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My classic massage lasts for about an hour and a half. The massage begins with the client face down (prone) and a few long flowing strokes to introduce my touch setting the tone for the massage. I then start manipulating the muscles of the back. I massage the muscles of the back for approximately a third of the total massage time. The back is the most common place for muscular tension and often takes deep pressure to get the back muscles to relax. Occasionally I have an individual wanting light touch on the back but typically the back is the place for deep tissue work.

My approach toward deep work is to isolate the tense muscle, apply deep and sustained pressure first with my thumb, then with my forearm and if desired (for those really have knotted muscles or are simply into pain) my elbow.  Gradually applying sustained pressure creates more stress on the muscle and eventually the muscle releases the tension. Often it will take revisiting the muscle several times during the session to achieve the desired state of relaxation.

I believe deep pressure can be applied gently in a way that harmonies with the body easing out the tension. When I get a massage I like deep pressure but not so deep that my body fights the experience and I leave more tense than when I first laid on the table.

Once the deeper work is done my touch gradually lightens up and becomes progressively more relaxing. I slowly ease into working the feet, the legs, the gluts including leg stretches for the conclusion of the first hour or so.  The secret to creating more touch sensation is to flatten out and relax the entire palm of the hand and S...L....O......W down. A very simple technique yet it makes a big difference in amount of total touch sensation one experiences on the massage table.

The final 30 minutes of the session are typically spent face up (supine). I begin by gently working the the neck, scalp,and face. The neck can hold a lot of tension and stress often responsible for headaches.  I like working the neck with the client face up because I can use the natural weight of the head to create pressure. I love a good sustained neck stretch. A scalp/face massage is a great relief for headaches and sinus issues. Once the head is done I gradually progress down to the feet working the chest, abs and legs including lots of leg stretches slowly return to the head where I finish the session.

I frequently include energy work in my sessions. It's common for me to pause and hold constant posture on a specific area of the body for a few moments. Holding constant light touch during the massage can create a deeper "energetic connectedness." Although there are many chakras (energy centers) throughout the body i typically experience more intense energy movement while working at the head, the feet, or the hands. It's amazing how good it feels to pause and hold the palm of a hand. Good energy work is all about a sense of connection with the client... embracing, and opening up the natural energetic flow between the body and the greater universe... creating a universal dance.

I am continually evaluating the elements that create an awesome massage experience and have come to believe the energetic connection between the client and practitioner can take the bodywork experience into a much deeper dimension.  Extraordinary bodywork is all about creating a deeper spiritual relationship between the client and practitioner providing an opportunity for healing... the energetic release of tension, stress, and for the lack of a better term, junk. We all collect junk from time to time and the massage table is a great place to let go of the bad energy allowing the good energy all around us to flow in and provide needed renewal.

Sometimes I think half of the battle in providing an awesome massage experience is creating a place of sanctuary. I often hear clients say when they walk in the door…. Awwww I feel better already. We all need places of retreat, refuge, safety. I believe the human body has an amazing way of providing natural healing if allowed to flow. Extraordinary body work can open the body to the natural flow of energy with the greater universe.