Originating about 2000 years ago, acupuncture is Chinese Medicine that promotes general health and disease prevention by adjusting the flow of energy through a person’s bioenergy system. A session begins with a licensed acupuncturist gathering information about the person — through questions, observation, looking at the tongue, and a refined system of pulse diagnosis — to assess the energy in the different meridians. The primary treatment includes the insertion and manipulation of fine needles at specific points on the patient’s body. A session may incorporate other techniques of Oriental Medicine, such as Herbology (prescribing herbal formulas for the patient to take daily for a period of time after the treatment), Moxa (burning herbs to warm the acupuncture points) and cupping (using suction to draw out toxins and move stagnation). Lifestyle and diet recommendations may also be provided. Acupuncture is commonly used for treating pain, digestive problems, menstrual problems, mental/emotional problems, sinus congestion, menopause, healing from injuries and surgeries, and much more. However, acupuncture can be used when there is no “condition” in particular, keeping your energy balanced and flowing to prevent diseases from developing.

A full-body massage with Swedish/Esalen flavor relaxes the body, improves muscle tone and provides a feeling of well-being. It may incorporate deep work, rebalancing and Eastern influences according to the practitioner’s style and tailored to your individual needs.

More specific than the general massage this work focuses on your problem areas. It is excellent for eliminating tension from your body, reducing tightness and muscle pain. It also realigns the body and frees your movement through myofascia work. (Special Services Rate.)

Cranio-Sacral Balancing This technique is extremely gentle, non-intrusive, yet very specific. The CS practitioner’s attention is on the cranio-sacral rhythm, a very subtle movement, and light touch is applied on the cranial bones, the sacrum and at the interconnected membranes. After a session you will feel deeply relaxed and balanced.

This dynamic, ancient healing art and science addresses the vital energy (ch’i) in the body. The focus is to stimulate and clear congestions in the meridians, allowing the energy to flow freely so that the body can achieve a state of balance. This self-healing process is facilitated by specific acupressure and massage techniques applied to the major reflex points and meridians on the feet.

A soothing and relaxing full-body massage that uses smooth, heated volcanic stones. The hot stones penetrate deep into the tissue, transmitting heat and energy as you receive long, flowing strokes. The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hands, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

This is a highly effective technique for purifying and rejuvenating the body by stimulating the lymph drainage system. It helps flushing out toxins and activating the immune system. You will feel relieved from stress and refreshed.

Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese. Using a series of techniques practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi (vital energy), and stretches to release blockages on the body’s energy ways (meridians).

Originating in India thousands of years ago, Thai massage combines the benefits from yoga asanas, Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese acupressure meridians. It is also held in sincere spiritual reverence. Thai massage is traditionally done on a mat on the floor, fully clothed with loose and comfortable wear. Tracing the lines of energy sooth, awaken and balance your systems. Tension patterns become obvious and are addressed more thoroughly with various stretches, which employ an opposition of force that allows the breath to penetrate in a dynamic way and release the tension. There may also be deep pressure added to blocked areas to encourage further release. Thai massage has the ability to release chronic tension and breakdown unconscious habit patterns of tension. 1½ to 2 hours session are recommended.

Bodywork Instruction for Couples Learning to share unconditional, therapeutic touch is a great way to bring people closer together. Bodywork Instruction for Couples provides a safe and supervised space where your instructor will guide you through the element of presence and techniques (Massage or Watsu) that are appropriate to your level of experience, as well as the needs of your friend who is receiving from you. You will be guided with instruction, feedback, and encouragement during more than a half hour, then you and your friend will trade roles: the giver will receive and the receiving will give with the support and guidance of attentive and personal coaching. To find out more about the different type of bodywork, please see the specific descriptions of Massage and Watsu.