A private massage therapy session may be done from either the peaceful surroundings of Cashiers Spa location in Cashiers, NC (just south of the crossroads) or a location of your choice. Please note that a session may consist of one or more services listed below…
Please call for an appointment and discuss your needs with us.
No-shows will be charged in full.
Are you seeking bodywork because you have soreness, tension, tightness, or pain that bothers you? Or perhaps you have an active lifestyle that requires some extra self-care. Therapeutic massage covers many possible situations, including:
In our massage therapy session we will work together to release your muscles, unwind tension, and restore balance in your body. Clients often leave feeling lighter, taller, more in alignment, relaxed and energized.
The strokes and manipulations of Massage Therapy are each conceived as having specific therapeutic benefit. Therapeutic Massage Therapy shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Therapeutic Massage Therapy also stimulates the skin and nervous systems while at the same time reduce emotional and physical stress and it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management.
The types of bodywork best suited to your individual concerns depends on your situation, but in all sessions, Cashiers Massage strives for work that is as pain-free as possible, powerful rather than forceful, and respectful of your body. Our clients do not leave feeling “beat up” or their bodies traumatized from excessive pressure or force.
We will work with you to customize your session so that you receive maximum benefit. A variety of modalities may be used including:
Swedish massage is the most common and best-known type of massage in the West. If it’s your first time at the spa or you don’t get massages very often, Swedish massage is the perfect massage for you.
A Swedish body massage is for relaxation and relief of tension and stress. This style of massage incorporates long soothing strokes and kneading of the muscles to increase your circulation and relieve overall stiffness. It will soothe your spirit, relax your muscles and give you a sense of balance and well-being. This style of massage can be experienced in a light to medium pressure. Please let your therapist know your requests.
If you want deeper work and can tolerate more pressure, even momentary discomfort, to get relief from muscle pain, it’s better to book a deep tissue massage, which is another form of Swedish massage.
What Happens During A Swedish Massage
In all Swedish massages, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil and performs various massage strokes. These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle “knots” or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, among other health benefits.
Before the massage, the therapist should ask you about any injuries or other conditions that he or she should know about. Things you would want tell a therapist include areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. You can also tell them up front if you have a preference for light or firm pressure. It’s best not to get a massage if you are ill.
After the consultation, the therapist instructs you how to lie on the table — face up or face down, and underneath the sheet or towel — and then leaves the room. He or she will knock or ask if you are ready before entering.
Why It’s Called Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology as opposed to energy work that is more common in Asian-style massage. Both Swedish massage and physical therapy were pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) at the University of Stockholm. In the early 19th century he developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” which included movements performed by a therapist. These became the known as “Swedish movements” in Europe and “the Swedish Movement Cure” when they came to the U.S. in 1858. Today, it is simply known as Swedish massage.
Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue.
One of the biggest misconceptions about deep tissue massage that we have come across is that most people believe that it means applying a lot of hard, deep pressure, and that it is going to hurt. The term ‘deep tissue massage’ actually has nothing to do with the amount of pressure that is applied, but about working the deeper tissue layers of muscle and fascia in order to correct, and heal an area of dysfunction.
As a massage therapist, we treat a lot of athletes and active people. They naturally have the “No Pain, No Gain” mindset and many of them WANT it to feel painful. When someone comes to see us requesting deep tissue massage, we often find ourselves educating them on the difference between deep tissue and deep pressure. It should never be the goal of the therapist to make it painful just to please the client. A deep tissue massage should be slow and thorough, working through the muscle tissues layer, by layer and giving an increased amount of attention to the “knots” and trigger points found along the way.
Many therapists make the mistake of trying to ‘force the issue’. Any skilled therapist will tell you that they get much better results by allowing the tissue to respond on its own, and release under a slower, more focused approach as opposed to forcing it. As with most anything, if you take the forceful approach, it is usually met with increased resistance. Muscles will have more of a tendency to ‘push back’ against a lot of pressure, and with that you aren’t really accomplishing anything with the treatment, except maybe some bruising and soreness the following day. A deep tissue massage also is not meant to be used for a “full body session”, unless you have a specific area of complaint to focus on.
