Massage Therapy
No two massages are identical. Each and every massage session is modified to the needs of the individual client being treated. The amount of pressure and type of strokes used are all dependent on the type of massage requested and the condition of the client. The following is a brief description of the different types of massage; the therapist may use one of the following or incorporate many to provide the client with the most beneficial type of treatment.
Acupressure
An Eastern therapeutic technique that uses finger pressure to regulate energy flow throughout the body. In Chinese philosophy energy travels throughout the body in pathways called meridians. These meridians have a specific direction of flow and areas of increased sensitivity called pressure points. Energy can become blocked in some areas do to illness or trauma, Acupressure can help clear these blockages to regulate energy flow bring the body into a more efficient state of health. Acupressure may be incorporated into a massage treatment or used as a complete treatment in itself. When used alone it may be referred to as Shiatsu.
Deep Tissue Massage
Therapeutic massage that works the deeper muscle groups of the body. Primarily, Deep Tissue Massage uses more pressure than Swedish massage, but uses similar gliding, kneading, compressive, vibration, percussive and friction strokes. Deep tissue is great for people who have had massage and are looking for a therapeutic treatment for chronic muscular tension and discomfort.
Lomilomi
A Hawaiian massage technique based on the concepts of working with the body, mind, and spirit. It is hands on healing using two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes which cover a large area that is deep and powerful, yet gentle. Lomilomi massage focus on the body’s external pressure points, nerve centers, and muscle tissue giving immediate and long-term relief. It removes toxic wastes, tension, pain, and fatigue, replacing them with positive energy, increased circulation, and improved muscle tone. Certified practitioners at the Pearl practice a style of Lomilomi that can be used for injury prevention and recovery, or to facilitate relaxation and stress relief.
Medical Massage
Massage used when there is a specific problem being addressed and usually there is insurance to be billed. The Pearl is happy to bill insurance companies that cover medical massage, but be aware that some companies require a referral from your primary care provider. When addressing specific conditions the more therapeutic modalities are used such as deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point, and myofascial release. Of course with injuries that involve pain, techniques are modified for client comfort. Please speak with a staff member about medical massage and insurance billing if you have any questions or concerns.
Myofascial Release
Massage that addresses the fascia tissue of the body by unwinding imbalances and releasing tension. Fascia is the network of connective tissue in the body that gives shape and holds the body together. Trauma, stress, and injury can cause the fascia to become rigid, stuck, and bound. Myofascial Release works to soften this connective tissue making it more mobile and pliable while relieving discomfort and pain. This therapy may be used alone or integrated into most any type of massage treatment.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage for all stages of pregnancy from first trimester to postpartum care. The focus of pregnancy massage is to promote a healthy and successful pregnancy by reducing stress, muscle tension, and body imbalances while encouraging deep relaxation for the mother and child. The main component of pregnancy massage is positioning the mother for optimum comfort and safety of the unborn child. (Some mothers will need a written referral from their Primary Care Provider before receiving massage)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
A stretching technique that is based on neurophysiological principles and the laws of muscle physiology. This technique was designed to reduce spasm and pain while increasing range of motion and re-educating the neuromuscular pathways. PNF is a fast and effective technique that can be integrated into almost any massage modality.
Sports Massage
Massage designed for the training, conditioning and injury rehabilitation of athletes. It includes a lot of joint mobilization, stretching, and muscle strengthening to promote recovery from injury. Although focused on athletes it is not limited to the treatment of athletes, elements of sports massage may be beneficial to many recovering from injury or trauma. This form of massage is compatible with Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy.
Swedish Massage
The most common form of massage. It incorporates long gliding stokes, kneading stokes, friction, vibration, compression, and percussive movements with pressure ranging from light to deep. The benefits of Swedish massage include, but are not limited to promoting relaxation, encouraging circulation of the blood and lymph systems, relaxing muscles, and improving joint mobilization. Swedish massage is wonderful for someone who has never had a massage before, someone wanting to just relax, or someone who needs relief from muscle tension or stress.
Trigger Point Therapy
A form of therapeutic massage that helps alleviate myofascial pain. Trigger points can be defined as sore spots in the muscle due to trauma, poor posture, repetitive motion, injury, or strain of certain muscles. This therapy is a must for athletes, musicians, dancers, or anyone with chronic muscular tension from overexertion. Trigger point therapy is often incorporated into Swedish massage and Deep Tissue routines.
Specialty Spa Treatments
The following treatments are specialty spa treatments that may incorporate massage, hydrotherapy, and/or energy work. Some of these treatments are designed for specific illnesses or conditions, but all may be modified for your individual needs and desires. Staff members are always willing to answer any questions or recommend a treatment that is right for you. Never hesitate to ask!
