Swedish & Therapeutic Massage
Swedish massage is what most people are familiar with when they think of massage. It involves using oil or cream on the skin and a combination of stroking, kneading, percussion and other techniques to loosen tight muscles and other tissues while promoting relaxation. It effectively moves blood and lymph toward the heart to increase circulation and tissue repair, balances neurotransmitters, promotes the release of toxins and provides other health benefits as well. Therapeutic massage incorporates some other techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretches to help the body recover from chronic stress and injury. A massage session with Jessica includes techniques from both of these modalities to provide the best care for the client’s personal needs.
Thai Yoga Massage
Thai Yoga massage, or Thai massage is an ancient form of bodywork dating back at least 2500 years from the world of Thai medicine that incorporated Ayurvedic principles from India as well as influence from other Asian countries. It aims to bring a client's health into balance by moving energy through the system. Thai massage is done on a mat on the floor and the client remains clothed for the session. The practitioner activates the sen lines (similar to meridians) with methodical pressure, provides compression of the tissues and a lot of deep, passive stretching using the practitioner's whole body. The practice is sometimes affectionately referred to as “lazy man's yoga” because most of the movement is done by the practitioner. Thai yoga massage leaves the client feeling relaxed and more flexible, but also energized. It can be adapted for any body type or limitations, but is especially appropriate for yogis and athletes who want deep stretching and opening in the tissues.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)
BCST is part of the lineage of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) that was first deveoped by an Osteopath named Dr. Sutherland in the early 1900s and was and promoted by Dr. Upledger in the 1970s to nonosteopaths. As the therapy expanded, Franklyn Sills and others have given rise to what is known as the Biodynamic approach. CST is a gentle, hands on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. In traditional CST, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The emphasis in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is to help resolve the trapped forces that underlie and govern patterns of disease and fragmentation in both body and mind. This involves the practitioner “listening through the hands” to the body’s subtle rhythms and any patterns of inertia or congestion. Through the development of subtle palpatory skills the practitioner can read the story of the body, identify places where issues are held and then follow the natural priorities for healing as directed by the patient's own physiology.
Chair Massage
I provide clothed chair and table massage for private and public events such as health and wellness events, celebrations, and corporate wellness. Most setups include 5-15 minute sessions, but this can be customized for your particular needs. These brief sessions give recipients a chance to have a “taste” of relaxation and also experience my touch.
Vibrational Therapy (Sound Healing)
Vibrational Therapy is the use of instruments, tone and other sonic vibrations to encourage healing in the body/mind. It utilizes the principles of resonance, entrainment, and intention to introduce vibrations into the ears and body that can affect the tissues and brain waves, thus calming the nervous system and relaxing the body on a deep level. Jessica is trained using weighted and unweighted tuning forks, Himalayan bowls, and drum to create a slow and spacious experience in the body.