Massage Therapy
The very essence of therapeutic massage is to bring full calmness, to become more aware of every part of our body. That’s the beginning of healing.
As massage becomes more popular, it’s important for consumers to know how to choose quality providers. A qualified massage therapist should either be nationally certified or be able to document professional training at an accredited institution.
The Institute for Health and Healing at Mills-Peninsula assures that level of professionalism. Our therapists are specially trained to complement traditional medicine. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology combined with extensive experience performing a wide variety of techniques make it possible to meet virtually any need.
Available bodywork methods and techniques are listed below. Male and female therapists also are available.
During your massage
Make yourself comfortable. Many people just close their eyes and relax. Others may want to talk. It's your massage. Feel free to ask questions during the massage.
Bodywork methods
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Benefits include relieving headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation and indigestion.
Ashiatsu is full-body "barefoot massage" treatment. While you are on a floor mat, the therapist uses both feet and hands to rock and apply compression to the body in a rhythmic pattern.
Deep tissue is used to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. Helps with chronic muscle pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.
Facial massage is a very light, soft-tissue release massage on facial muscles enhanced by a very gentle stretching to increase blood circulation, which in turn permits more oxygen and nutrients to reach skin cells. Guided facial exercises also are available.
Foot reflexology is pressure applied to specific reflex areas in the foot, hands and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Benefits include reducing pain, increasing relaxation and helping stress-related illness and emotional disorders.
Shiatsu is an Asian-based finger-pressure technique. Practitioner uses finger, thumb, palm, elbow or knee to apply pressure to specific zones on the skin. Benefits may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s immune system.
Sports massage combines techniques from Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and various forms of stretching to target muscle groups. Benefits may include aiding warm-ups, reduced injuries and inflammation.
Stretching can use a variety of techniques to promote flexibility and relieve pain. Stretches may be passive, you relax into the stretch, or active, you contract muscles.
Swedish massage involves Long, light strokes, deep kneading, light tapping and movement of the joints. Benefits may include increased relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling.
Trigger point massage is the application of pressure or friction to trigger points on the body, which are sensitive areas within muscles that can cause pain in other points of the body. Benefits may include reduced pain and increased range of motion, strength and endurance.
Watsu or water Shiatsu, is provided in a warm pool and incorporates stretches to release blockages along the meridians. By supporting, rocking and moving the whole body while stretching a leg or arm, there is less resistance than when a limb is worked in isolation. The whole body is in continual slow motion, each move flowing gracefully into the next.
A combination of all these techniques often is applied throughout the session, although some techniques are used for the entire time.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, a doctor's referral is not necessary for massage therapy.
First appointment
Your massage therapist will ask about your massage goals. This will help them determine a safe, effective and comfortable massage plan.
When the therapist leaves the room, you can undress and get relaxed on the massage table, covering yourself with a fresh sheet. Many people undress completely for a full-body massage, but you may choose to leave on any clothing that makes you comfortable.
The room will be warm and quiet. Soft music may be played, if you like. You will be warmly draped, except for the area being massaged.
Your massage therapist usually uses a light oil or lotion, which is easily absorbed and beneficial to your skin.
