Descriptions of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Modalities

Acupuncture – is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China some 3,500 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body ($75 for a one hour session).

Swedish - aids return of venous and lymphatic flow to the heart. Long, fluid strokes-“effleurage”- combined with kneading -“petrissage” are typically used to soothe and relax a client. Intent is to increase circulation and to relieve stress/anxiety by bringing the parasympathetic nervous system into balance.

Deep Tissue - Used to help restore the natural function of a muscle, ligament or tendon. Techniques utilized include, but are not limited to: cross tissue - cross friction - myofascial work - stretching (passive and active) and trigger point work - circular friction - range of motion - structural integration.

Sports Massage -Used pre- and post- athletic event to warm up muscles and increase circulation, and to help to stretch and lengthen muscles afterwards. It is also used as an aid to prevent injury during training, incorporating such techniques as joint work and range of motion exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) - supported assisted stretching and tense and release actions are also used. This type of massage is typically deeper work that focuses on maximizing your body’s potential.

Hot Stone Therapy* - The use of hot stones throughout a full body massage. Stones are placed on various places on the body and used with strokes (in hands of the therapist). Clients must be in good health (certain conditions such as diabetes are contraindicated) and are encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after the massage. A heated massage! ($90 for 1 hour).

Acupuncture (Body and Facial) * - Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China some 3,500 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body ($75 for a one hour session).

Acupressure/Shiatsu - An ancient Chinese method of finger pressure along the meridians or channels of the body. Pressure is applied - and may be sustained - to acupuncture points in order to release excess Chi or to bring energy to certain areas of the body. This is a blend of bodywork & energy work. Acupressure vs. Shiatsu - Shiatsu is typically done on a mat (clothing on) and incorporates stretching, palm pressure and exercises.

Facial Rejuvenation - Using the 12 cranial nerves, light finger pressure is applied to the face, neck, and head - along with long fluid strokes and stretching. Excellent for post-dental visit pain, reoccurring headaches and TMJ.

Aromatherapy * - The application of pure, therapeutic essential oils mixed with the massage oil/cream. Many essential oils have medicinal qualities and should be discussed with the therapist before the session. May help alleviate certain conditions such as headaches, depression, fatigue, approaching colds, respiratory and skin disorders (one hour session is $75 and you take home a vial of therapeutic essential oil.

Traditional Thailand Massage * - is an ancient form of bodywork that utilizes deep rhythmic compressions, assisted stretching, assisted and sustained yoga postures to induce a deep sense of openness, peace, and relaxation. At the core, Thai Massage is an energy based system of bodywork that tonifies and clears channels to allow the receiver optimum health and attitude. The effects of Thai massage are cumulative, and tend to last for many days following a session.
About the practitioner: Rick Haesche is a Connecticut State Licensed Massage Therapist and registered THAI Practitioner. He was introduced to Thai Massage at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 1994, and shortly after that he began formal study with Maxine Shapiro in Newton, MA. In 1997 he traveled to Chiang Mai Thailand to study, practice and receive Traditional Thai Massage. In 2006 Rick completed a rigorous 40 hour Advanced Thai Massage Class with Pierce Salguero of Tao Mountain Thai Massage School. Currently he is in full time a private practice at Sacred Rivers Yoga in Glastonbury Connecticut, and teaches Thai Massage at massage schools, yoga studios, and spas throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Rick Haesche is an NCBTMB approved provider for Continuing Education.


Reiki *- Reiki is a method of relaxation and stress reduction that has a side benefit of healing. The client lies on a massage table fully dressed while the therapist balances the nervous system of the subtle body and the chakra system. The therapist works on or above the body, channeling universal energy to flow easily throughout the body. Reiki is especially effective when used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.

Hypnotherapy - is a powerful tool for change. You are always in control; you can hear and remember everything that happens while you are “under”. You decide on the changes that you want to make in your life; the therapist merely facilitates your communication with your own subconscious. Hypnotherapy is often used for weight loss and smoking cessation, but it can also be used to manage pain, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, or even to visualize the shrinking of cancerous tumors. Past life regression can also be a very effective healing technique. We often come into this life carrying subconscious memories of traumas in past lives. Bringing theses memories to light can often heal the trauma.

Cranial Sacral Therapy * - is a potent tool using the functions of the cranial sacral system. It is an effective form of bodywork and of Neuromuscular Therapy which uses gentle movements to unlock tension and relieve paizn. It does not involve rapid adjustments, painful contortions, or deep muscle probing. The cranial bones, designed for movement, are connected to the sacrum by a continuous membrane system of connective tissue that houses the brain and spinal cord. The spinal fluid is pumped through the membranes, creating a rhythm which can be monitored and balanced. The rhythm, or cranial sacral pulse, is similar to the heartbeat. The whole body expands and contracts with this rhythm. The core of your being, motor function, learning patterns, emotions, and ways of perceiving the world are affected by the balance of your cranial sacral system. As your cranial sacral system comes into balance, you will usually feel a release of accumulated stress, and a general sense of well-being. Cranial sacral therapy can be an effective aid in shifting emotional holding patterns and draining stress in the nervous system. Clients often experience relief from headaches and other problems located in the head, jaw, neck, pelvis and diaphragm. (Cost $70 for 1 hour)
©January 1995, 2001 Glenn R. Heminover, Jr.

Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage - Therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. Pregnant women lie on their sides to be massaged and pillows are used to prop and support the mother-to-be.
In addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy feels good, there are many other benefits for mother and baby. Studies have shown that massage can actually reduce stress hormones in the body. Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. It can also assist in maintaining proper posture, preparing muscles for childbirth, reduce swelling in hands and feet, lessen sciatic pain, and relieve headache and sinus congestion.
©Kelly Lott, RMT from: http://pregnancytoday.com

Foot Reflexology - is a “pressure therapy” and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot.
Foot Reflexology is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and sides of the feet to determine the cause of illness. Benefits of foot reflexology are many including increased calmness, improved circulation, increased energy and balanced emotions among others. $55 for 55 minutes

Homeopathy - is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars. The truth of this law has been verified experimentally and clinically for the last 200 years. Homeopathy accepts that all symptoms represent the body’s attempt to restore itself to health. Homeopathy looks at the totality of the symptoms presented.
©2002 National Center for Homeopathy from http://homeopathic.org