What is a Swedish Massage?

The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia.

Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water after a deep-tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body.

What is Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT)?

SMRT is a technique that, when used with Deep Tissue Massage, helps open up the tissues in the body so that deeper muscle fibers can be massage. SMRT allows deeper adhesions, scar tissue and injuries to be worked on with little to no discomfort. During a massage session that SMRT is being used, the muscle being addressed will be passively contracted and held. This passive contraction allows the muscle to relax and open up so the following massage strokes can go deeper into the body.

SMRT stimulates lymph flow, increases blood flow, and releases trigger points with out pain. SMRT is such a gentle and powerful therapy that it can be used during the acute or initial phases of an injury. Using SMRT right away after an injury is sustained helps prevent the body from splinting the area and cutting off vital blood and lymph flow, thus speeding healing.

What is Energy Medicine?

Energy Medicine is a term that is used to cover many healing modalities. Michael practices a combination of Reiki and earth energy healing. During an energy session Universal Life Force energy and Earth Energy are brought into the clients body through Michaels hands. This is an experience that allows for healing of physical, emotional and energetic issues on a deeper level.

Energy Medicine is useful when you are facing issues that are difficult for you to overcome by yourself. During an energy session deep truths and core knowledge can be revealed and old physical and emotional injuries and trauma can be healed in the body. This type of work allows for space to be created in the body and heart for healing to continue long after the sessions is over.