Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy massage combines two powerful and popular techniques for increased healing power, stress reduction, and pain relief. The vast array of essential oils that can be inhaled or applied topically can provide healing, soothing, and relaxing effects. You may find that aromatherapy massage provides the extra therapeutic and psychological care you need to get the most benefit from your massage session. Before your session begins, talk with your therapist about your goals for the session. Be sure to share your scent preferences as well as any allergies or sensitivities you may have. At The Ballard Wellness Clinic, we use Young Living products - 100% pure, therapeutic grade oils.

​*Our studio offers complimentary aromatherapy.

Craniosacral Therapy

​Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. Therapists generally use only five grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People use cupping for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Since the techniques use negative pressure, rather than tissue compression, superior bodywork ranging from MFR to deep tissue work easily accomplished. The suction of the cups rapidly facilitates rigid soft tissue release by stretching it up from underlying structures, thus loosening areas of adhesion or restriction, activating muscle spindle reflexes that relax contractile tissue and retraining the myofacial structures. Further, it stimulates the nervous system reflex to the cerebral cortex, contributing to an increased rate of recovery from pain and disease. The intended suction can range from light to heavy. This, along with the movements performed and areas treated by the therapist will produce stimulating (toning) or sedating (draining) effects. It is very important that therapists be able to effectively assess the condition (physical, mental and emotional) of their clients, before the procedure, so they employ the proper application of the cups to produce the desired outcome.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CUPPING: Cupping is contraindicated in cases of severe diseases, i.e. cardiac failure, renal failure, ascites due to hepato-cirrhosis and severe edema, as well as hemorrhagic diseases such as allergic pupura, hemophilia and leukemia, and clients with dermatosis, destruction of skin, or allergic dermatitis. Cupping should not be applied on the portion where hernia exists or has occurred in the past. For pregnant women, the lower abdomen, medial leg and lumbosacral region should be avoided.

​*Cupping sessions will be available at an additional charge and must be booked in advance. ​

Deep Tissue 

Deep tissue massage is a specific type of massage therapy that concentrates on the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body; and recommended by many doctors as a treatment option. By using deep finger pressure and slow, firm strokes, deep tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments. Because massage increases the flow of blood through through the body, it helps reduce the inflammation that causes pain. It also helps ease stress and tension, which can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Deep-tissue can help increase the body's production of serotonin, the hormone that promotes happiness and good feelings. Well-trained massage therapists work very slowly, within the client's tolerance, to stretch muscle layers without causing pain or damage. It often results in a little soreness afterwards, but you should feel better, not worse, after your massage. 

Himalayan Salt Stone Massage

Dating back many years, natural salt has been used to enhance healing. People visited salt caves to find relief from a wide range of health issues, to enhance breathing, to improve skin health and to reduce stress. Today, specially shaped Himalayan salt “stones” are heated to provide a unique therapeutic massage that offers salt’s healing benefits during a massage. Unlike traditional hot stone massage, the minerals of the salt stones are absorbed into the skin as the therapist glides them along. Also unlike hot stones, the Himalayan salt stones may be used hot or cold and are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. 
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When there are too many positive ions in the body it leads to inflammation. Being massaged with Himalayan salt stones helps balance the positive ions with negative ions. This can help reduce inflammation, which causes pain and illness. Himalayan salt contains more than 80 trace minerals that are absorbed by your body during a hot Himalayan Stone massage, helping to replenish minerals lost during hard workouts or ongoing stress. Himalayan Salt is naturally antimicrobial and helps to detoxify and nourish your skin and body. Your skin will feel more refreshed and lightly exfoliated by the glide from salt stones that are smooth and rounded. The salt stones are heated and when combined with therapeutic massage, a signal is sent to the body to turn off the stress response and turn on the relaxation state of being. When our muscles are able to relax, the therapist is able to help problem areas release more readily. 

​*Hot stone sessions are available at an additional charge and must be booked in advance. 

Hot Stone Massage

The therapist places heated, smooth stones on specific points on the body and also holds the warm stones while giving the massage. The stones are usually basalt (a volcanic rock that retains heat well). The warmth of the stones can be relaxing and can loosen tight muscles so that the therapist can reach areas of muscle tension quickly. The recommended time for a hot stone massage is at least 90 Minutes. ​Our studio can also incorporate the use of the "Heat-Wave" and "Divine" Synergy stones. Synergy Stone is a family owned and operated company, hand-crafting contoured hot stone massage tools locally, in Seattle, WA. You can incorporate these stones to "Synergize" any style of massage. ​

​*Hot stone sessions are available at an additional charge and must be booked in advance. 

