Massage & Bodywork Offerings
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common and widely recognized type of massage. This traditional European technique uses long, gliding strokes combined with kneading and friction to induce full-body relaxation. Techniques vary from light to vigorous and are intended to increase circulation of the blood and lymph, helping to flush toxins and lactic acid build up, and can also increase range of motion in joints. Most experience reduced muscle tension, a calmer nervous system, and an enhanced mental outlook.
Swedish massage combines well with deep tissue, myofascial release, Shiatsu, cupping, CBD and essential oil therapy. Performed from a wellness perspective, it focuses on general health and creates an overall sense of well-being.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue is a focused massage technique using deeper pressure to reach the subsurface layers of muscle and connective tissues to release holding patterns. By targeting the deeper layers, this type of massage facilitates healing by improving circulation and flushing areas of inflammation. It’s particularly beneficial for relieving nagging lower back pain, stiffness, recovery from injuries, and improving overall mobility. The techniques are used when needed and are not intended to be used for the entire massage. It can be nurturing and does not have to be painful.
Deep tissue is great combined with essential oils, Swedish massage, myofascial release, cupping, pregnancy massage and more. It’s also excellent for chronic injury sessions. If you are wanting to “fix” an area that’s been giving you trouble, try deep tissue. Spreading out your treatments and implementing it into multiple sessions can be very effective at healing chronic ailments.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial massage works with the loose, fibrous connective tissue surrounding the supporting muscles called ‘fascia’ that is found all throughout the body. Fascia holds everything in its shape. Chronic poor posture, injuries, or overuse can create restrictions and adhesions in the fascia, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Myofascial release uses sustained pressure and stretching to release these restrictive areas, restore healthy fascial mobility and leave tissues soft and pliable.
This type of massage combines well with Swedish, deep tissue, essential oils, craniosacral and more. By directly manipulating the fascia, it can improve flexibility, posture, circulation, and overall functional movement. It can also be a great fit for people with an auto-immune condition.
Craniosacral Bodywork
Craniosacral therapy is a type of bodywork known to relieve compression in the bones of the head (cranium), low back/ sit bones (sacrum) and the spine. It palpates and manipulates the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid that runs through the brain and spinal cord, encouraging the body to self-correct and restore optimal function.
Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle and non-invasive process that can have profound effects on very deep tissues. It can ease migraines, jaw pain, hip, rib and shoulder pain and so much more. It's also profoundly calming for the nervous system, making it beneficial for anxiety, insomnia, and many stress-related disorders.
If you are wanting to see a vast improvement in your posture, book a craniosacral alignment series. What this entails is five 45-minute sessions of craniosacral therapy for five consecutive weeks. It includes a before and after picture of your body to visually see some outstanding results.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage
The journey of pregnancy and motherhood can put tremendous physical and emotional demands on the body! Therapeutic massage can offer much-needed relief and restoration.
Prenatal massage increases blood and lymph circulation, reducing swelling and muscle aches while relieving stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles. It can also help with contracting the uterus and decreasing labor complications. Postpartum massage aids in recovery from the birth process, decreasing muscle strain from birth, relaxing muscles, and helping realign the body's structure. Regular massage during these phases can improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression, and provide an overall sense of physical and emotional renewal.
I offer postpartum massage visits to your home with no additional travel costs. I know first-hand the process of being a new mom, and am very comfortable working with interruption as unpredictable needs arise. Both prenatal and postpartum massage are customized for each stage, ensuring proper body positioning and specialized techniques are used for optimal benefits.
Motor Vehicle Accident Massage
Even a minor car accident can cause significant soft tissue injuries and whiplash that lingers long after the initial impact. Through a combination of customized therapeutic techniques, I can help you relieve muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, increase range of motion, and reduce scar tissue formation to support your healing process. For long-lasting injuries, massage helps improve circulation and break up muscle adhesions and scar tissue that can form over time. This enhances healing and makes stretching and strengthening exercises more effective during recovery.
