SERVICES

Ananda Massage and Bodywork

What Your Massage Session Will Be Like

Every massage therapist has her or his own unique style. If you have a lot of experience as a client, and have had the opportunity to try different therapists, you know this first hand. You may have had experiences with massage therapy that were either awful, amazing, or somewhere in between. If you are totally new to massage therapy, you have perhaps heard testimonies from friends or family about how they benefitted from massage on a regular basis or on the other hand, you may know someone who told you a massage horror story that stuck in your mind. No matter your previous experience, or lack thereof, if you have chosen Ananda (Bliss) Massage and Bodywork you may rest assured. If you have any expectation, let it be that you will have a wonderful experience.

I never give the exact same massage. During each client-specific session I utilize techniques and strokes from different modalities and target specific muscles or muscle groups, while maintaining continuity to the approach of an integrative, full body massage. By also employing varying degrees of pressure and rhythm as well as smooth transitioning to make everything flow, the result is a totally relaxing and revitalizing effect. Especially after a 90-minute or 2-hour session, many clients report going through deeper and deeper levels of relaxation as the session progresses, and it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep on my massage table. Despite what some may be likely to assume, it is not only when a therapist uses a light touch that someone briefly nods out during a session.

I use the type of touch each person wants me to use, which I determine in a simple and effective way: A couple minutes into the massage after warming up the tissue, usually while working the back, I increase the pressure. I’ll start in my middle range and ask, “Do you want more than this, less, or is this just right?” After I get a response I inform you that if you ever want me to adjust the level of pressure to just let me know. Then I shut up and let you enjoy your massage. It is actually quite rare that someone requests the lightest touch but nevertheless, sometimes people catch themselves dozing. (Yes, a male therapist can have a firm yet gentle and nurturing touch at the same time.) It’s not my aim for you to have a power nap on a cozy, heated massage table. It is nice to keep your awareness enough to enjoy your massage but when it goes that way I believe it to be indicative of something which is profoundly healing. I think when you get a deeply therapeutic massage and your body and mind start to let go of all that stress, sometimes it keeps going to the deepest level and allows you a few minutes of deeply restorative, mind-soothing rest. Just holding up your head all day in front of a computer screen is enough to put loads of stress on your neck and shoulders. Or sitting in a car or at a desk for hours at a time is enough to cause pain, soreness, stiffness and general discomfort in your back and hips. Add in exercise, or lack of exercise along with all the mental and emotional challenges that the family and workplace present and what you have is S-T-R-E-S-S. Let’s face it. We all have it. Most of us don’t even realize how much stress we’re holding onto until we start letting it go. And by the way, if you do happen to nod off and then ask if you were snoring, I will kindly say “No,” whether or not it is true.

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Based on the various methods my clients find to be effective and enjoyable, a massage and bodywork session usually includes techniques and strokes from:

Swedish Massage - The most commonly practiced Western massage technique, which uses gliding, kneading, friction, percussive strokes, tapping, and other methods to stimulate circulation. It relaxes and invigorates muscle tissue and warms up connective tissue, allowing it to be manipulated more easily. Basically, anytime a bodywork practitioner of Western massage applies oil to the skin, we use at least a few strokes from Swedish massage. Just some of the many benefits of Swedish massage are: relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, promotion of healing after an injury, reduced stress and fatigue, and improved sleep.

Neuromuscular Therapy – A specialized form of deep tissue massage in which pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in the muscle or connective tissue. These areas of strain are called tender or trigger points and are the cause of muscular pain symptoms. In short, Neuromuscular Therapy includes a combination of deep tissue massage and trigger-point therapy.

Deep Tissue Massage – Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/ deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage; otherwise surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

Trigger Point Therapy – This modality is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of bodywork, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing and may also assist in the therapeutic process by identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort. The results and benefits of trigger point work are releasing constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain. You can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.

