Karen has been offering massage services since 2007. It is an effective and well-respected part of western medicine and an important modality in Chinese Medicine. She will gladly combine massage with acupuncture and recommends it.

WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?
Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress to promote health and wellness.

HOW DOES MASSAGE WORK?
Massage doesn't just feel good. Research shows it reduces the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. The practitioner applies manual techniques, including adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR MASSAGE?
Massage comes in many forms, including:

Tui Na – form of Chinese manipulative therapy that focuses on pushing,
stretching and kneading the muscle in conjunction with the stimulation of
acupressure points and is used for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal
conditions.

Swedish Massage – This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but
not necessarily in the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is designed
to increase circulation and blood flow.
Pressure Point Therapy – applied in certain conditions or in response to
specific injuries.

Sports Massage – focuses on muscle groups relevant to a particular sport.

Deep Tissue – for releasing chronic pain or tension in the body using deep
strokes and deep finger pressure. Also available in this category is structural
technique massage to allow the body to relax to it's natural alignment.