Earth Hands Massage is credentialed to accept insurance for medical massages related to motor vehicle accidents. Contact me prior to booking with your insurance provider and claim number to make sure coverage is available. Earth Hands Massage can provide professional care and support as you navigate your recovery.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is designed for athletes looking to enhance their performance, prevent injury, and aid in recovery by targeting muscle groups used during specific sports.
A pre-event sports massage can increase flexibility and reduce fatigue in the muscles using techniques that increase range of motion and circulate blood flow. A recovery massage utilizes deeper pressure to relieve muscle tension, flush lactic acid buildup, and encourage muscle repair.
Whether you are a professional athlete or an active hiker in the Pacific NW, Earth Hands’ sports massage sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs and help you reach your peak physical condition.
Energy Work
Blockages of stuck emotional energy, outdated patterns, or past traumas can manifest as physical or mental tensions. Energy work encourages the release of what no longer serves you, creating space for profound healing, growth, and positive shifts in your life circumstances.
During an energetic healing session, gentle light touch or off-the-body techniques are used to engage with and realign your body’s subtle energetic fields. This allows your life force energy to flow freely, relieving stagnation and restoring your body's natural healing frequencies. Optional use of crystals, sound therapy, vibration and essential oils are available to enhance the experience.
Energy work can be combined with many different massage techniques to provide a holistic mind-body-spirit healing experience. Transformative techniques that bring balance and harmony to the whole self can be used to support you on your journey to self-discovery.
Medium Work w/Bodywork
Medium work with bodywork is also known as 'intuitive medium connecting'. As an spiritual channel, I'll attune to your energetic field during your bodywork session and communicate with any guides, ancestors, or higher wisdom present. Through this connection, you'll receive channeled messages and guidance to help support your life's journey.
Integrating medium work alongside bodywork can create a powerful, multi-dimensional experience for full mind-body-spirit renewal. Massage techniques can be implemented and just resting on the table is okay as well. This service is different from energy work that is already included in a massage session, as the medium work is rooted in communication and processing. Additional self-care and/or connection with people that can support you to further integrate the shifts received may be recommended after this type of session.
Massage add-ons
Gua Sha Scraping
The gua sha tool's smooth edge is used to precisely scrape the skin in short strokes, increasing circulation and breaking up adhesions. This ancient Chinese healing technique helps relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and metabolic waste buildup through raising light redness on the body's surface.
CBD Oil
CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate muscle aches, joint pain, and general soreness when massaged into the affected areas. It’s especially useful for treating issues like arthritis, injuries, and exercise-induced inflammation and can be used alongside essential oils and lotions.
Cupping
Also used in Chinese medicine, heated glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy. Cupping can help relieve pain, enhance circulation, improve range of motion, and pull out toxins that are lingering in your body’s tissues.
Crystal Grids
Crystals act as conduits, anchoring specific vibrations that can help relieve blockages, move stagnant energy, and restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit. Incorporating a crystal layout into your session can amplify the benefits of your bodywork session so you emerge feeling uplifted in energetic alignment.
Magnesium Balm
This mineral-rich balm can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Magnesium is known for its ability to alleviate aches and pains, making it a valuable addition to your bodywork session.
Aromatherapy
When massaged into skin, the therapeutic compounds in essential oils penetrate through to reduce inflammation, spasms, and pain while the beautiful aromas enhance the overall relaxing and rejuvenating effects of massage. Aromatherapy can also improve sleep, mood, and mental state.
Hot Stones
The penetrating heat from smooth, heated basalt stones allows muscles to relax on a deeper level than hands alone. Tension and stress melt away while increased circulation delivers a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles to promote deeper healing.
Hot Towels
Evoke the full spa-like experience by implementing the hot towel service into your massage. Along with promoting relaxation, the heat from the towels aids in loosening tight muscles and joints, allowing for a more effective massage.
Not sure which is best for you? Let’s Talk!
earthhandsmassage@gmail.com
(503) 231-2904
1016 SE 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214