Our graduates are trained in a variety of relaxation and therapeutic techniques. Each graduate has areas of special strength and highly developed intuitive skills. A typical session may blend several techniques to achieve the optimal experience and results for each client. Practitioners honor requests regarding depth of pressure, positional comfort, or continuation of a technique. You are also welcome to request a particular technique if you like. Below are descriptions of the techniques we offer:

Swedish Massage is the best-known form of massage. It uses primarily gliding and kneading strokes with the help of oil or lotion to relieve muscle soreness and promote relaxation.

Deep-tissue Massage goes in deeper and can be helpful for people in high-stress or physically demanding jobs, or for people who work out.

Side-lying Massage takes advantage of the unique leverage afforded by a side-lying position. It improves access to several muscles, particularly around the shoulders. Side-lying massage is great for people who spend a lot of time in front of computers or in other activities with similar effects on their shoulders.

Sports Massage is more active work, particularly suitable for athletes. It may include passive stretch and tense-relax methods. Sports massage can be done through non-restrictive clothing; many techniques can also be incorporated into a Swedish or deep-tissue massage.

Trigger Point Release is deeper work focused on locating and dissolving “trigger points”—acutely sensitive points within taut muscle bands that sometimes create referred pain. Trigger point release uses oil or lotion and is easily integrated with Swedish or deep-tissue massage.

Acupressure* is gentle, sustained pressure on acupoints to stimulate the natural healing powers of the body. Derived from Eastern healing methods, acupressure can be done through light clothing and is safe when other forms of massage are contraindicated.

Reiki is a form of energy work, Japanese in origin, that supports and strengthens your natural ability to heal in body and spirit. The practitioner places hands in various positions on or slightly above your body. Reiki can be done through clothing or a sheet/blanket. You may feel warmth, relaxation, or more specific sensations such as pressure or tingling. Reiki may be used in conjunction with other methods and is safe when other forms of massage are contraindicated.

Myofascial Release* treats the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds muscles, bones and organs in one continuous sheet from head to toe. Tissues that are being held tight or have become entangled are stretched very slowly and gently until they return to their original freedom. The release from tension and restriction can often be felt far from the point of contact and affects the psyche as well as the body.

Craniosacral Therapy* is subtle, gentle work addressing the tissues and fluid that encase the brain and spinal cord. This type of treatment enables your body to readjust the pulse of the craniosacral fluid, with the potential for creating relaxation and relieving pain. Similar to myofascial release, craniosacral therapy uses very gentle hand pressure and stretching without oil or lotion. It can be done through light clothing.

*Our curriculum includes substantial introductions to these techniques—enough to impart genuinely useful skills. However, full certification in techniques marked with a * is not part of our program.