Deborah Happel
Licensed Massage Therapist NC #19024

Massage Techniques

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.

Acupressure

Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing - that simply touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply firm pressure directly to these points on your body, which relieves your muscle tension and improves your circulation. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to be very effective in treating headaches, backaches, and even insomnia.

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy is a style of massage where heated stones are placed at specific sites on your body to deepen relaxation and promote circulation in your muscles. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly than with a traditional massage. The overall experience is very relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing trigger points in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These knots are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient form of bodywork that uses cups to create suction on the skin. The cups draw up the tissue, increasing blood flow to the area and releasing tension. Sometimes the cups are put in place and left for a few moments; other times they are moved to stretch or cross muscle fibers. They are wonderful tools to provide negative pressure to the compression of other massage techniques.