River Stone Massage

Cate A. Clark, LMT
RIVER STONE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

I offer affordable, feel-good somatic therapies in a warm, peaceful setting. Massage can be very effective in reducing and managing stress and is a most pleasant and natural way to support overall good health and well being. Regular massage can compliment weight-loss programs and medical protocols. A variety of therapeutic techniques are available to address swelling and inflammation; to soothe acute and chronic pain; and to support post-surgery and injury recovery.

Specializing in precise neck and deep shoulder, back and hip work, I listen to what you tell me and draw upon 20-plus years of experience in order to give a consistently good massage. In addition to the wide range of bodywork styles and manual therapies types detailed below, a River Stone massage may incorporate aspects of trigger point and deep muscle sculpting to address musculoskeletal and myofascial concerns.

RIVER STONE’S SIGNATURE MASSAGE
Heated river stones, of smoothly polished basalt, glide over oiled skin to deliver tension-melting warmth into deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. Heat and pressure are adjusted to suit individual needs and comfort levels as you receive a seamlessly integrated blend of Hot Stone, Swedish, Deep Relaxation and Deep Tissue massage. This most luxuriant therapeutic massage promotes increased circulation, muscle tension reduction, and an exquisite state of relaxation. Available in 30 minute to 2 hour sessions.
More about the massage

With or without hot stones, this focused treatment begins with precise attention to neck and shoulder areas and may include low back and hip work. This tune-up massage will improve circulation and reduce muscle tension in specific areas of concern while facilitating an over-all state of calm and well being. Session times are usually 30 to 60 minutes.
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There is a rhythm that can be felt anywhere in the body. It is subtler than blood pulse and subtler than the rhythm of breath. Using the gentlest of touch and pressure, the CrainoSacral Rhythm can be assessed and restored where it is lacking due to soft tissue restrictions. CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle treatment given over a clothed body and takes about 45 minutes.

The American Cancer Society understands that Craniosacral Therapy can be advantageous for individuals with cancer, including those with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer attributed to previous asbestos exposure. When used in harmony with cancer treatment methods like chemotherapy or radiation, Craniosacral Therapy may relieve headaches and pain throughout the body, restore a feeling of balance and calm, and can even promote immune system function. For more mesothelioma information please visit Mesothelioma.com.
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Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic hands-on treatment that can be used to enhance immune function, support detoxification, and can significantly reduce pain and swelling. MLD is often helpful in cases of Fibromyalgia; Chronic Fatique Syndrome; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Sprains; Whiplash; Hematomas; Tinnitus; Lymphedema; Migraine and sinus headache. MLD is useful in relieving post-surgery edema following Facelift; Liposuction; Cellulite treatment; Breast reduction or augmentation; Joint replacement and other surgeries. MLD can ease some of the side-effects of chemotherapy. Used pre-surgery, MLD can clear inflammatory substances from tissue which tends to shorten recovery time and reduce post-surgery infections.
MLD sessions are one hour.
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The Ohm vibration is a powerful catalyst for accessing our body’s innate healing ability. Ohm is an earth tone, based on the elliptical orbit of the earth as it travels around the sun. Ohm is universally considered sacred and healing; it is clinically shown to be a safe, effective and therapeutic sound frequency. Resonating with Ohm re-connects us to the earth, positively affecting our biological rhythms and circadian clock. As we begin to sync or “entrain” with natural cycles, it enables us to find our balance. A Jai Ji treatment is given on a clothed body on a massage table. This rhythmic and deeply relaxing treatment focuses on a group of points used to open the flow of energy from the neck down through the back muscles to legs and feet. As a group, these points empower a person to access deep sources of inner strength and to clear obstructions that cause pain and discomfort. This treatment balances the autonomic nervous system, restores chi and blood flow to all 12 meridians / organ systems as well as benefiting the back and the joints. The session takes about 45 minutes and can be extended to last an hour.
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Reflexology is a form of energy medicine used to correct imbalances and blockages that contribute to chronic disease. Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet, hands and ears correspond to specific bodily organs. Massaging these corresponding points indirectly affects the corresponding organs and has the ability to stimulate, heal, and anesthetize these organs. Hand and/or Foot Reflexology sessions are given on the bare skin of hands and feet with the clothed body resting comfortably on the massage table. Session times vary from 45 to 90 minutes.
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“Deep Tissue” work releases chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes and direct pressure directed across the grain of muscles. It is applied with greater pressure to deeper layers of muscle, and with greater specificity than Swedish massage. In many areas of the body, the muscles are arranged in layers. Deep tissue massage techniques are designed to reach these deep muscles or the deeper portions of thick muscles. Deep Tissue treatments are available in session times of 30 minutes to one hour.
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The term Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and stroking in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the body; kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration. Sessions are available to last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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Deep Relaxation Massage or Stress Reduction Massage Therapy focuses on decreasing overall muscle tension in the body. This is achieved through hands on general massage therapy techniques that bolster the parasympathetic nervous system while calming the sympathetic nervous system. Deep Relaxation Massage helps the body find balance, and when the body finds balance it is in a much better place to deal with the demands we place upon it and to heal itself. Sessions available in time lengths of 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Parasympathetic Nervous System:
Slows heart rate, aids in better digestive function through increasing intestinal peristalsis and gland activity. It also induces relaxation.

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Sympathetic Nervous System: Increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and raises blood pressure.
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Reiki is a very gentle, hands-on relaxation technique which brings the body into harmony by relieving physical and emotional blockages. Reiki can heal the cause and eliminate the effects of an imbalance. Reiki helps minimize any sense of helplessness when facing disease or the trauma of modern society. Reiki can be used in conjunction with standard medical procedures and religious belief without conflict. Sessions are available in 30 to 60 minute times.
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