Massage/Therapy or Bodywork -- Massage therapy are systems of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the body. The massage system may include, but is not limited to, such techniques as, stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement; effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, rhythmic movements with fingers or short rapid movements of sides of the hand). These techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants, salt or herbal preparations, hydro massage, thermal massage or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by human hands. The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the recipient. Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy.

BELOW ARE GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF MASSAGE MODALITIES.  WE DON'T MAKE ANY CLAIMS TO YOUR HEALING. WE'RE HERE TO ACT AS A HELP MATE TO YOUR BODIES OWN NATURAL ABILITY TO HEAL ITSELF.  OUR THERAPISTS INDIVIDUAL STYLES MAY VARY.  AS NOTED, NOT ALL MASSAGE MODALITIES LISTED BELOW ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED AT LA’RUE’S.  PLEASE CALL TO INQUIRE.

**Acupressure
Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage (massage where fingers are applied to key points on the body) used to stimulate energy flow in the body, ease muscle tension, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. Often referred to as "acupuncture without needles"

**Ashiatsu/Oriental Bar Therapy
This barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. Smooth & heavy movements relieve pain symptoms in chronic soft-tissue damage. Correct application will provide deep relaxation while stretching chronic shortened muscles of the body. Bars are used above the head for leverage, and lubricant is essential for its application. Correct application of two-footed strokes near the spine create a “push, pull, pumping” effect on the intervertebral disc space and can relieve irritation on the spinal nerve. Although, no anxiety should result from this application, and client range of comfort is maintained at all times, this is not a luxurious massage. It is very specific & deep and not for the faint at heart.  NOTE: If you prefer long, fluid deeper strokes, light draping is necessary (consider wearing bikini bottoms).

Chair (we currently do not offer this specialty)

This is the technique for the working person who needs relief in the high-tension areas of the neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back. Great massage for office professionals who can't spare an hour for full body massage.

**Cupping 

An ancient technique has found its place in the modern world of healing. Massage cupping is a modified version of the common practice of cupping therapy, used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the results that this simple treatment produces are impressive. Through suction and negative pressure (by lifting the tissue), massage cupping releases rigid soft tissue.

In addition to promoting circulation, cupping has a warming effect that tends to diminish swelling and pain.  Clients report feeling significantly looser with a decrease in tension and increase in range of motion.

When performed, can result in marking and bruises that can last 2-10 days. 

**Deep-Tissue 
Massage method focusing on aligning the deep layers of muscles and connective tissue (called fascia) through kneading and applying slow, intense pressure. Benefits include improved range of motion and posture, and stress and pain relief.

**Esalen
Developed in the 1960s at Esalen Institute on the California Coast, this approach melded classic Swedish massage with sensory awareness practice and slow, flowing t'ai chi. With great attention to detail, the practitioner works with the receiver, focusing on transitions & long, integrative, continual strokes seemingly connecting from one limb to the next. Today the Esalen massage signature flow can be punctuated with joint mobilizing & stretches. While your tension melts away and yields to a state of harmony, you will escape to a place of serenity & bliss. This is perhaps and by far one of the most nurturing, most beautiful massages you may ever receive.  It is energy, it's personal, it is connected, it's HEAVENLY.   Warm Candle Oils are used in this session.

(Note: Because this session is designed for long, fluid strokes, light draping is necessary -- if you prefer a more conservative approach, bikini bottoms are recommended)

**Warm Stone/Basalt Rocks

Hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy that uses specialized stones called basalt stones.  These stones hold heat, helping to create a deeper tissue massage.  The warmth of the sun is felt in the luxurious weight of hot stones. The stones like liquid heat, glide over the skin and relax tight muscles and relieves tension.

Warm Candle (GREAT Treat for Couples!)

Treat your skin with pure, natural ingredients & essential oils (without chemicals or preservatives) and experience a new type of non-traditional massage therapy with Warm Candle Massage. The candle is warmed and it's luxurious oil/lotion is gently poured directly onto the skin using long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the layers of the muscle closer to the surface -- this feels divine. The warmth of the oil & mild, soothing scent creates an unforgettable massage experience relieving muscle tension while reducing pain & stiffness as well as relief of stress to the mind, body & spirit.

