• Swedish Massage: This full body standard massage combines three basic strokes: long, firm strokes, kneading and small circles. This massage helps reduce tension, sooth sore muscles, increase circulation and induce relaxation.

• Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage is recommended for those who get regular bodywork and are accustomed to heavy pressure. Deep tissue massage releases adhesions in the fascia and can be quite intense, going below the superficial muscle layers to the deeper muscles and tissues where many structural problems originate.

• Anma Shiatsu: An ancient Oriental system of bodywork originating in China over 3,000 years ago. Shiatsu treats "meridians" or acupressure points aims to balance the flow of energy through stimulation or sedation of these points. Oils are not utilized; wear comfortable clothing.

• Hawaiian Lomi Lomi: An ancient Hawaiian massage technique incorporating thumbs, knuckles, forearms and elbows in a rhythmic motion to release congestion and muscle spasms.

It is recommended that a blend of the modalities featured above be incorporated in your massage session to alleviate specific areas of stress, strain, or injury and to help to reduce pain and speed the recovery process when receiving a full body treatment.

• Chair Massage: A stress-buster upper-body treatment performed in a massage chair that releases tension in the shoulders, neck, head, hands and feet. Perfect for special events involving 5 or more people or in the work place. Studies show higher productivity and lower absenteeism from employees that receive regular treatments.

• La Stone Therapy: The original hot stone massage treatment incorporating a blend of heated basalt river stones and frozen marble stones to facilitate an amazing, profoundly relaxing massage treatment. While I have the distinction of being the first massage therapist to offer this modality to the Los Angeles market, I am currently unable to provide this service at this time. More information at: www.lastonetherapy.com.

• Pregnancy Massage: Many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally, and during labor and postpartum periods of women's pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother, and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Please check with your doctor prior to receiving a treatment. Often used in this treatment is the Body Cushion which helps ease back pain and decompresses the spine. In most cases, mothers are able to lay face down while receiving a massage. For more information about the Body Cushion, click here: www.bodysupport.com.

• Yamuna Body Rolling: Yamuna Body Rolling is a revolutionary approach to health and fitness using balls designed exclusively for this practice. It consists of a series of routines using 6 to 10-inch balls. Unlike other ball exercises, YBR goes far beyond random movement and stretch. It targets specific muscles in detail, to create suppleness in tight areas, optimize range of motion and increase core strength. I recently completed a Level 1 Practitioner Certification workshop and am excited to incorporate YBR principles in my practice. This fall I hope to complete Level II Instructor Certification too. For more information about this wonderful modality, please visit: www.yamunabodyrolling.com.