Massage Therapy + Ayurveda Palo Alto
There are many different forms of massage. For relaxation massage, I do a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu. Swedish massage, the most common form of massage in the U.S., includes long, smooth strokes, which focus on superficial layers of muscle. Shiatsu, or finger pressure, is the traditional Japanese massage method that applies finger and thumb pressure on the body’s acupuncture points, which are the body’s meridians or energy channels. This combination has the effect of relaxing the superficial muscles while also releasing tension in the deeper muscle layers, thus increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The overall result is a relaxing, therapeutic massage.
After personally experiencing the physical and emotional discomfort of scoliosis (curvature of the spine), when I began my massage practice I decided to specialize in back and neck problems. Over the years this work expanded into therapeutic bodywork, that is specifically designed to alleviate many types of chronic conditions. Today, a large percentage of my clients welcome my work because I specialize in, not only Swedish and shiatsu, but also trigger point therapy and marma points.
Many conditions do not respond to regular massage, because the discomfort does not always originate where the pain is felt. Trigger points are specific points on the body which are held to release referred pain, that is felt in one area of the body but generated in another. Referred pain often occurs in or near a joint, where the pain is likely to make you modify your activities or the conditions that created the problem. Incorporating trigger points in a massage session allows the client to receive both the relaxing effects to the Swedish technique with the pain relief of the Trigger Point therapy.
Marma points, part of the Ayurvedic system of healing, are similar to acupuncture points and are connected via an invisible energy network known as Nadis. There are 107 Marma points all over the body and each point relates to a specific organ and function of the body. Under normal circumstances, energy flows uninterrupted through the Nadis while passing through the Marma points. Due to external influences like stress, tension, injury, lack of rest, etc., energy gets blocked at these points, which manifests itself on both physical and emotional levels. Frequently, even with issues as simple as muscle tension, if the energy is blocked, bodywork alone is unlikely to completely resolve the issue. An important part of Ayurvedic healing principles includes balancing the heating and cooling qualities within the body. When working with the marma points I incorporate these principles of balance for both the mind and body through these energy channels.
I have been privileged to work with a number of clients through their pregnancies. As the gestation period increases, women are unable to lie comfortably on their backs; but, when pillows are used as an adjunct, the support of bodywork remains available until the time of birth, helping to alleviate the uncomfortable changes that take place in the body.
For conditions diagnosed by a doctor, I have referral forms that can be downloaded and faxed to your physician. Many corporations with flex spending accounts will reimburse my work with a referral form or a receipt.
Some examples of client conditions massage therapy has improved.
Massage Therapy fees range in price depending on length of session.
| 90 min | 75 min | 60 min | 30 min | |
| Swedish & Shiatsu Massage | $150 | $125 | $100 | $50 |
| Deep Tissue Massage | $190 | $160 | $130 | $70 |
| Trigger Point Massage | $190 | $160 | $130 | $70 |
| Pregnancy Massage | $160 | $130 | $110 | $60 |
Massage Therapy gift certificates are available.