What is a trigger point? - In simple terms, a trigger point is like a spasm. It’s a localized contraction which is rigid or “stuck”. Trigger points are those knots you feel between your spine and your scapula (and other areas) which can impinge a nerve and drive you nuts. The general cause of trigger points is some kind of stimulation which generates a response, for example holding your shoulders in a particular way. Over time a summation occurs and a specific area stays contracted. Trigger points can be found in the muscle as well as fascia, tendons, ligaments or periosteum.

Some specific causes of trigger points:

Fine-motor movements: Such as, computer keyboarding or playing a musical instrument
Gross-motor movements: Exercise, yard work, heavy lifting
Posture: Muscle contracts to fine-tune the body’s position in space as it shifts back and forth. Postural asymmetry such as long leg-short leg and pelvic distortions can stress the musculature and create spasms and trigger points
Stress and fatigue: Anxiety, depression headache, etc. A spasm caused by stress is similar to one caused by injury – the muscle response is the same. Stress produces a response from the body to the demand placed on it. This stress may be emotional or physical
Direct Trauma – Vehicular accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries. Tissue trauma is always met with inflammation.
Periods of inactivity
Disease and disorders – Such as, fibromyalgia, arthritis, temporomandibular joint disease, and nerve entrapment. Massage is often recommended to reduce discomfort associated with these and many other conditions, as long as contraindications do not exist.

Myofascial Release – The application of sustained (usually very light) pressure and counter-pressure to eliminate restrictions and adhesions in one’s connective tissue which are related to stiffness, limited mobility and discomfort. It is beneficial in increasing range of motion and is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, and headaches, problems related to scoliosis or carpal tunnel syndrome and more.

Reiki - A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by the practitioner gently placing the hands on various areas of the client’s body. Sometimes the hands are close to the person, without touching. Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. In fact, modern science teaches that everything is made up of energy. If one's life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from the very essence of one’s being it does not interfere with anyone’s religious beliefs. However, many people find that using or receiving Reiki actually puts them more in touch with the experience of their spirituality, rather than having only an intellectual concept of it. I offer Reiki as a complete session and also usually incorporate a few minutes of Reiki into a massage and bodywork session. During a complete Reiki session the client remains clothed except for the removal of shoes.

Hot Stone Massage - There's absolutely nothing as wonderful as a hot stone massage on a cold, winter day. (Besides an unexpected tropical vacation). Come in and try one! Hot, (between 130 and 135 degrees) smooth, rounded basalt stones are used to soften muscle and connective tissues with deeply soothing, rhythmic strokes. It is super-riduculously relaxing! The stones have an amazing calming effect and will warm your worries away. I also incorporate bodywork into the session so you will not be massaged with the stones throughout the entire session. Basically the session includes a hot stone massage and deep tissue massage all in one, so you get the best of both worlds! By the way, if you've seen an ad for a hot stone massage with a pretty model who has stones resting on her back -- don't expect that. I do not use placement stones as they can easily cause burns. I also use a digital thermometer to be constantly aware of the exact temperature of the stones. Two types of stones are generally used for hot stone therapy:

Oceanic basalt stones are formed from cooled lava and are believed to have unique energetic properties. This is why placement stones are used to open up energy centers. (I integrate a few minutes of Reiki instead) Their physical properties make them ideal for hot stone therapy as well.

Olivine and the presence of iron and magnesium play a role in their density and ability to hold heat, making them ideal for this application. Naturally tumbled for years in the ocean, this volcanic rock is eventually washed onto beaches after years of being exposed to sand, sunlight, moonlight and all the natural elements it encounters, giving it an established "energy personality". It is collected along beaches in its natural state in various shapes and sizes.

Land basalt comes from a quarry and is mined in large slabs weighing several tons. The slabs are cut down to smaller sized blocks and hand crafted into stones specifically for hot stone massage.

