Asian Bodywork
Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness.
Traditional Asian techniques of pressure, movement, and manipulation treat the body's energy channels and restore and balance the flow of energy in the body.
Forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy include Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Thai, Cupping, and Gua sha. Treatments may include but are not limited to the following: touching, pressing, or holding of the body along meridians and/or on acupoints (primarily with the hands), stretching, and heat or cold.
Shiatsu - BOOK NOW
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork, based on ancient Chinese medicine. According to Asian medicine, the body's energy, or qi, moves along specific pathways (meridians or channels) around the body. The qi can become blocked or deficient in certain areas, resulting in pain, discomfort or other problems. The therapist uses various shiatsu techniques such as hand and finger pressure, gentle stretches and joint mobilizations, within the client's tolerance, to correct imbalances in qi and increase body and mind awareness. Shiatsu can be performed on a futon on the floor or on a massage table, without oils or lotions. The client wears loose-fitting clothes.
Cupping - BOOK NOW
Cupping is a therapy in which silicone or glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy. Cupping is performed for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
Cupping can cause red marks on the body that will typically fade in a few days. Please keep this in mind if you have a special event coming up. Even though the body may get these red marks, the treatment is not generally painful and can be tailored to your comfort level.
It can be part of your Integrative massage treatment or the sole purpose of your appointment.
Thai - BOOK NOW
Thai massage combines reflexology, acupressure, passive yoga postures, and energy work.
Thai massage is a series of slow rhythmic compressions and stretching to open the body's flow of energy. The passive yoga postures stretch the muscles while the rest of the treatment works to open the energy lines leaving the body with an overall feeling of wellness.
Thai massage is normally performed clothed. Traditionally it involves no oils or lotions and is performed with the client on a mat.
Gua Sha - BOOK NOW
Gua Sha is a scraping technique intended to move around energy, improve circulation and help your body rid itself of toxins. Therapists use a special tool to scrape the skin while placing pressure on the muscle to help release blood stagnation and relieve tight muscles.
Gua Sha can cause red marks on the body that will typically fade in a few days. Please keep this in mind if you have a special event coming up. Even though the body may get red marks, the treatment is not generally painful and can be tailored to your comfort level.
It can be part of your Integrative massage treatment or the sole purpose of your appointment.
Reflexology - BOOK NOW
Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease-free.
In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure.
Treatment sessions are 30 min, 45 min or 60 min in length.
It can be part of your Integrative massage treatment or the sole purpose of your appointment.