Healing Vibes
Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

Tools of the Trade/Terminology

This page is provided as an educational tool to understand the types of modalities and products referenced in the services page.  As always, you can contact me at healingvibesvb@gmail.com directly for any questions that you have.

CUPPING THERAPY - An ancient form of alternative medicine dating several thousand years in which cups are placed on the body to relieve pain and muscle tension.  The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping relaxes muscles, encourages blood flow and stimulates the relaxation response in the nervous system.  I use silicone cups which are used over the body during a massage to loosen fascia and static cupping in which cups suctioned in place and left there to draw up muscles and fascia to stimulate an increase in blood flow and local micro-circulation.  

LED LIGHT THERAPY (PHOTOBIOSTIMULATION) - I use the award winning, NASA researched technology based CELLUMA Pro Light Therapy Device.  CELLUMA is FDA cleared for use on the face for wrinkles and acne and on the body for arthritic pain, muscle and joint pain and stiffness and muscle tissue tension and spasm.  LED light therapy uses clinically proven wavelengths to provide compromised cells with energy in the form of ATP - a fuel that drives all cells.  This boost of cellular energy results in an increase of micro-circulation, tissue repair and a decrease in inflammation pain.  The session time is approximately 20 - 30 minutes.  LED light therapy is included in all 90 minute massage services.  

STEAM CANOPY - Researched benefits of steam therapy include improved respiratory health, improvement in cutaneous (skin) circulation, improvement in blood flow circulation and an increase in blood flow out of the heart, stress relief and mood enhancement, enhanced exercise recovery and muscular health and weight loss.  Your private steam canopy session will take place with a custom made canopy that fits over the massage table.  This allows you head to remain cool and comfortable allowing your body to remain longer in the steam for increased health benefits.  Custom blended herbs are added to allow your tissues and respiratory system to obtain the benefits of the herbs.  The session time is approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending on tolerance.  

HIMALAYAN SALT STONES - Stone therapy massage is a very popular modality as it is deeply relaxing.  The use of warm stones made of salt provide many additional health benefits.  Himalayan sea salt contains up to 98% sodium chloride as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese and iron.  The stones are hand carved, heated and applied to the body with pressure.  The essential and trace minerals within the stones deeply penetrate the skin, joints and muscle tissue.  The use of himalayan stones also benefit our modern lifestyles as the salt emits a negative ion frequency.  In comparison our electronics emit a positive ion frequency.  These positive ion frequencies for some people can affect sleep, concentration and energy.  After a massage with himalayan stones many people feel a deeper state of relaxation and an increased level of focus and mind body awareness.   All massage sessions include the use of these health promoting salt stones.  

SHIRODHARA - This is a grounding treatment which can be added as an enhancement to any menu service.  Warm oil infused with rejuvenative herbs for the mind such as bramhi and gotu kola are streamed over the forehead and scalp to induce an strong state of relaxation which mimics the mind when in a state of meditation.   Immediate benefits are stabilization of the nervous system.   Regulation of the pituitary, pineal and hypothalamus glands which regulate many hormones and peptides in the body.  Enhanced mental concentration, clarity and comprehension.  Treatment time is approximately 30 minutes and includes facial acupressure and scalp massage.    

CRYSTAL SOUND BOWLS - 7 bowls made of quartz crystal and each attuned to a different tone and vibration are used during a crystal sound healing session.  When striked, the bowls produce a pure, expansive and powerful sound that resonates deeply into the body.  The tones and vibrations correspond with different regions of the body which are called chakra zones and each zone governs specific organs, hormones and peptides.  The human body has a natural affinity to quartz.  On a molecular level our cells contain silica, which balance our electromagnetic energies.  Crystal acts as an oscillator, magnifying and transmitting pure tone.  The sound emitted affects brainwave activity supporting an improved state of consciousness.