Services
There are often multiple modalities performed within a massage session at Fern and Thistle Massage. Each massage is unique and tailored to each client. Sessions may include any variation of deep tissue, deep swedish, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cupping, craniosacral, reiki, and manual lymphatic drainage.
While most people are familiar with swedish and deep tissue massage, cupping, craniosacral, reiki, and manual lymphatic drainage requires explanation.
Cupping is practiced in various areas of the world, but primarily in eastern regions. When a cup is placed on an area where there is pain, discomfort, or stagnant energy, the cups create a vacuum, drawing any excess heat or blood or energy to the surface. It is said that 10 minutes of cupping is worth an hour of deep tissue work. Cupping is deeply therapeutic and is offered during your massage session if it is found helpful.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle form of bodywork that relieves pain, stress and trauma, and unwinds the facial systems and areas of stuck adhesion or imbalance by working with the body's natural rhythm and engaging with the central nervous system. This therapy brings the body out of the Parasympathetic response state, triggered by the fight or flight response to stress, and engages the rest, digest and repair system, allowing for a full body feeling of calm, well being and peace. CranioSacral is a subtle modality with powerful results and relief.
Reasons for requesting CranioSacral Therapy
* chronic pain
* neck and back pain
* migraines
* digestive issues
* stress and tension
* collective trauma or grief
* imbalance
* body pain, fatigue
* stress/circular thoughts
Manual lymphatic drainage is a medically minded modality that focuses on expediting the flowand filtration of lymph toward the appropriate lymph node tributary areas of the body. Because most of our lymphatic system lies just under the dermis, this is a light touch modality. Manual lymphatic drainage is exceptionally beneficial for those who: have a compromised lymphatic system (ie. have had lymph nodes removed or have a history of lymphedema), would like assistance in detoxing the body, are pre or post surgery, have suffered injuries, and could use a hand with the immune system. ** Please note: I work out of the second floor of a building that does not have an elevator. Please do not book if stairs pose a challenge, or if you have difficulty lying on a massage table. For post-surgical patients, please allow at least two weeks post-surgery to book. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.
Myofascial Therapy is a hard-science minded massage modality that focuses on breaking up adhesions that exists on multiple levels both within and surrounding the muscular tissue. Fascia surrounds muscles fibers, muscles fascicles, and the whole muscles - existing between the muscles belly and the dermis. Techniques for breaking up and loosening adhesions within this type of tissue consist of a foundational knowledge of muscular fiber direction where cross fiber or longitudinal release may be used. Also prominent in these sessions are whole-muscle-belly lifting & shifting, and skin lifting & shifting techniques.
