Meridian Bodywork & Massage LLC

Western Techniques

Swedish Massage ~ is a classic European massage style which involves the use of the hands, forearms and elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles. Five types of strokes are used in Swedish: long flowing strokes (effleurage), kneading strokes (petrissage), friction, vibration and tapotement (tapping, pounding, etc.). Active or passive movement of the joints may also be a part of this type of massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress, increased blood circulation, relief of muscular tension and pain, and improved range of motion. This is the most common style of massage and is very effective and enjoyable.

Deep Tissue ~ involves focused work on a specific area, in order to relieve chronic tension and pain in the underlying muscle layers. Strokes are slower and deeper, working the muscles, tendons and fascia, and may include static pressure, or friction applied across the fibers. Deep tissue techniques assist in loosening adhesions in muscle or fascia, allowing increased flexibility and fluidity of the tissues. Increased circulation to and from tissues helps to rejuvenate and heal them. This work is particularly appropriate when an old injury, or chronic muscular tension, is causing ongoing pain and restriction of movement. Examples might include tendonitis of the elbow, or frozen shoulder.

Deep tissue work will be more intense than a Swedish-only massage. Communication between the therapist and client is important, in order to keep the massage within the client’s comfort level. We’re looking for a “good hurt” with this type of work, and application of pressure is tailored to your needs.

Trigger Point Therapy ~ involves application of finger pressure to “trigger points”-- painful, irritated areas in muscles-- in order to break cycles of spasm or pain. Trigger points can be active, meaning they hurt even without being touched, or latent, meaning they hurt when pressed. Trigger points can cause discomfort at just the point itself or can send referred pain or symptoms to other areas of the body. The benefits of Trigger Point Therapy include decreased pain, increased range of motion and flexibility, better circulation, and decreased stiffness.

Aromatherapy ~ the addition of one or more pure essential plant oils to your massage treatment will enhance the benefits of your session, promoting your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Essential oils are added to the oil or lotion used for your massage, diffused into the room air, or placed on a tissue for inhalation. Many single oils and blends are available, appropriate for your individual needs.

Raindrop Technique ~ involves the application of essential oils, in conjunction with light massage, to the spine reflexology points of the feet, and to the back. Raindrop Technique focusses on the spine, with the intention of promoting healing throughout the body. A Raindrop session will leave you feeling supremely relaxed and pampered.

The oils traditionally used for Raindrop Technique are herbaceous, rather than floral: Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Marjoram, Wintergreen, Peppermint and a special blend. Heavenly scents! Liz uses 100% pure essential oils, diluted in a pure carrier oil, for her Raindrop Technique treatments.

Hot Stone Massage ~ is a wonderfully relaxing Swedish-style massage utilizing smooth heated stones. Variously sized stones are heated in a clean water bath until they reach the proper temperature. The stones may be placed on the torso, legs, arms, hands, and between the fingers and toes, and are also used for massaging the body. The sustained heat from the stones helps tight muscles to relax more easily, improves circulation and calms the nervous system.