Gua Sha
(Helen)
Gua sha is a common Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment typically practiced in acupuncture offices. Our motto at Rainforest Relaxation Center is relax away the pain, but with gua sha, let's scrape away the pain. Oil is applied to lubricate the skin and then a smooth edged instrument is use to make strokes on the area that's in pain. This causes redness and bruises that make others assume physical abuse, but the redness is actually stagnated blood that is broken up and flowing thanks to better microcirculation. Gua sha is good for the common cold, fevers, influenza, bronchitis, nausea, asthma, blocked chi, and muscular tension.
Cupping Therapy
(Helen)
RFire cupping is a traditional therapeutic practice in Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is thought that fire cupping causes stagnated chi to flow. Suction is created in a cup and then the mouth of the cup is placed on the client's body. The suction causes blood to rush to the area, increasing circulation. It is not painful, but it leaves circular red marks on the body for a couple of days. Fire cupping is not effective in treating diseases, though it is good for relieving body aches and pains. Our cupping therapy is fireless! A typical cupping session is 15 minutes long. You can choose to do 15 minutes or add time by using this service in conjunction with other services.
Hot Stone Massage
(Helen)
Hot stones are warmed up pieces of flat, smooth stone that are great for improving circulation and calming the nervous system. Warmed tight muscles relax much more quickly too. Hot stones are typically placed on specific points on the back. However, our hot stones are used as if they're an extension of the arms and are used to perform massage strokes. Free hot stones are included for 45+ minute session massages.
Far Infrared Light Therapy
(Helen)
Reflexology is an ancient practice that's gaining popularity in the West. It is based on the theory that certain points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to major organs, glands, and bones in the body. Stimulating the nerve endings in the feet activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to more relaxation and less anxiety and stress. Reflexology is not a proper diagnosis for any condition. It cannot heal anything either - it is the relaxed state of being that allows the body to heal itself.
Foot Reflexology
(George, Helen, Steven, and Tony)
Reflexology is an ancient practice that's gaining popularity in the West. It is based on the theory that certain points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to major organs, glands, and bones in the body. Stimulating the nerve endings in the feet activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to more relaxation and less anxiety and stress. Reflexology is not a proper diagnosis for any condition. It cannot heal anything either - it is the relaxed state of being that allows the body to heal itself.
Bodywork
Footwork
Heat Therapies
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Foot Massage
(George, Helen, Steven, and Tony)
Your feet ground you and support your entire bodyweight. They are so overworked and neglected (until they hurt that is). Also, the feet are the furthest from the heart, resulting in poor blood circulation. Our foot massages work on your entire foot - not just the sole, and we improve flexibility and range of motion too. Many report walking out feeling as if they are walking on air. Good for clients who stand on the job or have cold feet.
Services
We provide professional and legal services only, and we mean it! If you come in expecting illegal extra services at the end, you will be very disappointed. Thank you for understanding.
Bodywork
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Couples Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Tui Na
- Sports Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Reiki
- Prenatal Massage
- Abdominal Massage
- Walking on the Back
Footwork
- Foot Massage
- Foot Reflexology
Heat Therapies
- Hot Stone Massage
- Far Infrared Light Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Gua Sha
- Cupping Therapy
Deep Tissue Massage
(George, Helen, Steven, and Tony)
The body is composed of layers upon layers of muscles and connective tissue. Over time, bands of muscles or connective tissue adhere together to form painful knots. Deep tissue massage focuses on specific problems and targets those deeper layers and knots. Deep tissue massage is good for clients who are recovering from injury or clients who have chronic muscle tension and pain, limited mobility, repetitive strain injuries, or postural problems.
Couples Massage
(George, Helen, Steven, and Tony)
We provide massages for couples. Booking an appointment is highly recommended. Typically, couples will be in separate rooms. However, if you want something more romantic, our second location, 261 13th Street, has moveable walls so we can set up the room for you.
Swedish Massage
George, Helen, and Tony)
This is the most common, classic form of massage for relaxation in the West. The pressure is very light and the soft, long, circular, and kneading strokes are very soothing. Swedish massage generally increases circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system throughout the whole body. It's been studied that after a session, there is a decrease in cortisone, which is a stress hormone, and an increase in white blood cells, which means a strengthened immune system.
Tui Na
(Steven and Tony)
Tui na is a form of traditional Chinese massage therapy based on the theory of chi flow and meridians. Tui na uses acupressure techniques to balance chi flow throughout the body. Removing energetic blockages allows the body to naturally heal itself. Tui na is good for musculoskeletal and chronic stress-related problems. Clients remain clothed under a towel. Please wear loose clothing.
Sports Massage
(George, Steven, and Tony)
Sports massage is great for athletes preparing for and recovering after sports events, and for athletes in training. Sports massage focuses on the muscles relevant to the specific sport. The benefits are increased flexibility and range of motion, and decreased muscle tension, chance of injury, and recovery time.
Lymphatic Drainage
(George)
The lymphatic system is essential in nourishing cells, transporting metabolic waste, and filtering the blood. Lymph can build up in the tissues can cause swelling. Manual lymphatic drainage is gentle and is also effective in accelerating lymph flow, thus reducing swelling. Lymphatic drainage is not recommended for cancer patients, as it can spread cancer cells.
Reiki
(George)
Reiki is a Japanese healing art that works on the subtle energetic level, as opposed to the physical level of reality. The greatest benefit of Reiki is deep relaxation, which assists the body's natural ability to heal itself. It also helps heal emotional and spiritual issues. This treatment is done practitioner lays his/her hands on various areas of the client抯 body to allow reiki (life force energy) to flow through. Reiki is not a substitute for medical care, but is a good complementary therapy. This treatment is non-invasive and clients can remain dressed.
Prenatal Massage
(George, Helen, and Steven)
Massage during pregnancy is very beneficial and healthy. Improved circulation from massage is beneficial for both the mother and the baby, as more oxygen and nutrients will be delivered to the fetus. Swelling of the joints is reduced by stimulating the lymphatic system. Studies show that hormones are regulated, leading to reduced stress hormones and better overall mood. There are also fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications.
Abdominal Massage
(Helen)
The abdomen is an important area of the body that is often overlooked. Benefits of massaging this area are increased circulation to the organs, improved digestion, constipation relief, better elimination of cellular waste products, hormonal balance, less strain on the lower back, and reduced stress. The abdomen is also an area that stores lots of emotions - "have a gut feeling." It can feel very vulnerable, so not all clients are ready for this type of work. In addition to all these health benefits, women specifically experience pain relief from cramps during menstruation.
Walking on the Back
(Helen)
Massaging by walking on the back with bare feet is a great way to relax muscles quickly. The weight of a full body on the client's back means dramatically increased pressure. However, it's not as painful as it sounds. It actually feels very good because the weight is distributed over a large surface area. Some clients like their back walked on because the forearms cannot provide enough pressure. Others like this service because they want their back to be evenly relaxed on both sides.