Aroma therapy
Addition of Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils to any massage session. Different combinations of oils have been developed to enhance the beneficial effects of massage. Choose from the Therapeutic, De-stressor, Energizing, Soaring Spirit, or the Live with Passion combinations. Sure to stimulate your nose while calming your nerves and awaking your spirit. (Young Living essential oils are also available for retail purchase through Krystal, our in-house Independent Distributor.)
Craniosacral Therapy
A gentle technique that monitors the rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid as it flows through the craniosacral system. An experienced practitioner can detect the motion of the fluid anywhere in the body and uses this information to treat the whole body ultimately to free the core of the system: the skull, spinal cord, and sacrum. The positive effects of Craniosacral Therapy rely on your body’s natural self-corrective activities.
“Lomi’ili’ili” Hot Stone Massage
Lomi’ili’ili literally means “Flat pebbles in motion”. Heated stones have been used in Hawaii for hundreds of years to address the many levels of healing necessary to help restore balance in the mind, body, and soul. Based on Lomi Lomi concepts heated stones are laid on the body in strategic positions to promote circulation while the skilled Lomi Lomi practitioner uses smooth heated stones as massage tools to achieve the desired treatment results. This treatment is very effective for any condition for which heat is indicated. Clients who have experienced the stones report it to be a profoundly relaxing and grounding full body experience.
Lung Flush
A therapeutic treatment using tapotement or percussive strokes, rocking, and intake of liquids to cleanse and flush out waste products in the lungs. Focusing on the lungs this treatment is ideal for clients who have recently quit smoking, have chronic bronchitis, or who are recovering from a chest cold. The lung flush is most effective when used in conjunction with an Herbal wrap and steam treatment.
Manual Lymph Drainage
A gentle massage focused on the lymphatic flow throughout the body, which supports the body’s immune system. Lymph travels throughout the body much like the blood of the circulatory system. When this lymph flow is slowed or blocked edema or swelling can occur. Lymphatic massage promotes lymph flow and can reduce swelling. This is a wonderful treatment for lymphedema, tired heavy legs, sports injury, and pregnancy related swelling, or as a post-surgery and cancer therapy. Manual lymph drainage is wonderful in conjuncture with dry brushing, and anti-fatigue leg wraps.
Raindrop Essential Oil Treatment
The use of therapeutic grade Young Living Essential oils applied to the body to bring electromagnetic and structural alignment. This treatment combines Aromatherapy, Vita-flex, Reflexology, and Massage to produce a highly detoxifying, relaxing, and therapeutic treatment. Young Living Essential oils are known for their anti- bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, immune stimulating, and comforting, relaxing, analgesic properties. The Raindrop technique can have a positive effect on the body physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (Young Living essential oils are also available for retail purchase through Krystal, our in-house Independent Distributor.)
Reflexology
Reflex zone therapy using pressure and massage to the reflex points found on the feet and hands. The feet and hands act as mirrors reflecting the image of the entire body. Like Acupressure, reflexology works on the energy cycles throughout the body. Blockages in the energy flow will be represented as crystal deposits in the reflexive points of the areas affected. The reflexology techniques are designed to dissipate the blocked energy and break down the crystalline structure. Reflexology is a wonderful therapy for treatment or prevention of disease, relaxation, stress reduction, tension, and tiredness.
Reiki
Defined as “healing energy” this ancient art works on four levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Focusing this healing energy Reiki can restore balance, reduce stress, and allow the body to enter a deep state of relaxation. During Reiki sessions the therapist places their hands at various positions around the client’s body and channels energy to the client. This energy is usually felt as heat, cold, tingling, throbbing, or a variety of other sensations. Reiki is a gentle noninvasive therapy beneficial for all types of clients.
Thalassotherapy
Form of Hydrotherapy using the therapeutic benefits of the sea and seawater to restore health and vitality to the skin and body. Thalassotherapy is a highly effective form of treatment for the human body, since it combines the natural, highly concentrated mineral elements of seaweed and the use of hot water to increase the penetration of these active ingredients through the skin. Hot water dilated pores and blood vessels, making the skin more permeable and therefore more receptive to the active ingredients. The Pearl offers Thalassotherapy in all the hydrotherapy body treatments: Mud, Seaweed, and Herbal Body Wraps, and Aromatherapy Salt Glows.
