massage techniques
kiah’s massage style
Kiah’s style of massage is both intuitive and structural, and each massage is customized for the individual. She connects to the needs of the specific body she is working with and tailors the massage throughout the body as different areas may benefit from different approaches. Kiah takes time at the beginning of each section to connect with her clients and to figure out exactly what they want/ need during their session. These desires may be specific areas of the body or patterns to address, preferred techniques or tools, or the overall feeling of the session (i.e. grounding vs invigorating, flowing vs focused). Taking the time to talk about how one is feeling and what they are looking for begins the process of connecting to one's body and internal needs.
Kiah’s massages are very therapeutic, and she combines many different styles of massage in her work. She loves learning new massage approaches and techniques and is continuously gaining a deeper appreciation for the human body. Rather than having clients book a specific style of bodywork that is used throughout the session, Kiah combines styles, techniques, and tools to create a personalized session to perfectly address the needs and desires of the client. In so doing each session is like a mosaic- a unique final product composed of diverse pieces! Kiah has the capacity to work very deeply while still keeping clients in a relaxed and peaceful state.
Kiah feels that ease and freedom in the body as an integral part of true health and happiness. She sincerely believes that we can enhance our lives profoundly by learning how to release tension, and by cultivating breath, acceptance, and love in our bodies. When we feel connected to our bodies and comfortable in our own skin, we feel stronger and more comfortable in this world. Kiah’s deepest wish is to help her clients feel truly embodied and at peace both internally and externally.
techniques and styles worked into sessions
deep tissue | myofascial release | swedish massage | hot stone massage | general relaxation | scarworks | warm bamboo fusion | thai massage | reflexology | facial rejuvenation | structural integration | soma therapy | neuromuscular | pregnancy massage
* Descriptions below of the styles primarily used during sessions
“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
— Hippocrates
additional tools which can be used during your massage
hot towels | hot stones | aromatherapy |
marble cold stones | warm bamboo | energy work | specialty creams and oils
massage techniques
deep tissue massage
The deep tissue massage is best for giving focused attention to certain painful or stiff “trouble spots” in the body. Please note that a deep tissue massage is not the same as deep pressure- a relaxation massage can contain very deep pressure. The massage therapist generally uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on the layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under the skin. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage; otherwise, tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. Deep tissue massage is often used to relieve chronic patterns of tension and help with past muscle injuries. By working intuitively and in sync with the patient’s ability to release, we are able to go to much deeper levels without it being painful.
hot stone massage
For hot stone massage, the therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body, such as acupressure points or tight muscles. The stones may be used as a massage tool or temporarily be left in place. Hot stones can be very soothing and relaxing, as the transmit heat deep in the body. Heating tense muscles also aids the therapist in being able to work deeper and can allow for more full release of stubborn tension!
prenatal + pregnancy massage
Prenatal massage can help bring ease and relaxation, and help with the many changes a pregnant body experiences. Massage can help reduce stress, decrease arm and leg swelling, and relieve muscle and joint pain. Massage can also bring a sense of well-being, comfort, peace, and self-care during the intense time which is pregnancy. Specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns, and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of the parent and growing baby.
In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance the structure, physiology, and emotions of the new parent, and can help them bond with and care for the new infant.
myofascial release therapy
Myofascial therapy involves releasing stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue system that contains each muscle in the body. Therapists will massage and stretch the body without oil, using sustained holds. This can be very helpful for increasing mobility and treating injured areas in the body.
swedish massage
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with the movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
Four common strokes of Swedish massage are:
Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
2. Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
3. Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
4. Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
