Our Bodywork
At The Body Bar, we provide all of the massage types listed below.
In most cases, we can combine many of them, as is needed or requested by the client.

Swedish Therapeutic Massage

Swedish therapeutic massage is a very popular type of massage.  In this type of massage, the therapist uses various styles of long, flowing strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (light touch), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (compression), and vibration.  Swedish massage is helpful in reducing pain and stress, improving the overall function of muscles and joints, and aiding in the healthy function of most bodily systems, including the digestive system, the cardio-respiratory system, the immune system, and more.

Jin Shin Tara Acupressure
Jin Shin Tara Acupressure is a non-invasive therapeutic touch and energy medicine based on ancient Japanese acupressure therapy. The effects to the subtle energy systems and meridians of the body combine with understanding of the pathology of the central and peripheral nervous system and with sympathy for trauma to the body, mind, and spirit.  Persons of any age and in any stage of health can be treated with Jin Shin Tara, since it provides a gentle repatterning of the nervous system and adrenal responses.  Jin Shin Tara therapy is done with clothes on and includes intentional dialogue in the session.  Basic self-care techniques are taught as a part of the session. Self-care between sessions empowers the client to take and active part in their healing journey.

Kunye Therapy :
Tibetan Therapeutic Massage
Tibetan massage therapy (or Kunye) is the external treatment form of Tibetan medicine, which has been in practice since the fourth century.  Tibetan massage serves to relax tensions, to relieve stress, insomnia, depression, and nervous system dysfunction, and to bring balance to the internal elements of the body.  It can also be specifically therapeutic for individual disorders, and has been shown to relieve a variety of ailments in a soft and non-invasive manner.  Kunye massage has various forms of application. These include basic massage techniques (like Swedish massage), but moves into treating crucial points (like acupressure) that work on the nervous system and organs.  Tibetan massage treatment may include the application of medicinal oils, hot or cold stones, compresses, and even medicinal vapors.  Each treatment is unique for each individual.


Thai Massage

Thai Massage is an ancient healing art with origins in Ayurvedic Medicine, Yoga, and Buddhism. It has evolved over the years into a unique and effective combination of gentle rocking, deep stretching, rhythmic compression, soft-tissue manipulation, energy balancing, and acupressure.  It is traditionally practiced on a mat on the floor with both client and practitioner wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Thai Massage improves circulation, decreases stress, relieves pain, increases energy, restores vitality, increases range of motion in joints, assists posture and alignment, revitalizes the chakras and endocrine system, resets the rhythms of the body, quiets the mind, and enhances the body’s natural energy flow.

 Prenatal & Postpartum Massage

This is a wonderfully relaxing and beneficial massage for the new mother or mother-to-be.  Special attention is paid to the lower back, hips, and legs, and of course anywhere else that the mother needs it.  This type of massage is offered on a table for women in all stages of pregnancy or post-pregnancy, with special bolstering and positioning to provide maximum comfort for these special clients.  Please note that, due to the extra time required for bolstering, clients need to schedule sessions of 90 minutes or longer.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.  The benefits of reflexology have to do partly with the reduction of stress; because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the whole body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body's equilibrium.

Visceral Massage

Visceral massage aids in healthy digestion, relieves pain, helps regulate healthy bowel movements, and assists in the detoxification process.  Just like our muscles, our organs can became hardened, form trigger points, and become adhered to each other or to other bodily structures.  This inhibits blood flow, causes (and refers) pain and tension, and restricts normal movement. These issues in the organs can affect the diaphragm, ribs, pelvis, and spine, and can even lead to postural distortion if not released.  Visceral massage treatment is done slowly and gently.

Normalization of
Soft Tissue

To increase neuromuscular function, we use myofascial release, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques (METs), and deep tissue massage to treat specific injuries and dysfunctions of muscles and joints.  Myofascial release involves releasing the bonds between the fascia, skin, and muscles.  Trigger point (or pressure point) therapy involves reducing points that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body.  METs use resistive muscle stretches to reset old muscle patterns.  These techniques, used together with others, aim to eliminate pain and to increase range of motion and function in muscles and joints.  This type of massage is ideal for athletes of all types and disciplines, as well as for clients with chronic pain or injuries.

Integrative Therapeutic Massage
Integrative massage is a comprehensive therapy for body, mind, and spirit.  In this type of work, the client and therapist focus on breath, movement, the senses, verbal interaction, and visualizations, combined with massage strokes that welcome the client's body to open up its armoring and let go of old holding patterns.  The client and therapist co-create each session, with the therapist using strategies that help the client become more aware of physical and energetic sensations, of the breath, and of the flow and expansion of the client's body, mind, and spirit.  The increased awareness provides the client with greater opportunity for change and active participation in better health, with a greater sense of the self as a human spirit.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage can be beneficial for relaxation, injury rehabilitation, and energetic grounding.  Using stones as massage tools on the body adds a comforting weight and depth to the work in addition to heat.  And when it comes to relaxation time, hot stones set in certain placement patterns on the body can take you remarkably deep into your body and into the moment. Many people end up leaving a hot stone massage feeling as relaxed as if they'd been on vacation for a whole week!


Intraoral Massage

Intraoral massage treatment consists of massage to the neck, shoulder, cranial, facial, and jaw muscles, all at a pace and pressure level that meets your comfort level.  Through slow and deliberate techniques, we eliminate trigger points and increase healthy blood flow.  We also work on pain referral areas by releasing tension in the fascia around the jaw, neck, head, and face.  All of this reduces stress on the jaw and temporomandibular joints, and even on the eyes, ears, tongue, and throat. The "intra-oral" part does mean that some of the work is done inside the mouth, with the therapist wearing sterile gloves.


Chair Massage

Chair massage counters many of the problems inherent with sedentary office work. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck, and provides a gentle respite for tired eyes. Even 10 minutes of chair massage can increase circulation, relieve aches and pains, bring back higher energy levels, and help keep the body injury-free.