  **This treat can be offered as an 'add-on' to any massage treatment.  An additional fee will apply.

**LomiLomi (We currently do not offer this specialty.)

Meaning "massage" in the Hawaiian language, is the word used today to describe Hawaiian massage, traditionally called Lomi meaning "to rub, press, squeeze, massage; to work in and out, as the claws of a contented cat". Lomi Lomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage.  Practitioners may use the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones. Lomi Lomi is an ancient massage native to the Hawaiian island -- there are many different styles to Lomi Lomi.  We perform 'Temple' style.  Lomi Lomi is a unique style of compassionate massage using long flowing strokes that can cover the entire body in one run.  It's like water flowing over the body.  If you just want to relax without all the hard pressure, this is an amazing choice of bodywork.  (Note: Because this session is designed for long, fluid strokes, light draping is necessary -- bikini bottoms recommended)

**Myofascial Release 

The direct myofascial release (or deep tissue work) method works through engaging the myofascial tissue restrictive barrier, the tissue is loaded with a constant force until tissue release occurs. Practitioners use palms, knuckles, forearms, or other tools to slowly stretch the restricted fascia by applying force. Direct myofascial release seeks for changes in the myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia, or mobilizing adhesive tissues. The practitioner moves slowly through the layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached. In my experience, I have found this technique to be the fastest, less invasive way to work through the deeper layers of the muscle tissue.  Recipients feel significantly loosened & relieved in a matter of minutes!

 **Pregnancy/Pre-Natal

There are many benefits to Pregnancy Massage:

Relieves muscle tension, cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.  Reduces stress and helps the mother to relax.  Relaxation is one of the keys to labor and delivery.  Gestation processed enhanced through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema, and increasing cellular respiration.  Provides emotional support and physical nurturing; this may be passed on to the baby.  Assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and musculoskeletal structures.  Helps maximize breathing capacity, which is needed during labor and delivery. 

**Reflexology/Foot Zone Therapy
Foot zone therapy is based on the premise that energy flows through the body in meridians from the brain to the feet. Every organ and cell has a representative point. On the foot, and when pressure is applied, the brain sends a signal to the corresponding part of the body to facilitate healing and restore balance. Temporary pain, defined also as a blockage of energy flow, is felt on areas of the foot that correspond to the affected organ or body part. When the pain is relieved or reduced, the healing process has begun. Positive and apparent results are felt almost immediately. 

**Sports (Circulatory)

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

**Swedish 

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. It focuses on the superficial layers of the muscle.  Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists may use relaxing strokes using light to medium pressure or a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

**Thai 

Although Thai Bodywork is traditionally done on a mat with client wearing loose clothing, we offer Integrated Thai Massage on the table.  Thai Massage is all about compressions, stretching & movement.  We offer a full-body treatment that involves deep passive, yoga-like stretching, slow acupressure-point pressure, combined with Swedish massage.  It's designed to relieve tension, align the skeletal structure, and increase flexibility while putting you into a place of Zen.  People with all walks of life can benefit from this type of stretching & range of motion work.  The rhythmic stretching and acupressure combined with fluid movement from position to position create a wonderful, flowing, & sedating atmosphere and the overall benefit is very energizing.  For this session, we recommend wearing a bikini or our loose fisherman pants.  

Enjoy a 'Steamy Thai' massage by adding a steam treatment and enjoy all the benefits of a Thai/Swedish massage in a heated room.  (We jump start this session with warm, herbal tea and a 'Steamy Aromatherapy Bath'.  As you lay comfortably on the table, your body will be engulfed in a Steamy Canopy for 15 minutes to warm the muscles and prepare them for your massage.  The entire session will be given in a heated room.)  If you like 'Hot Yoga', you will LOVE this detoxifying treatment!  

[Not recommended for those who are frail, have high blood pressure or MS, acute or severe injury, sharp pains, herniated disks, pregnant]

**Massage Fusion 

This is LaRue's 'Signature Massage' session that gives the receiver a chance to experience a combination of several massage modalities and techniques all in one session!  After your feet are soaked in a warm, fizzy blend of oils & Epsom salts,  your therapist will begin Acupressure Therapy, Compressions, Body Walking, & Ashiatsu followed by a variation of Myofascial and Thai Massage which elongates, stretches & challenges stiff joints & range of motion.  Traditional Deep Tissue will also be administered to stubborn areas of the body.  Once your muscles & knots are relieved, they will be carefully adorned with heated exotic oils & warm basalt stones with Esalen massage.  At this point, your muscles will have responded to a state of surrender.  Your back will be treated to an exfoliant polish, after-which, you will be draped with warm, aromatherapy towels.  As your massage comes to an end, your feet & lower leg will be adorned & indulged with a luxurious sugar/salt scrub to exfoliate & moisturize followed by a touch of Reflexogy massage. This session is exciting, it's innovative, it's breathtaking.  So be restored, be revived, be renewed, be pampered and be completely indulged.  Experience 'LaRue's Signature Massage' and escape into a speechless state of serenity & bliss.  

THIS SESSION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR COUPLES or GROUP SESSIONS.  Order of operation may vary.  

NOTE:  As these are general descriptions of massage modalities and styles may vary, please contact our representative for specific details on each modality & style we provide.