Our SPA is by appointment only. No drop-ins

 It is the most popular form of massage in Oklahoma and probably in America. You have probably had it. Most massage therapists do not know that they are doing this modality, believing that it is “Swedish.” (A Federal research study states that “Swedish  massage” does not exist.) Mind-Body does not involve telling the therapist about your childhood or anything of that nature, in fact, a qualified practitioner will never allow talking during the massage. These styles are the most profoundly relaxing, while also being the most penetrating, yet painless, pressure into muscles. The focus is on mental functioning and reducing muscle stress by getting the mind to relax and let go of unneeded coping patterns, in the process you become as limp as possible. This allows the therapist to work deeper, with no discomfort. We are not attempting to change your mind, we are observing your body for insights into your functioning and assisting you in coping with the normal emotions of life. A few of the styles would be; Skilled Touch, Esalen, Hakomi, body centered psychotherapy, neo-riechian, psychoanalytic massage, among others. This type of work starts with you laying face down and the back worked first, then arms and legs, chest & abdomen, ending with the face.

 Mind-Body Modalities: This method of bodywork starts with the client laying face down with the back worked first, then arms and legs, chest & abdomen, ending with the face. Lymphatic manipulation is considered by most to be included here.    

 This is the massage best known by Americans, but frequently is completely misunderstood. It was called “Anatripsis” (meaning: “to rub upwards”) by the Hippocratic physicians. The major precept in these “Western” athletic styles is to increase performance and stamina. They are all about muscle, bone and blood flow. Traditionally these styles are combined with hot baths, steam or sauna or sports activities, causing the client to sweat, so the massage begins with the client face up, starting at the head, so the head is cooled and sweat flows away from the eyes and mouth. Neuromuscular is a common style here.

Some other athletic styles include; Beard’s, Kilburg open hand, Ostrom, Metzger, Kellogg, Ling Swedish Movement and a hundred others. “Swedish massage” is not a massage technique. “Swedish” was originally coined in order to indicate that the massage was legitimate or non-sexual. If you study massage, the proof becomes overwhelming that “Swedish,” outside of the Ling movement system, doesn’t exist. But the most obvious support is that those who claim to do “Swedish” use French words (Effleurage, Petrissage, etc.) not Swedish to describe it. These French words came from two European doctors named Metzger and John Luc Champiorre. The major concept in these “Western” athletic styles is to increase performance and stamina. They are all about muscle, bone and blood flow. While the entire body is impacted, the focus is on improving muscle function. It is done on a table, but the client may receive part of the session sitting upright. Because traditionally these styles are combined with hot baths, steam or sauna and are conducted during or after sports activities, causing the client to sweat, the massage normally begins with the client face up, starting at the head, so the head is cooled and sweat flows away from the eyes and mouth. 

 The major precept in Asian massage is to improve the flow of the life force or Qi. Traditionally they are all performed on the floor or a mat. They focus on lines of “points” called meridians. One of the earmarks of Asian bodywork is that you start face down and the therapist begins at your feet. All scientific massage probably began in Asia, and was brought to the West over time.  Ayurvedic Medicine comes under this modality.

Some of the Styles (or recipes) would include; Tuina, Shiatsu, Thai, even acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology could be considered to be under this modality. The major concept of each of these is to improve the flow of the life force or Qi. Traditionally they are all performed on the floor or a mat. They focus on lines of “points” called meridians. But just like Asian food, it can be as mild and relaxing as Japanese Shiatsu or as rigorous as the stretches of Thai massage. Remember that putting oregano into a Chinese dish does not make it Italian, so adding “acu-points” or stretches to a table massage does not make it an Asian modality. One of the earmarks of Asian bodywork is that you start face down and the therapist begins at your feet. All scientific massage probably began in Asia, and was brought to the West over time. 

 Some practitioners of these styles and many legal entities do not consider them to be massage, since they frequently do not involve touching the body and they are not concerned with muscle function. The precept is to enhance or modify the body’s electromagnetic field or “aura.” While the method of operation is not understood, research exists indicating effectiveness.   

 The goal is to enhance or modify the bodies electromagnetic field or “aura.” The styles include; Deloris Kreiger, Rieki, Polarity, Healing Touch, to name a limited few. While the method of operation is not understood, there is research indicating effectiveness. The work can be done in a number of positions and can start at any point on the body that is in need of balancing, so there is no particular order or sequence. The pressure may range from the lightest of touch to no touching at all.