Modalities Offered at Berkeley Massage and Self-Healing Center

Massage and Bodywork— is the application of various techniques (stroking, tapping, kneading) to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body to help one relax and alleviate pain. The use of oils and lotions is generally included.

Swedish Massage— is the first systematic application of therapeutic massage in the West, Swedish massage is what comes to mind for most people when the word “massage” is mentioned. Characterized by long, flowing, rhythmic strokes, kneading, friction, percussion, and joint mobilization, Swedish massage loosens tight muscles and tissue adhesions that result from chronic stress and injury, creating a deeply relaxing and healing effect on the body.

This style of massage is generally done at a moderate to slow speed, using a soothing rhythm, with deeper or lighter pressure depending on your preference. Many people drift off into a relaxing state of consciousness somewhere between sleep and awake when receiving a Swedish massage session. It gently relaxes the muscles and mind, relieves tension and stress, and soothes muscle and joint aches and pains. It enhances blood circulation throughout the body, thus allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach cells and tissues and increasing the rate of removal of metabolic wastes from the body. It boosts the immune system, improves functioning of the digestive system, and promotes a sense of well-being by calming the nervous system.

Deep Tissue Massage— utilizes a variety of slow and deep strokes to unwind and release tension and pain in your deeper muscle layers and fascia, to lengthen tight, shortened muscles and release tight fascia, and to open up and decompress constricted joints. Deep Tissue massage is effective and corrective for temporary or chronic muscular pain and tension and for rehabilitating injuries. It can also help reduce inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. Some of the other immediate benefits of Deep Tissue massage include: increased blood flow; restoration of fluidity of movement; structural rebalancing and release of tension-producing musculo-skeletal holding patterns; and improved range of motion.

Acupressure— is an ancient healing art that uses fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-healing abilities.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage— can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns, and enhance the physiological and emotional wellbeing of both mother and fetus. In the post partum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother, and may help her to bond with and care for her infant.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy— encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. The cranio-sacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the cranio-sacral system.

Reiki— is an ancient healing art form brought to the west from Japan in the 20th century. Reiki accesses universal life energy, which can be used to accelerate the natural healing process of the body. The practitioner places her hands on the client’s body to align the chakras and bring healing energy to organs and glands.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy— Trigger points are small areas of tightness within muscles that develop through injuries or with overuse. From these small knots of muscle tension, pain is frequently referred (i.e. transmitted) to other parts of the body. By working the trigger point with sustained and focused pressure, the knots are released, thereby ceasing the referred pain. This modality is especially effective for Carpal Tunnel, TMJ, as well as chronic low back, neck and shoulder stress.

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