Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor and is considered to be the first organized and systematic method of modern massage therapy of a therapeutic nature in the western world. The specific strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having definite therapeutic benefits. The goal of Swedish massage is to flush toxins from in and around our cells, speed the venous return of those toxins along with de-oxygenated blood back to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys to be replenished with fresh oxygen and other nutrients from the small intestines.

Swedish massage includes long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

By incorporating some stretching manuevers into your massage session this will help to limber you up after a massage helping you to feel more loose and mobile. Certain stretching techniques used by your therapist will not only feel great, but they will allow your muscle fibers to return to their normal position and increase their function.

Stretching exercises are important because they help to maintain flexibility, something that declines as people age and become less active. Always keep in mind that flexibility is an aspect of physical fitness that is hereditary and primarily due to gender, age and amount of regular physical activity. Increasing and maintaining flexibility can be easily achieved through consistent stretching. People who are faithful about stretching will reap the benefits of increased athletic performance and are more likely to remain active in their later years.

Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around a nerve receptor. Often times they feel like nodules or taut bands of fibers within the soft tissues. Trigger points form in muscles which have been overused or injured due to an accident or surgery. Common characteristics are increased muscle tension and muscle shortening. Increased muscle tension is the primary side-effect of trigger points and pain is the most common secondary effect. Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, ear ache, equilibrium disturbance, or blurred vision.

Trigger points can exist in two states, either active or latent. Active trigger points are those which cause discomfort. Latent trigger points wait silently in the muscle for a future stress to activate them. Aches and pains which began in the past become more frequent and severe in intensity as we age. It is common to attribute this discomfort to arthritis instead of our tight muscles which harbor trigger points.

This amazing new unique healing modality called Hot Stone Relaxation Therapy, uses hot black basalt stones combining with Universal Energy. You will absolutely love this beautiful technique that will send you to "heaven and back".... Black basalt stones glide over the body with the help of essential oils; the warmth from the stones relaxes and soothes all the muscles and gently melts away the knots and stresses from your body.

The heat has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The stone weight, warmth and rhythmic flow leaves you feeling nurtured, and with a deep calming sensation similar to meditation. For some people, stone therapy can bring deep tissue release and alignment in body, mind and spirit. For others, it means gently allowing the heat of the stones to soften tension and melt worries away.

When your scalp is massaged, the rest of you relaxes, too. That spillover effect may explain why the scalp massage is gaining popularity as a therapeutic massage technique. "A good scalp massage can help you relax, calm anxiety, make headaches go away, and even give you more energy," while being used to open up the energy meridians and release muscle and nervous tension. As a vital part of your overall massage, the uniquely designed facial massage which combines facial pressure points, rhythmic contouring strokes, and specific sculpting moves will relax, uplift, and tone your facial muscles.

With over 60 muscles contained on the FACE alone, the feeling is beyond description as each muscle lets go of the daily stress patterns. A feeling of aliveness and freshness takes over your face as you enjoy your massage.

By stimulating Acupressure points on the face to open the energy medians, deeper muscle tension is released. Also sinus pressure points are activated to open a fresh and new aliveness for clearer breathing.