During moist heat treatments a (wet) hot pack is placed on sore muscles or tight areas of the client’s body for 10 - 15 minutes.  Moist heat or superficial heat is often used before treatment on a specific area to loosen muscles and prepare them for therapeutic massage.

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Moist heat packs come in different shapes and size to accommodate different areas of the body.  They are filled with clay and sand which absorbs the hot water and are covered in canvas.  Most hot packs are stored in a Hydrocollator, a stainless-steel thermostatically controlled liquid heating device designed to heat water up to approximately 160°.

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To use them, the therapist places the hot pack in towels or special wraps, this not only helps to prevent burns, but it also slows down cooling, giving you more time to enjoy and benefit from the treatment. This warm wet heat source smooths and relaxes sore muscles, joints, and ligaments making it easier to release tight muscles and increase blood flow to generate healing.

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Gua = rub or scrape

Sha = redness: the reddened skin areas where blood stagnation or heat is trapped in the body.

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Gua sha is traditionally used for areas of pain and inflammation and as an immune system support or stimulant.  Blood congestion collects in the surface scar tissue in areas of the body where you experience stiffness, pain etc. 

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Using the gua sha tool to scrape the skin surface breaks up this energy which reduces inflammation, creates blood flow therefore promoting healing.

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Adding essential oils to any type of massage can enhance your session.  Essential oils have been long known for their soothing and relaxing effect as an aromatherapy which often helps relieve stress and anxiety.  There are also many emotionally uplifting benefits associated with the use of essential oils.

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How aromatherapy works: Scents run through your nose, pass through your olfactory bulb, along the bottom of your brain where it connects to your hippocampus and amygdala. This area of your brain is responsible for memories and feelings making it very powerful.

Essential oils can penetrate cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood and tissues.  The molecules of EO are small making them able to penetrate the cells.  The liquid- soluble structure helps them travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes.

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Many EO’s are known for their ability to relieve sore muscles, reduce inflammation, open sinuses as well as promote blood flow.