Kinesiology Taping - Coming Soon

Just as massage therapy is a stimulus to the tactile receptors in the skin, so are other external applications to the skin, such as tape. Kinesiology tape is another way of touching the skin to stimulate the somatic senses, specifically the tactile senses of touch and pressure. Kinesiology tape can be applied with varying levels of tape tension. The tape tension is critical to achieving the desired effect on the nerve receptors in the skin. Any stimulus that touches the skin causes the transmission of steady nerve signals that allow the body to determine specific pressure on the skin. Kinesiology tape can thus be utilized as an extension of the massage therapy sessions by continuing to provide tactile sensory input to these mechanoreceptors in the skin. This response, when coupled with various massage therapy strategies, may produce a more lasting response to both massage and kinesiology taping. 

Benefits of Taping:
  • Reduce painful inflammation by allowing the removal of cellular waste.
  • Reduce pressure on nerve endings by lifting the skin away from pain receptors.
  • Relax hyper-tonic muscles that make proper movement and posture impossible.
  • Revive dying or inhibited muscles by restoring needed nutrients and fluids.
Benefits of Taping in combination of Massage Therapy:
  • Muscles that have been stretched and warmed by massage will stay loose longer.
  • The body can remove lactic acid more easily, which decreases soreness after deep tissue techniques.
  • Softens scar tissue and fascial adhesions so future sessions can be more productive.
  • The natural pain relieving ability of massage will last longer.
  • Added stability will keep muscles from moving out of alignment.

Medical Massage

Medical massage is outcome-based massage, primarily the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with a diagnosis and are administered after a thorough assessment by the massage therapist with specific outcomes being the basis for treatment. It is also known as clinical massage or treatment massage. Any Licensed Massaged Therapist is qualified to do medical massage if they have training on how to treat specific problems. Washington State and Florida are currently the only states that mandates Massage Therapists be allowed to be contracted providers with health insurance companies but each therapist must be individually credentialed. 
​Please inquire within to see if we accept your insurance plan. 

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique that claims to release adhered fascia and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. Many patients seek myofascial treatment after losing flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, cross fiber friction or by skin rolling. Myofascial therapy can also enhance or assist other treatments to increase their effectiveness such as acupuncture, manipulation, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. 

Pregnancy Massage

Also known as prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is customized to an expectant mother's needs but is most often used to promote relaxation. Since many pregnant women suffer from lower back pain and swollen ankles especially in the later months, prenatal massage is a relatively safe, drug-free way to provide relief. Massage therapists who have received specialized training and are certified in prenatal massage know how to position and support the woman's body during the massage, modify techniques, and avoid certain areas and techniques during pregnancy. Please indicate which trimester you are in, at the time of booking. 

Reiki Integration

Reiki is being studied by the medical and by the scientific community for relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki is a universal life force in all things. When the electromagnetic field of the body is compromised, spiritual and emotional as well as physical aliments manifest. By balancing the aura field and chakras, Reiki can aid in reducing these types of symptoms. Thus, bringing mind, body and spirit back in harmony with the higher self . A session may involve only light touching or hovering of the practitioner's hands over the body. During a Reiki session the practitioner channels universal energy through their hands to provide healing to the client's body and energy field. A healthier energy field allows the physical body to be more relaxed and enhances the body's natural abilities to heal. 

​*Reiki sessions are available at an additional charge and must be booked in advance. 

Sport's Massage

Designed to prevent and treat injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance, sports massage can be used by athletes of all abilities to prepare for or recover from athletic or sports events. Even if you aren't an athlete, sports massage may help muscle pain or restricted range of motion. The idea behind sports massage is to manipulate the body's soft tissues, and focus on certain muscle groups depending on which sport the athlete plays. This type of massage can help with increased blood flow, increased range of motion, and increased flexibility. The therapist may also include compression, pressure point therapy, friction, and joint mobilization. 

Swedish Massage

The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage is the Swedish massage. The Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. Clinical studies report that Swedish Massage can effectively reduce low back pain and the effectiveness can last for as long as 15 weeks. One study reported that Swedish Massage caused reduction in salivary cortisol indicating its role in management of stress and improvement in mood. Swedish massage is sometimes considered to be more soothing than therapeutic, but research by the Touch Therapy Institute in Florida shows that Swedish or classic massage has many therapeutic benefits.