Swedish massage is known for its medium to light pressure and long, relaxing strokes. It is wonderful at promoting relaxation, increasing circulation, and calming the nervous system, which makes it a great tool in the prevention of tension headaches, jaw clenching, and migraines triggered by stress.

Feels like: Soothing, relaxing, gliding. Pressure can range from feather light to deep depending on preference.

Intraoral massage targets the muscles of the jaw that are only accessible via the mouth. This is an advanced technique for clients with chronic TMJD/S or tension headaches and tension migraines that stem from jaw clenching.

Feels like: Slow, stretching sensation in the small muscles of the jaw. This modality may be intense if you suffer from jaw pain, so make sure you communicate if you need less pressure. Pain is not the goal.

Myofascial release is a method that uses skin stretching and gentle, sustained pressure to target the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout the body.

Feels like: Slow, deep, therapeutic. Minimal oil is used to encourage friction between the therapist’s hands and the skin of the body.

Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of manual therapy that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and the muscles. The goal of neuromuscular therapy is to identify and address trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in the muscles that can cause pain and dysfunction.

Feels like: Very deep, long, sustained pressure (30 sec-several minutes) in one area at a time. Pressure is often applied with the thumbs, fists, or elbows. Not to exceed a 7/10 on the pain scale.

Muscle Energy Therapy (MET) is an active technique to release muscles under tension. Target muscles are engaged against light resistance which causes a reflexive response in the opposing muscles, allowing greater range of motion.

Feels like: Active, invigorating, mindful. Requires a small amount of work your part. Great for those who want to take an active role in their massage sessions.

Postural Restoration® is a neurological strategy for tackling pain and dysfunction. Practitioners of PRI® engage directly with the nervous system, combining breathwork with positioning and movement to facilitate improved ease of motion.

Feels like: Slow and mindful. Similar to a guided meditation. The therapist will apply pressure to different areas of the rib cage to help you tune into the muscles of respiration.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the lymphatic system. During MLD a therapist uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes.

Feels like: Feather light, soothing, calming. Slight stretching of the skin and rhythmic tapping of the face to stimulate the sinuses may occur.

Cupping involves placing plastic, glass, or silicone cups on the skin to create suction. The negative pressure that is created feels deep and therapeutic. Cupping may be static (the cups stay in one place) or dynamic (the cups are moved across the skin).

Feels like: Intense, sustained pressure in one area. Unlike a massage that applies positive pressure, cupping creates negative pressure between the muscles and skin.