Hi it’s Natasha! I thought I’d share a description of some different massage techniques I use, what they are and why each is beneficial:

Deep tissue massage

My primary specialty is deep tissue massage which is excellent for helping to release tight muscles and increase mobility. Deep tissue methods can range quite a bit, and can involve mid to deep pressure and active and passive range of motion. Active range of motion is when your therapist will ask you to move an area of your body, such as your leg, often while they are putting some pressure on the muscle that you are working. Passive range of motion is the same thing except you relax and your therapist moves your limb for you. Both methods deepen the effectiveness without necessarily needing to increase pressure. Deep tissue massage does not need to be aggressive or painful in order to work. Always let your therapist know how the pressure feels and if you want a change.

Myofascial release 

I also love using myofascial release to help gently relax and unwind tight fascia. Myofasical release uses a generally lighter and slower pressure at a specific angle in order to target the fascia, which is the layer of connective tissue that covers all your muscles. It also uses gentle, specific movements to help stretch the fascia and increase mobility. This technique is great for helping to reduce neck pain and headaches! It’s very relaxing. 

Table Thai massage

I also incorporate some table Thai massage into most sessions. Table Thai is basically Thai massage techniques that are modified to be used on a massage table, since Thai massage is generally done on a mat on the floor. This therapy involves pressure with the palms at 90 degrees, stretching, pulling and moving the limbs. It is deeply relaxing and helps to increase flexibility and mobility. 

Fire cupping

My other specialty is fire cupping and movement cupping therapy (check out this article from yinyang.com that explains cupping from a Chinese Medicine view). Fire cupping involves using glass cups and a flame to create a vacuum in the cup that then suctions to your body. It feels like a mild to deep pulling and stretching on your tissue. Cups can be left on for several minutes in one spot or moved around to treat different areas of tightness. They’re excellent for relaxing muscles and fascia and decreasing pain. This therapy also increase the flow of energy to the area, which is why you might have marks on your skin after. They fade in a few days and can last to up to a week after. 

For movement cupping I usually place several silicone cups during a massage session on a certain area of tension, and the client will then move their muscles through various ranges of motion while the cups are on. This method is awesome! It works quickly to decrease pain and chronic injury and increase mobility, often with results after the first session. I’ve had a lot of good feedback from clients on this technique as well.  

In following our Covid guidelines, we are currently not offering cupping. If you are interested, call us and we can place you on a notification list for when we offer this service again.

Are you interested in trying any of these techniques yourself? Call VAMT at (651) 756-8525 to schedule. If you have any questions about these techniques leave us a comment!  I’m happy to answer!

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call us at 651-756-8525 or visit us at villageacupunctureandmassage.com.

Until next time!
Natasha Lundstrom, Licensed Massage Therapist at VAMT

Natasha graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon, in 2005 and has collaborated with many skilled chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists. She and her husband live in St. Paul and enjoy staying active by means of hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing.