue massage differs from Swedish massage therapy in that deep tissue massage therapy involves a deeper touch, isolating specific muscles in order to lengthen and separate muscle groups from Surrounding tissue that keep the muscles operating efficiently. Deep tissue massage therapy helps the body to move more freely, thereby reducing the chance of injury.

Scar tissue from injuries and restriction in the tissue caused by poor posture or repeated movement patterns can be successfully broken up by a deep tissue massage. This helps the body to maintain its natural equilibrium and balance in day-to-day activities.

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger Points are localized cramps that develop within a muscle, causing a loss in range of motion, soreness, and radiated pain to other parts of the body. These radiated pains can be the source of headaches and back pain, which are the most common complaints. This is the most common reason for people to want a deep tissue massage. These cramps, or knots, in effect shorten the muscle the way tying a knot in a rope will shorten the rope. The muscles can't reach or stretch as far as they normally could, so when affected muscle is used, it can be painful or even cause the muscle tissue to tear. Direct pressure to these cramps by receiving a deep tissue massage, helps to release the contraction, bringing normal blood flow to thearea. This form of massage is also recommended for detoxification and helps to drain the lymphatic system and fascia from lactic acid poisons.

Our Massage Session

Our massage experience is for the mind, body, and soul. We focus to ensure a deep therapeutic feel and successful experience. We pay close attention to our clients needs within each session.

We detect and respond to a client's sign of relaxation: heavy breathing, enhanced circulation, a sigh, or perhaps body movement. Each session is unique, tailored by personal requests, comfort level, and the sense of intuition. We have strong hands to sculpt the form of our client's body as well as to pin point physical tension and stress in all areas. Our
touch is vital, soothing, warm and very satisfying.
The massage can consist of light touching therapy
and non-painful deep tissue as well as other professional techniques.

It is the same with massage. The touch on the body is a talent that can be perfected with massage school, but if you don't have that inherited skill, massage school will create only a mechanical touch that may know the muscles and how to manipulate them but just doesn't create an enjoyable experience.

Our massage session is always in a nice quiet discreet atmosphere. The setting of the session is very comfortable and relaxing. We provide light soothing music to your liking, aroma-therapeutic candles and spray, and a massage table or bed for your desire. We also use Tantric massage oil, Shea Body Butter Creams and various other forms of massage oils to provide that extra soothing feel or strong non-slip grip for the skin.

After the session, you have an option to use our shower facility which we provide clean cotton washcloth and towel. And to top it off, we offer a cold spring water to finalize the whole massage session.

We are looking forward to providing you our YUKAN Massage experience.