Traditional Thai Massage
A blend of gentle to deep passive stretching with rhythmic pressure along energy lines and points. The therapist uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to apply appropriate pressure on the major muscle groups of the body. Client feedback and comfort level guide the therapist to the perfect amount of pressure and depth of stretches. Thai massage is performed on a floor mat with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing. This style of bodywork is a wonderful way to stretch stiff muscles, loosen joints, and relax the body and mind. (Also feel free to check out the book on Thai Massage in our lounge)
Body Treatments
All of the following treatments are full body treatments designed to detoxify and relax the body while balancing and softening the skin. Some treatments are inappropriate for those with intolerance to extreme hot or cold temperatures; our practitioners are always willing to answer questions to help you pick a treatment that is right for your individual needs. Modifications can be made for pregnant or larger clients.
Body Wellness Herbal Wrap
Whole body wrap in hot Muslin sheets saturated in all natural crystal bath sea salts with marine extracts and essential oils. This is our most detoxifying body wrap. The herbal wrap is relaxing, hydrating, balancing, and re-mineralizing treatment great for boosting the immune system and speeding metabolism. This treatment includes a steam with aroma therapy, Muslin sheet wrap, and light massage with hydrating body crème.
New*Breathe Easy Herbal Wrap
Indicated for respiratory immune stimulation this treatment begins with an aromatherapy steam with eucalyptus oil, then an application of Grapefruit seed extract to the chest and torso, followed with a wrap in muslin sheet infused with the herbs of eucalyptus, red clover, marjoram, lavender, and thyme. This treatment is finished off with hydrating body crème. The Breathe Easy Wrap is a must during the seasonal changes in weather as it will boost the immune system to help in the fight against seasonal allergens.
New* Mint Magic Herbal Wrap
Uplifting and stimulating full body treatment focused on improving concentration and alertness. This wrap starts off with stimulating lymphatic dry brush treatment to the whole body and then a wrap in muslin sheets infused with the herbs of spearmint, peppermint, savory, and lavender. The treatment is then finished off with a light massage in a green tea and mint body crème.
New*Tummy Tamer Herbal Wrap
This is a combination scrub and wrap treatment. Starting with a stimulating body scrub with organic Sucanat sugar blended with ginger and citrus oils, followed with a wrap in muslin sheets infused with fennel, licorice root, lemongrass, and chamomile, finished with a light massage with hydrating body crème. This treatment is both exfoliating and nourishing to the skin, and supportive to the organs of digestion. All the herbs and essential oils in this treatment aid in the digestion process and help to cleanse the digestive tract and tame excited stomachs.
Seaweed Wrap
Total body contour slimming treatment for individuals in need of a detoxifying, re-mineralizing, and diuretic treatment. Our seaweed is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, and C. The benefits of this treatment include: slimming, detoxifying, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, re-mineralizing, lightening, clarifying, softening, and draining. Included in this wrap is a steam treatment with aroma therapy, warm seaweed wrap, followed by a light massage with hydrating body crème.
Mud Wrap
Full body wrap of organic thermal mineral marine mud with essential oils and plant extracts. This organic oily clay is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silicium, which have a beneficial affect on joint pain and inflammation while boosting metabolic activity. Essential oils of ravensara, eucalyptus, and lemon peel add an uplifting, oxygenating and healing quality to this relaxing treatment. This wrap entails an aroma therapy steam, warm mud wrap, and light massage with hydrating body crème.
Aroma Therapy Salt Glow
Exfoliating full body treatment that stimulates nervous system while re-mineralizing and softening the skin. Treatment includes an aroma therapy steam, vigorous massage with sea salts (rich in calcium, magnesium, and iodine) mixed with a blend of essential oils followed by a light massage with hydrating body crème.
New* Sugar and Spice Scrub
This treatment uses organic sugar mixed with the essential oils of rosemary, juniper, nutmeg, fir, black pepper, lemongrass, and clove to stimulate and exfoliate the body while boosting vitality and alertness. This scrub starts with an aromatherapy steam, then the full body scrub, and finished with a light massage in hydrating body crème.
Body Polish
Gentle exfoliation and hydrating total body Gommage treatment that promotes relaxation. This treatment, like the salt glow, exfoliates while softening and hydrating skin, yet is gentler and more appropriate for fair skin types. It includes: dry brushing, followed by application and removal of Gommage (exfoliating carob/citrus gel), and light massage with hydrating body crème.
The following services are elements included in some of the Body Treatments, but may also be added to any other spa treatment.
Dry Brushing
Use of soft bristled brushes to entire body for the stimulation of the lymphatic and nervous systems to increase blood flow while lightly exfoliating dry skin. This treatment is used in combination with some body wraps or in place of steam treatments for clients who have contraindications to the steam treatment. Dry brushing may be added to any massage treatment for a small fee.
