Sierra Hot Springs

Deep Tissue Massage
Esalen Massage
Lomilomi Massage
Myofascial Release Therapy
Prenatal Massage
Shiatsu
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
Craniosacral
Reflexology
Lymphatic Massage
Oncology Massage
Trigger Point
Neuromuscular
Reiki
Chakra Balancing
Watsu
Waterdance

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, it's purpose is to un stick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

Esalen Massage
Developed at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. A very relaxing full body technique that is taught on a popular video published by the Esalen Institute.

Lomilomi Massage
Hawaiian for "rub rub", Lomilomi is a massage technique that's been handed down from ancient Hawaiian healers. Spiritual in nature, the technique was formalized by Hawaiian-born nurse, Margaret Machado. The stroke used are similar to the shiatsu technique of Japan but are gentler and shorter. Pressure with the fingers at certain points is also part of the technique, but is is of shorter duration than most acupressure. Two identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi are the emphasis on spirit/body connection and the use of the forearm and elbow as a massage tool.

Myofascial Release Therapy
All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Developed in the late 1960's by John Barnes, Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma.

Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu, the most widely known form of acupressure, literally meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, and has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session my also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.

Sports Massage
This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage. In the 1820s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding 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, and promotes health and well being.

Craniosacral
Craniosacral therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses very light touching to balance the craniosacral system in the body, which includes the bones, nerves, fluids, and connective tissues of the cranium, the spine and the sacrum, and ultimately all tissues because "everything is connected to everything else."

Reflexology
An ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems.

Lymphatic Massage
A form of massage that consists of special strokes that "pump" the fluid through the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. This helps reduce swelling, congestion and helps cleanse the tissues of toxins. Typical lymphatic strokes are slow, light, gentle yet firm. Lymph reflex points are often stimulated to assist tissue drainage. The recipient of a lymphatic massage usually feels clear, light, energetic, less congested and less pain.

Oncology Massage
The adaptation of massage to safely nurture body, mind and spirit of anyone who is dealing with cancer.

Trigger Point
A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger points are caused by muscle overuse or injury, and because the aches are associated with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.
Trigger point massage (also known as myotherapy) is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins in the muscles and the release of energizing endorphins. A significant decrease in pain is often found after just one treatment.

Neuromuscular
A form of deep tissue massage that is applied to individual muscles. It is used to increase blood flow, reduce pain and release pressure on nerves caused by injuries to muscles and other soft tissue. Neuromuscular massage helps release trigger points.

Reiki
Reiki, a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force, is a healing energy therapy. Reiki can provide relaxation, energy, decrease pain, anxiety and promote health, wound healing and release of emotion. Reiki is received through a series of light hand placements on the client’s fully clothed body.

Chakra Balancing (Healing Touch)
An energy exchange therapy during which the practitioner uses the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process and to induce deep relaxation. Chakra balancing is based on the ancient Indian belief in a series of seven chakras, or energy centers. Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. Chakra balancing is believed to promote health by maximizing the flow of energy in the body

Watsu
An aquatic massage combines stretches of Zen Shiatsu and the element of water to an extraordinary experience. Being gently floated and stretched in a warm pool can be deeply touching and relaxing.

Waterdance
Waterdance is a form of aquatic bodywork. Like Watsu, it begins with the client being cradled, stretched, and relaxed above the water surface. In Waterdance, the client is then given nose clips and gradually and gently taken entirely under the water. Once freed from the bounds of head support and gravity, the client’s body can be moved, stretched, and worked in literally unlimited ways. Waterdance incorporates elements of massage, Aikido, dolphin and snake movements, rolls, somersaults, inversions, dance, and much more. The effects of this work include physical release and can induce deep states of relaxation, meditation, bliss, and even visions.

For Appointments Call: 530.994.3773 ext. "0"

Health Services Section

Health Services Overview
Massage Modalities
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Massage

Reservations: 530.994.3773 ~ www.sierrahotsprings.org