What is Integrative Massage?

Massage therapy encompasses a variety of techniques, each with its own unique benefits. However, most people have only heard of a few different terms to describe distinct types of bodywork. Rather than sticking to one specific modality, I offer an integrative massage approach — a personalized blend of techniques tailored to your body’s unique needs.
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I find that clients who are familiar with getting a massage might request a specific style of work, most often referencing Swedish Massage or Deep Tissue, which commonly show up on listings of spa services. Some are also familiar with Trigger Point therapy, Rolfing, or Acupressure, which are techniques that might be used by a Physical Therapist. Infrequently I meet people who have experienced Ashiatsu, Cupping, or CranioSacral Therapy.

Each approach is like a style of dance, with their own rhythm and unique feel, and contrasting effects on the body.

My goal with each client is to uncover what works best for them as an individual - and I start with asking what they prefer to experience when receiving bodywork.
When they aren’t sure how to answer, I share these three general styles:
1. General relaxation massage is a calm and often rhythmic approach that unwinds stress, soothes emotional tension, and invites in deep rest. 
2. Clinical or therapeutic massage addresses specific focus areas with the goal of gaining better function or range of motion, pain reduction, or injury recovery.
3. Integrative massage is a beautiful blend that incorporates various techniques that are both deeply relaxing and result in effective release of “knots” and long held tension.

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Reaching Deep Rest for a Nervous System Re-set

​Massage for relaxation will have a more rhythmic, flowing, trancelike quality that encourages the mind and body to find a state of deep rest. When accessing the parasympathetic state, the body is in a rest and repair mode. In this place of calm, your perceptual field is broadened, opening doorways to your creative process and intuition.

In the theta wave brain state, you may experience a dreamlike awareness or altered state of consciousness. In these sessions, I may include Shiatsu style acupressure, abdominal massage, extra attention to hands, feet, and scalp, aromatherapy and energy holds similar to CranioSacral work.
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A clinical session with me looks more like a Sports Massage. The techniques I use are directly aimed at creating change in the tissues, and aren’t necessarily relaxing! Deep tissue work, trigger point release, friction and percussion, deep stretches, and incorporating tools like gua sha, cupping, and warming salves are useful when connective tissues have lost mobility or muscles have become chronically tight. As a result, with these more targeted techniques, you may experience notable shifts in your body - which could include muscle soreness and take up to 2 days to recover.

Integrative massage employs a wide variety of techniques designed to create effective change in the tissues, while also incorporating somatic elements that actively guide the client to a more embodied and whole self. Along with the typical flowing strokes and targeted trigger point release, I may also utilize myofascial contact, passive stretching, acupressure points, and energy work like Reiki. The session’s flow might shift between deep relaxation and active techniques that engage communication with the client. With this approach, every session is unique and designed to address your current individual needs.

Whether you're seeking deep rest, targeted relief, or a blend of both, my intention is always to meet you with presence and care. Each session is an invitation to reconnect with your body, soften into awareness, and create space for meaningful healing.

I hold a safe, compassionate space where your voice is honored and your needs are heard. Together, we can co-create a session that supports the wholeness of who you are — one breath, one muscle, one moment at a time.