Rate: $125 per hour, $175 per hour and a half
A very light touch or even hands off technique which addresses the body's energetic needs. The theory behind Reiki is that a person has several different "bodies" - the physical body, the emotional body, the spiritual body and the energetic body (aura). The energetic body is the most essential part of the person but it is also the most difficult for us to relate to. So when there is a problem with the energetic body, it manifests in a manner we can see - usually a physical or emotional ill. A skilled Reiki practitioner channels universal energy, the energy that is the basis of all matter in the universe, into the client's aura. The client can then use that energy to heal their problems. Whether you believe in the healing power of Reiki or not, you will find it very relaxing. I find as many people falling asleep on my table during a Reiki session as during a Swedish massage.
A very light touch treatment that focuses on removing restrictions in the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by three layers of connective tissue/fascia which create the border of the craniosacral system. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a blood product that circulates within these borders, bathes the brain and spinal cord, providing nutrients and removing toxins and irritants. If any of the fascia in this area becomes adhered or contracted, it can reduce the efficient flow of CSF and/or put pressure on the neurons that make up the brain and spinal cord. This can cause untold problems throughout the body. Craniosacral therapy has shown positive results with conditions ranging from migraines to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) to autism to strokes and beyond.
A lighter pressure massage utilizing various strokes (in my case, predominantly long, gliding strokes; friction; and kneading) to arms, legs, back, neck, feet, scalp and/or face (you never have to have an area worked on if you don't want it). Even though Swedish massage is very relaxing, it is still a therapeutic technique. It increases circulation of blood and lymph, which bring nutrients to the cells and take toxins and irritants away. It increases endorphin release (hence the relaxation response) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone that wreaks havoc on the body and immune system). It boosts the immune system both mechanically (by increasing blood flow which allows the immune cells to be better distributed to find and destroy invading viruses and bacteria) and chemically (by increasing the number of Natural Killer cells which destroy the invaders). Never let anyone tell you a Swedish massage is too decadent - it is a powerhouse of self-healing!
A deeper pressure massage, utilizing many of the same techniques as Swedish, but at a pressure that works on deeper structures like bone (through the periosteum). It can be quite uncomfortable but I find it very effective with more acute conditions like recent sprains/strains, muscle aches from working out and ingrained postural issues. Deep Tissue can be full body, following the same general routine as a Swedish massage for those who just like deeper work, or it can be focused on one or two body parts that are the crux of the discomfort. It's all open to negotiation.