Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is designed to reach all of the layers of connective and muscle fibers. Deep tissue massage begins with a moderate touch to warm and melt away the tissue allowing the therapist to reach through the first layers, accessing deep held patterns of tension. Although it is often thought of as being abrasive, deep tissue massage is never supposed to hurt. The goal is to melt into the tissue, allowing blood to flush new life, oxygen and nutrients to areas that have been blocked by chronic patterns of held tension.
Cupping Therapy
Unlike traditional massage that compresses tissue, cupping gently lifts and decompresses areas of stagnation. This allows fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrients to flow into the area, releasing fascial restrictions and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Side note: cupping is an ancient 2,000+ yr old TCM tradition. A TCM practitioner will be thinking more about energy channels as well as blood flow. Where as a body worker is thinking more about anatomy and facial restrictions.
Circulatory/Swedish
Swedish Circulatory massage’s primary focus is on repeated flowing strokes that stimulate circulation and relaxation. Repeated predictable strokes help to calm the nervous system and bring it into the healing para-sympathetic state (rest and digest) This state of relaxation allows the muscles and connective tissue to release tension, and promote deeper work if needed.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is connective tissue. It surrounds everything in the body, running through it like a three-dimensional web (think of the pith on an orange). It is made up of elastin fibers, collagen fibers, and a gelatinous fluid. Fascia can become constricted, tense and dehydrated, which leads to adhesions, pain, and dysfunction. Myofascial release is performed with little to no oils or creams. By going slowly and waiting for the body’s natural rhythm, the fascia responds by elongating, rehydrating, and reorganizing. MFR opens space for fluid and energy movement, facilitating greater circulation, hydration, communication and healing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle, rhythmic, hands-on therapy designed to stimulate the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Using light, precise strokes and specific sequences, MLD encourages the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid, cellular waste, toxins, and inflammatory by-products from the tissues.
This deeply calming technique supports the body’s immune function, reduces swelling and inflammation, and promotes detoxification at a cellular level. MLD is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing lymphedema, post-surgical swelling, chronic inflammation, sinus congestion, digestive sluggishness, fatigue, and stress-related tension.
Unlike traditional massage, MLD works just beneath the skin and does not involve deep pressure. Clients often report feeling lighter, clearer, and profoundly relaxed after a session.
MLD can support:
Reduction of swelling and water retention
Post-surgical and post-injury recovery
Immune system support
Relief from sinus congestion and headaches
Improved digestion and detoxification
Nervous system relaxation and stress relief
I was trained in the Vodder method by Klose Training
Philosophy
I’m often asked “what type of massage do you do?”. There is not a title for my style or quick answer to this question. I can say that I try targeting specific therapeutic issues in a deep, effective manner, realizing that the most impactful work occurs when we feel safe and calm and the parasympathetic nervous system is fully activated. So while I always maintain clear therapeutic goals, I strive to achieve them through work that is slow, predictable, rhythmic, and deep.