Compassionate Healing Massage:

Oncology Massage

This special type of massage is tailored to the needs and medical condition of each patient during their battle with cancer. Swedish techniques and relaxation massage are often combined with techniques such as reflexology and acupressure during a therapeutic session.  Heidi received Medical Massage training from Blue Heron Academy in Michigan. She uses a combination of specific physical manipulations applied in a systematic way (varying intensity, direction, rate, and rhythm) to different muscles of the body.  Oncology massage appointments are one hour but may be modified according to the needs of each individual.  Patients should avoid very deep massage – gentle is safer and more beneficial.      The American Cancer Society recommends therapeutic massage to aid in healing.  Nurturing human touch provides comfort, therefore improving the quality of life for the person going through this experience.  Because the immune system of a person living with cancer is compromised, a very important benefit of oncology massage is improving the functioning of the immune system.

Battling cancer is not a challenge anyone should face alone.  Heidi is a loving and dedicated therapist who has assisted many patients through this journey. She remains actively involved in each person’s healing process and is always ready to modify her treatments to best serve each individual.  With more than 30 years of therapeutic massage training and experience, many clients have become friends!

*Special pricing considerations for Compassionate Healing sessions (Senior and Oncology Massage). Please call for details.

Participant in the U’ILANI FUND Marina Lee U’ilani Bermudez Complementary Breast Cancer Treatment Fund!

Compassionate Healing Massage for Seniors

Senior massage doesn’t differ much in technique compared to massage for younger adults, just add a little extra tender loving care.  A typical session will be an hour long, depending on the mobility of the client.  Sessions can be done in a sitting position, using the chair massage, or from a recliner, or on a lowered massage table.  Assistance in getting on and off the table is expected and always addressed.  Often more time is spent on the hands and feet which helps enhance body awareness, sensations, and circulation in certain parts of the body.  This is very important for those patients who don’t walk or have full use of their limbs.  Pain management is still predominantly treated through pharmaceutical methods, but people are now becoming aware of the benefits of massage therapy.  Massage therapy is a natural solution to many ailments associated with the aging process.

Heidi has a special place in her heart for our senior community and takes great pride in assisting our elders in enjoying their lives ti the fullest!

Lomi-Lomi:

Traditional Hawaiian massage using long, continuous, flowing strokes. The therapist uses different areas of the forearm and elbow in coordination with use of breath to enhance relaxation and alignment of the body.  This method of massage eases stress and tension, enhances blood and lymph flow and aids in eliminating wastes and toxins. Lomi-Lomi massage is designed to connect the mind, body, and spirit.

Vog/Sinus/Migraine Treatment:

This technique is used in assisting the opening up of blocked or congested sinus cavities and lymphatic channels. Varied levels of pressure are used to address points on the face, neck, chest, and scalp areas. Scalp massage is also used to stimulate circulation throughout the head, facial muscles, and sinus channels. This work is recommended for headache and migraine suffers as well as for smog/vog and allergy-related congestion. Aromatherapy essential oils can be helpful and very relaxing while opening up these often painful blockages.

Deep-Tissue:

Designed to relieve tension in the muscles and the connective tissue or fascia. Deep tissue massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. This type of massage is often recommended for individuals who suffer from constant pain, are involved in heavy physical activities, and patients who have sustained physical injury.
The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. There is a “gradual buildup and decline” connected to doing deep work. These sessions are often quiet intense as a result of the deliberate, focused work. Deep Tissue works by physically breaking down adhesions found in muscles, tendons, and ligaments to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Due to the nature of this type of work, open and honest communication during the session is VERY important! A misconception of deep tissue massage is “no pain, no gain”. There is a level of pain that can be helpful. Think of a “good” pain level this way = 0 being no pain and 10 being extreme pain, you do not want your pain level above a 7. Although it may be what you think feels “needed” at the time, this can cause bruising and a lot of unnecessary soreness. Deeper isn’t always better and it’s important you trust your therapist to determine the “proper” therapeutic pressure levels your muscle tissue can handle and will serve you best overall. Deep breathing is also a very important tool for receiving this type of massage work.

Lymph Drainage:

This is a type of massage technique used to gently work and stimulate the lymphatic system, to assist in the reduction of localized swelling. This massage enhances the lymphatic system by stimulating the flow of water throughout the body and especially the nodes, which filter excess toxins and proteins. Lymphatic drainage also enhances the immune system. This type of massage is very light in nature but is highly effective in relieving the retention or blockage of the water in the body from filtering properly. Many surgeons refer patients for this type of treatment for pre- or post-surgeries or after liposuction to help reduce the swelling and minimize lymphedema and scar tissue or fibrosis.
Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid that can collect in any body part, but most typically in arms and legs. It usually occurs when the lymph vessels or lymph nodes are blocked or removed. The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system.
The lymphatic system runs parallel with the veins and removes cellular waste, bacteria, proteins, and excess water from the tissues. When lymph nodes or pathways are insufficient, damaged, or removed through surgery, lymph fluids cannot progress through the body. Thus, the surrounding tissues swell, thicken, and become painful. Bacteria in this environment can multiply and greatly increase the risk of infection. Fibrosis (excess connective tissue growth) can occur causing stiffness and limiting movement and range of motion. This type of massage stimulates nearby lymphatic channels to allow the flow of fluid from the affected area and assists in pain relief.