Services – Meri Martin Massage Therapist

We can help you decide which modality is right for your needs

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage has specific therapeutic benefits to the body. It increases circulation without increasing heart load and reduces emotional and physical stress. It shortens the recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of and metabolic waste and encourages the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals. By helping to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, Swedish massage gives the body a boost in caring for itself. It is a great addition to any overall wellness plan.

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy is used to detect and correct imbalances in the craniosacral system, which may be the cause of sensory, motor or neurological dysfunction. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth which make up the cranium down to the sacrum or tail bone. This therapy has been successfully used to treat headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ, chronic fatigue, motor coordination difficulties, eye problems and central nervous system disorders. More information about Craniosacral therapy can be found at www.TheUpledgerInstitute.com

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue is a more intensive form of massage. Slow, muscle-specific strokes are used to invigorate muscle fibers, releasing tension and hastening the removal of metabolic waste. It also aids in the reduction of scar tissue and is usually used in conjunction with Swedish massage. You should never experience more pressure than is comfortable so open communication with your therapist is important.

Sports Massage

Sports massage uses specific strokes and techniques to help athletes and those leading active lifestyles to prepare for events, and speed recovery afterwards. It helps maintain conditioning, and rehabilitate injuries common to various sports, such as tennis elbow. It is a great asset to any workout routine or wellness.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Points are tender nodules that form within taut bands of muscle. They shorten the muscle and have the ability to refer pain to other areas, decreasing range of motion and weakening the muscle. These nodules form in response to excessive muscular stress from an accident, repetitive motion, postural habits or emotional stress. Trigger Point/Taut Band therapy works to locate and release these points with direct, gradually increasing pressure and stretching.

Reiki

Reiki is an energy-based modality used to rejuvenate the spirit, increase mental acuity, and promote physical healing by balancing the energy flow through the body. It is a deeply relaxing form of work and is often combined with other modalities. Meri is a Usui & Raku ki Reiki Master and is trained in various other energy modalities.

Therapeutic Cupping

Cupping is a form of therapy that has been around for hundreds of years. It first described in medical textbooks in Europe as a treatment used by Egyptians. There have also been accounts of Hippocrates using the Cupping Method for internal disease. Fire Cupping has also been practiced throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Therapeutic Massage Cupping involves a moderate suction that creates a negative pressure for areas where usual massage pressure is either inappropriate due to pain from pressure, or ineffective due to significantly tightened layers of connective tissue. The negative pressure lifts and separates tissue, allowing for increased blood flow, oxygenation of the area, reduced pain, reduced fluid buildup. It releases adhesions and in that way feels similar to myofascial release therapy.

Pregnancy Massage/Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy massage is geared towards the specific needs of the mother to be. Clients use a side lying position with cushions placed throughout for comfort. This massage works to relieve low backaches and hip pain, reduce swelling in the lower legs and feet, to help the body relax so that mom can have a more restful night’s sleep.

Mu-Xing (Bamboo Therapy)

Mu-Xing is a massage modality that uses warm Bamboo and Rosewood to massage the body. The warmth and tools allow for an effortless deep tissue massage that can address most areas of the body. The tools vary in size and shape to best fit areas in need. The massage is extremely relaxing and therapeutic, especially to dense, tight tissue that can often require extreme pressure from deep tissue massage.