Body Wisdom offers a wide range of therapies using comfortable massage tables including Swedish Massage, Myofascial Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Foot Reflexology, Craniosacral, Shiatsu, Pregnancy/Labor and Hot Stone Therapy. All massages are customized to the individual client's needs and therapy goals. Table massages are primarily conducted at Body Wisdom, but in-home visits may be arranged for an additional fee.

Table Massages

Swedish or Relaxation Massage
Swedish massage is generally considered for reducing muscle tension and overall body stress, with the main goal being to relax the mind and body. This technique utilizes light to medium pressure with long sweeping strokes, kneading, and gliding over the superficial layers of muscle tissue. Swedish massage increases vascular circulation, facilitates the release of built up toxins in tissue, and encourages increased joint mobility with active or passive stretching, and range of motion movements.

Myofascial Release or Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial release or deep tissue massage can be used for areas of chronic pain due to tightness in the fascia or connective tissue. By using medium to deep pressure with long stretching strokes and manipulation of the muscles, the "glued down" areas are released, and are able to function with greater movement and ease.

Neuromuscular or Trigger Point Therapy
Neuromuscular or Trigger Point Therapy focuses on painful "trigger point" areas in the muscles that can cause radiating pain to other areas of the body. This type of massage utilizes deep, concentrated finger pressure to release the restricted muscle fiber bands, and break the cycles of muscle spasm and pain.

Foot Reflexology
There are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within related zones, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Reflexology is a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands that stimulate the body's natural electrical energy along the nervous system to clear any blockages in the corresponding zones. Pressure applied to any part of a zone will affect the entire area and can be stimulated by working any reflex in that same zone. This promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu means "finger pressure.” This technique involves putting pressure on specific spots on an energy channel/meridian to help improve the natural flow of energy through that channel. Techniques used can include patting, shaking, pinching, rolling, vibrating, kneading, stretching and in some instances just holding an area for a time.

Cranial Sacral
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. Using a soft touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system helps improve the functioning of the central nervous system allowing the body to relax and self-correct.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is used as a preventive health measure to strengthen resistance to disease, and is effective for pain and dysfunction. Because it is so gentle, CST can be effective for all ages, newborns to elders.

Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful way for expectant mothers to take care, listen to their body, and connect with their growing baby. We do not recommend or offer massage for women in their first trimester, but fully encourage this gift to yourself for the remaining two trimesters. Massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches, joint pains, and improve labor outcomes. Swedish massage is the main technique used during a pre-natal session. It is great for reducing muscle tension and improving lymphatic and blood circulation. It successfully addresses many of the discomforts a mom to be experiences with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. Other benefits are improved sleep, reduced edema, relief in back pain, and reduced stress levels.

Labor Massage
Labor Massage is very personal and differs from woman to woman. It is similar to the role of a Doula, providing you with as much touch as needed throughout the stages of labor. You would call Susan once in labor and she would come to where ever you are. There are techniques and positions to move along a slowed labor and to help with relaxing the muscles to promote an overall calming for the mother. Susan has had the honor of being present at a handful of births and assisting in this manor, truly some of the most rewarding work she has done.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated basalt and river stones to help relax and release tight muscles. The stones are heated in water and then placed at specific energy points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. Your therapist will hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure.

The warmth of the hot stones may also improve circulation, calm the nervous system, open tight joints, and ground energy systems providing peaceful relaxation of mind and body.

Enhancements for your Massage

Aromatherapy Massage
Essential oils are a wonderful way to extend and enhance the therapeutic benefits of your massage. Weather the concern is physical, mental or both, you and the therapist will work together to choose which oil would bring the most benefit to your session.

Continue the Healing
If you would like to continue the healing after you leave we offer this wonderful treat, which consists of 10 drops of your oil along with a sea salt bath with your oil. We suggest the bath the evening of your massage and to use the oil one drop at a time throughout the following days. This is a great way to bring yourself back to a state of relaxation in your day to day life.

Paraffin Heat Therapy
The deep heating of paraffin wax is recommended and used for its positive effects of many injuries and conditions. It increases circulation, reduction of joint inflammation, pain/stiffness, and soothes overworked, tired, and achy muscles. It may benefit tennis elbow, tendonitis, reduce scar tissue, as well as helping eczema, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, fibrositis and bursisitis. One of the overlooked benefits of paraffin therapy is that it soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calming.

Half Hour Rejuvenation
Strapped for time but full of stress? This is the treatment for you! A half hour session which includes hands and feet paraffin treatment followed by a relaxing neck, shoulder, scalp, foot and hand massage

Seated/Chair Massages

Seated or chair massages utilize a specially designed chair to give clients a short, invigorating massage that can be enjoyed during the workday or at a specially arranged party or event. These massages allow the client to remain fully clothed and only require 10-20 minutes each. For more information on how to bring our chair massage services to your home party, workplace or special event, call (734) 424-2800.

We invite you to learn more about our services by calling us at (734) 424-2800.