Steam Treatment
Relaxing prelude to wrap or body treatment, our steam room creates a warm aromatic steam that increases body temperature, stimulates lymphatic system, and hydrates the skin. A steam can be added to any massage treatment for an additional fee.
Facials
We've chosen the finest natural botanical products to use in our facial, hand and foot treatments. All Pearl Aestheticians are European-trained skin care professionals with additional skills in massage techniques to enhance the experience and benefits of your sessions. They can prescribe the best treatments to support your particular skin care needs. The Pearl is proud to offer YON-KA®, a skin care line that uses essential oils and natural botanicals to enhance their therapeutic effect.
Facials:
· Restorative
· Deep Hydration
· Resurfacing
· Firming
· Anti-aging
· Acne Solution
· Men’s ConditioningRapture: (1 hour) mini facial which includes: cleansing, toning, stream, facial mask and aromatherapy towel treatment.
Ecstasy: (1.25 hours) a complete facial with all the elements of the Rapture facial, plus massage of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Nirvana: (1. 75 hours) our most extensive facial with plenty of time to be pampered, with all the elements of the Ecstasy facial.
Acne Solution: What is acne and how can I treat it?
When acne is present, the skin is producing an excess of dead skin cells and unusually sticky oil. These dead skin cells fall into the pore mixing with the oil and eventually forms a hardened plug, either a blackhead or a white head. White blood cells rush in to kill the bacteria causing an inflammatory response, which results in a full-blown pimple.
With proper care and professional guidance acne can be greatly improved. In some cases all lesions may clear. The most important steps to achieving these benefits are; proper home care, receiving deep pore cleansing and alpha hydroxy acid treatments from a trained aesthetician. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and glycolic acid are used by aestheticians for their powerful exfoliating ability. AHA’s eliminate dead skin by eating the glue-like substance that holds the cells together. They are beneficial for those with acne, as they help open the skin to oxygen which kills the pimple producing bacteria, and forces oil blockages up and out of the pores. This allows the aesthetician to skillfully remove blackheads and white heads, which give the skin the chance to heal. Regular deep cleaning by a professional along with the use of appropriate quality products at home keeps the skin healthy and prevents further breakouts.
AHA's Benefits for Acne treatments
• Removes dry, dead skin allowing oxygen to enter the pore.
• Helps the aesthetician perform deep pore extractions.
• Clears and smoothes the skin.
• Enhances the effectiveness of professional products.
Resurfacing: What are peels and what can they do for my skin?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and glycolic acid are used by aestheticians
for their powerful exfoliating ability. Exfoliation is important because as
we age cellular turnover slows down, leaving us with a thickened layer of cells
on the skin’s surface. This squelches the opportunity for the skin to
eliminate toxins or take in important elements from the environment. AHA’s
eliminate dead skin by eating a glue-like substance that holds the cells together,
allowing the acids to slip down into deeper layers, where the real renewal begins.
On the top we see a beautiful smoothing out of the skin. Underneath the cell’s
activity is increased, pushing younger cells to the surface where we see a visibly
rejuvenated complexion.
AHA’s are very helpful for issues related to the signs of aging, such as fine lines, unwanted pigmentation, roughness in skin texture and dullness of tone. With proper use of AHA’s the skin can achieve more support and firmness. Whether you are looking to improve the general health and appearance of your skin or for more profound anti-aging benefits, a series of AHA treatments can help you. To get these kinds of results however, one must do a series of "peels" in close succession and use high quality products in one’s home care that contain AHA's to support and continue the process.
AHA's Anti-aging benefits:
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Smoothes the skin.
• Improves discoloration caused by sun exposure.
• Increases Hydration
• Creates a glowing complexion
Hand and Foot Treatments
Manicure Hand Therapies:
Ahh.… (30 minute) Mini Manicure
includes: cleansing, moisturizing, nail shaping and polish.
Ahhh.… (1 hour) Full Manicure with all that a mini has plus extended pleasure with addition of a hand soak and extensive arm and hand massage.
Hot Oil Manicure: a luxurious addition of heated oil for dry cuticles, hands and arms.
French Polish: (hands and feet)
Pedicure Foot Therapies:
Ahh.… (30 minute) Mini Pedicure includes: cleansing, moisturizing, nail shaping and polish.
Ahhh.… (1 hour) Full Pedicure includes: cleansing, nail shaping, foot soak, Aromatherapy scrub, sloughing of calluses, foot mask, moisturizing foot massage, and polish.
Ahhhh... (1.5 hour) Extended Full Pedicure includes: All that a full pedicure has to offer plus extensive lower leg and foot hot stone massage!
