Swedish Massage is a relaxing, therapeutic style of bodywork, combining oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress, and greater flexibility.
I enhance this classic modality with other techniques and resources depending on your needs, e.g., trigger-point work and stretches, deep-tissue techniques where appropriate, various massage tools or essential oils, etc.
For all Custom Swedish sessions, I offer hot-towel service and the diffusion of essential oils.
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. The word Shiatsu comes from two Japanese words - “shi” (finger) and “atsu” (pressure). In addition to the direct stimulation of pressure points along the energy pathways of your body, gentle stretching techniques are applied over a wider area of the body to integrate the point work and encourage the flow of Chi (energy) throughout the body. Shiatsu is a meditative healing art that honors the body, mind and spirit.
Please note that Shiatsu is performed fully clothed; comfortable, non-restricting clothing (such as sweatpants or leggings and a T-shirt) is perfect to wear to your appointment.
Shiatsu traditionally takes place on a mat on the floor. Please let me know in advance if you have trouble getting down to or up from the floor so that I can adapt to your needs.
This massage is an entirely unique offering, developed and performed exclusively by Laura Hannett, LMT. It combines the finger pressure, range of motion and gentle stretches of Shiatsu with the flowing techniques of classic Swedish massage for an experience unlike any other.
For this massage, appropriate clothing will be supplied for you.
Shiatsu is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor. Please let me know in advance if you have trouble getting down to or up from the floor, so that I can adapt the Signature Shiatsu to your needs.
Let the harmonious and peaceful sounds of singing bowls wash over you, sweeping you into a deeply relaxed, meditative state.
Please note: Singing bowls are not appropriate for all clients. Your therapist reserves the right to determine if this modality is a safe one for you.
An add-on to your massage treatment: The roots of gua sha extend back through the centuries to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Specially shaped tools are used to gently scrape the posterior surfaces of the body (where the yang meridians are located), increasing circulation to the skin and warming and loosening superficial fascia.
Please note: There is the possibility that gua sha will produce red or even dark purple marks on the skin (known as petechiae), similar to those produced by cupping. If this happens, these marks should disappear in 2-3 days after the treatment. In the meantime, they should be protected from the sun and from drafts. They are not painful, but they also aren't pretty!
An organic rosehip oil is applied to the skin, and gua sha tools are drawn lightly across the face, to soothe and smooth. This technique encourages the flow of lymph, increases circulation and works with specific shiatsu points on the face.
(Please note: This technique is very gentle and, unlike gua sha for the body, does not carry the risk of leaving marks.)
Transition into your massage, or from your bodywork session to "the real world," in a calming, mindful way. Choose from a selection of thoughtfully curated, pre-recorded guided meditations, approximately 10 to 15 minutes in length. You can segue into or out of your massage session with a meditation--or both (adds about 20 to 30 minutes to your appointment time; $16 for before-and-after guided meditation).
For this special enhancement to your massage, I will consult with you to choose two essential oils associated with the energy centers known as chakras, then use them to create a custom blend. During your massage, I will apply this blend to points along the midline of the body where the chakras are believed to be located. After the massage, you will take your custom blend home with you.
Please note that I provide the services available at Elan Therapeutic Massage in addition to the offerings listed above. For a complete menu of Elan's services and rates, please visit http://elan.massagetherapy.com
Just outside the door of my treatment room, you will find my little shop! I sell a collection of luxurious treats for the body.
Check out the vegan, cruelty-free hand-and-body lotions from Ollie & Max, a small business located in Massachusetts. The fragrances range from light and floral, to rich vanilla-tobacco, to spicy, patchouli-inflected scents--something for every taste!
I also carry lip balms and bath salts, from small, American makers, with eco-friendly packaging.
Prices range from $3 to $15.