This 90-minute treatment is my specialized version of a hot stone massage, applying regular Swedish massage in addition to massage with smooth, heated basalt stones.

Basalt is a black volcanic rock that naturally absorbs and retains heat, penetrating muscle tissue in a way unlike any other. Massage stones are smooth, partially-flat, and ideally sized for becoming an extension of the therapist’s hands.

I call my treatment Healing Stone, because this treatment is one of the most deeply soothing forms of massage with a heat that sinks right down to the bone, releasing tightness in muscles and minimizing chronic ache.

The Mechanics of a Healing Stone Massage:

Before your massage, sanitized stones are heated in 150 to 175 degree water.

During the massage, I use traditional Swedish techniques while selected stones are removed from water and cooled. I then hold the heated stones and massage with long, flowing strokes which glide easily over already-oiled skin. As the stones cool, I replace them with another. Stones are used on the neck, shoulders, back, legs, and arms.

A treatment learned at a world-class resort and spa in California

A Hot Towel Infusion is the combination of aromatherapy, moist heat and massage to create one of the most soothing and comforting massages on my menu.

Moist heat increases circulation, delivers fresh blood cells and removes toxins—which is why this therapy is effective in treating pain associated with muscle strain, muscle spasm, joint stiffness and arthritis.

In this treatment, moist hot towels are infused with an essential oil such as lavender or juniper, depending on what therapeutic needs are present at the time of treatment, and used for soothing compressions on each region of the body just after it is massaged. The essential oil is also infused into the massage oil and a bowl of steaming water placed under the face cradle for inhalation.

Melt away and become infused yourself with quiet, relaxation, and peace.

Aromatherapy is often a misunderstood term. It is not just a pleasing scent for the room, but rather a form of holistic medicine in which essential oils are used to bring about therapeutic effects.

Essential oils are concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from plants, herbs and flowers. Each one has a distinctive scent and has been used throughout history for a specific medicinal purpose.

In my aromatherapy massage, I custom blend a specific formula of essential oils – based on a client’s therapeutic needs – and use them in the massage. The oils penetrate the skin (the body’s largest organ) and do their therapeutic work, while simultaneously creating a pleasant scent for you to breathe in. Depending on your needs, these oils act to relax, detoxify, or invigorate the body during massage.

The following are health conditions that I treat with essential oil blends. Feel free to browse this list and choose the one that best addresses your need before scheduling an appointment.

Like a star, this massage has five points—the back, neck, head, feet and hands for those who only need relief in high-stress areas.

Extensive work is done on the back and neck, as well as longer and more specialized time on the feet and hands. Pressure point and Cranio-Sacral techniques will be used on the head (ideal for clients with chronic headaches or migraines).

Seated chair massage is conveniently done in public places, because no oil is used and the client remains fully clothed. The techniques applied --invigorating compressions, kneading and percussion-- are ideal for those who need to keep moving or get back to work and not be overly relaxed. All that is needed is a quiet spot in which the client can fully tune out everything around her.

Many workplaces are providing their employees with seated chair massage, either for special events or ongoing health and wellness appointments. You would be amazed at how restorative a 10-15 minute seated chair massage in the middle of the workday is, and how much it can increase a person’s productivity.

Chair massage is also ideal for other group events such as book clubs, cosmetic parties, benefit walks, sporting events, and health fairs.

Rates:

Each hour - $65 (up to five sessions per hour, includes Ohio sales tax)

Each additional half hour - $35 (includes Ohio sales tax)

For the Best Possible Experience…

To make my client’s massage experience the best it can be, I include the following enhancements as a regular part of their treatment:

~ Hot towel wraps on the feet: a tradition at my former California resort spa, I now include this in every massage as a soothing and relaxing finish

~ Heated neck roll: also a spa tradition, this horse-shoe shaped cushion filled with buckwheat and flax seed brings soothing heat to neck muscles as they await massage in the face-up part of the session

~ Soothing eye pillow: a beanbag-style cushion filled with lavender hulls; serves as a light blocker and a source of comfort for aching sinuses

~ Aromatherapy: blends of essential oils are often diffused in the massage room, unless aromatherapy oil is being used, or unless a client does not like strong scents

~ Tea and chocolate bar: an assortment of teas and cocoa are available on the waiting room table, as well as Dove chocolate and mints—for before or after your massage

~ 1 to 2 minute “rest” period: is always encouraged after a massage, so a client can let the massage soak in quietly before stretching and getting slowly off the table. (Appointments are scheduled far enough apart for each person to enjoy this)

~ Complimentary water: which is vital after every massage, so that toxins--which have been massaged into the bloodstream--can be flushed away before causing sleepiness or sluggishness