One of the greatest testaments to the effectiveness of Hot Stone Massage is that the technique arose among many different cultures which had little to no contact with one another. Ancient healers in India reportedly discovered its benefits over 5000 years ago, incorporating hot stone massage techniques into Ayurvedic medicine, which is still practiced today. Asian cultures used hot stones in Anma massage to strengthen energy flow within the organs dating back 4000 years. Native Americans used ritual Hot Stone Massage in sweat lodges to help purify both the body and the mind and Hawaiian islanders developed Lomi Lomi massage using lava rocks, which was practiced by Kahuna medicine men. Now you can enjoy this ancient healing art close to home, and at a reasonable rate.

If you desire a session which is solely or predominately one of the aforementioned modalities or practices not mentioned like sports massage and stretching those are also available.

Pricing for Massage/Bodywork Services

Prices Do Not Include Sales Tax

Tax can be waived with a massage prescription

1 hour - $75

90 minutes - $110

2 hours - $140

Hot Stone Massage

1 hour - $85

90 minutes - $120

2 hours - $140

Basically if you get a 2 hour session you can choose to have the hot stones for no additional charge. Hot stone sessions must be booked in advance and can not be "upgraded" at the time of your appointment.

**Return Visit Discount**: As a way of saying, "Thank you" and encouraging my clients to most effectively appreciate the benefits of massage by receiving one on a regular basis I offer a discount policy. After your initial appointment you will get $5.00 off each session you make in consecutive calendar months or if you have more than one appointment per month, you will receive a $5.00 discount for each appointment. (If you did not have a session the previous month the first would be regular price.) Considering the quality of the massage you will get when you choose Ananda (bliss) Massage and Bodywork, it is really a great value. With the $5.00 discount a one-hour massage is $70.00. Compare this to even the most inexpensive franchise spas, where the regular price for a "one hour" massage costs an average of about $90.00. If you get a membership it may bring your payment down to about $70.00 but keep in mind the massage is actually a 50-minute service. You have to read the fine print describing the service which includes a 10-minute "consultation" time and the time it takes for the client to get undressed before the session and getting dressed after. Also, a massage is booked at the top of each hour so when therapists are booked all day it is easy to see how quite often your session will actually be less than 50 minutes. I can gladly say that's not how it is with me. As long as you're on time, your 1-hour massage should last for 60 minutes, right? Ten minutes makes a big difference! All that time should be well spent by the therapist addressing clients' needs and making sure each one has a wonderful experience. And you should be able to take your time getting off the table, and given adequate time to give your therapist feedback, listen to any suggestions we might have, or perhaps there might be something different you want to incorporate into your next session and you want to mention it before you book your next session. Maybe you went online and read up about a particular modality or something about anatomy and physiology and you have some questions for me. That's great! As much as I can, I love educating my clients about massage and bodywork and how it relates to our bodies, mind, emotions and spirit. Educated clients make the best clients – and while my main concern is providing you with an exceptional service by helping you relieve stress and pain, I also believe in providing a great service at an affordable rate.

So, long story short. I reiterate: $5.00 return visit policy! It's a good thing. Take advantage of it.

(Does not apply to 1-hour Reiki sessions)

For Reiki*

1 hour - $60

90 minutes - $90

*Reiki sessions may extend slightly past the actual session time. There is no additional charge. I mention it so you allow a few extra minutes in your schedule just in case.

Located at the Office of:

Colonial Valley Chiropractic

136 Lawrenceville-Pennington Rd.

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

For Appointments Call: (609) 325-8377

Current Therapist Schedule:

Monday: 6:00pm – 8:00pm by appointment

Tuesday: Call for availability

Wednesday: 10:00am – 8:00pm by appointment Therapist may be available with 1 hour notice

Friday and Weekends: Call for availability

Preferably, it is best to schedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance; however sessions may be possible with shorter notice.

Call to inquire about house call appointment availability

(As the practice continues to grow, I will be expanding my availible hours to more easily meet your needs)

See other Ananda Massage and Bodywork printings for additional information

anandablissmassage.com