:: Pressure Guide ::
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TOUCH
Light
AN INVITATION TO UNWIND
Light pressure is often used to apply oil to your skin and during initial touches. Long, slow and light strokes are key factors in relaxation massage and aids you in reconnecting with your body. It supports your lymphatic and nervous system, and is a great pressure to introduce you into the world of therapeutic touch. The full palm of your therapist's hands are used to create a safe and gentle connection allowing you to drift off and tension to melt away.
medium
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Your therapist's body weight is introduced to reach further levels of muscles to be massaged. Fingertips, knuckles and fists are incorporated, alongside palms, to approach muscle fibers at different angles and achieve pain relief. Gentle stretching and joint mobility also aid in circulating blood flow to nourish specific areas. It is a great pressure to relax farther and begin working out targeted tension.
:: REMINDER ::
There are various factors determining the health and pliability of your muscles on any given day. Some sessions your body may be able to receive firm pressure while other sessions your body may crave something lighter. Body + Breath supports you,
however you show up.
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Together, we figure out what will benefit you the most.
FIRM
INTUITIVELY INTENTIONAL
Deeper and longer stretching, forearms and, at times, elbows are introduced at this pressure along with more of your therapist’s body weight. Firm pressure can be used when clients want intentional focus work on alleviating tension and relieving pain. It is great for helping acute pain (such as a tight neck from sleeping wrong) and chronic discomfort (like never ending back pain). Elements of heat can be introduced to aid in softening muscles further.
deep
ALLOW THE MUSCLE TO GIVE
At Body + Breath, the most important ingredient to our deepest pressure is time. We believe to truly experience the benefits at this level, we must allow the muscles to naturally soften and welcome us to continue our work. Slow and steady wins this race. Force is never introduced and breath work plays a supportive role during these sessions. Typically 1 to 2 areas are focused on during our time together and depending on our clients needs, we do recommend incorporating massage cups if possible.