We’re not saying that you won’t have any pain, or discomfort during a deep tissue massage. Working on the trigger points and already sore, tight areas will be somewhat painful. It is usually described more as the ‘hurt so good’ feeling though. It should never be unbearable to the point where you feel as if you can’t relax, or breathe through it. We always tell our clients that on a scale of 1-10, if the intensity of what we’re doing goes over a 6 or 7, that we will need to back off. Everyone has a different tolerance level, so communication and attentiveness are key during a deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as “adhesions.”)
Will A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
It shouldn’t hurt, but it’s likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
It’s important to drink a lot of water after a deep tissue massage to help flush lactic acid out of the tissues. If you don’t, you might be sore the next day.
It’s possible that you might feel some soreness the day after a deep tissue massage even if you DO drink water. This just means a lot of waste products were flushed out of the tissues. It should pass within a day or so.
How Fast Will I Get Results With A Deep Tissue Massage?
It’s important to be realistic about what one deep tissue massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist pushes hard enough, they can eliminate all their knots in an hour. This just won’t happen.
In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and way of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.
Finally, while deep tissue massage is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a process of correcting imbalances in the musculature in order to reduce pain.
Postural distortion often occurs as a result of unilateral contractions of skeletal muscles. Treatment is aimed at creating balance in order to reduce the damages that can be caused by unnecessary torque on the joints.
Treatment may include deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, and a mixture of muscle tissue manipulations, gentle stretches, and range-of-motion tests. NMT is great for pain management as well as recovery from injuries and surgery
Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into Myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Fascia is a densely woven covering and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into Myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion (especially from injuries and after surgery). This technique can be very relaxing when applied properly, and is often used in treating clients with Fibromyalgia or other chronic pain. Fascia is a densely woven covering and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries may cause the fascial system to exert excessive pressure in our bodies producing pain and/or restriction of motion. Myofascial Release therapy is great for children, adults and animals.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body and through excessive pressure can cause back pain, neck pain, and less overall range of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
Myofascial Release is highly recommended for anyone who suffers from Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological disorders, migraines or headaches, neck and back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, scoliosis and postural dysfunctions, and other chronic pain syndromes.
Cashiers Massage therapists have been trained under the tutelage of John F. Barnes, P.T.
Reflexology is an ancient form of Touch Therapy that allows the practitioner to effect the entire body through the feet and hands. The relaxation effects from Reflexology is able to blanket the client in peace and serenity.
Reflexology is an ancient form of Touch Therapy that allows the practitioner to effect the entire body through the feet and hands. The relaxation effects from Reflexology is able to blanket the client in peace and serenity. Foot and hand massage is extremely relaxing for most everyone. Reflexology is a technique used on the feet (and hands) for treating not just your feet and hands, but your entire body and mind.
Reflexology has a number of benefits. At its most basic level, it is a soothing experience that is helpful for stress-relief. The Association of Reflexologists claims that this treatment method can be effective for back pain, migraines, circulatory and digestive issues, sinus problems, arthritis and many other problems. In general, any organ of the body with a correlating reflex point can be improved through regular reflexology treatments.
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine or pseudoscience involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hand, with the premise that such work affects a physical change to the body.
Reflexology has been known to improve many elements including, but not limited too:
– Pain in any area of the body including back pain
– Foot, ankle and leg problems including soreness, swelling or, restless legs
– The effects of stress
– Nervous tension
– Digestive upset (constipation and/or diarrhea)
– Lack of circulation
– Toxins in the body
– Insomnia
– Sinus pressure
– Allergy symptoms
– Immune system concerns
– Hormonal imbalances
– Anxiety and Depression
– Stiff, aching or painful joints and muscles
– Headaches (including migraines)
– Inflammation related problems (including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, injuries, heart disease, and cancer)
– Recovery following injury or surgery
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a natural healing art that involves the laying on of hands to channel powerful universal life force energy.
It is NOT a religion and in fact, does not offend any religion. The Japanese word, Reiki, means “universal spirit energy”.
Reiki flows through a person or animal the way electricity flows through wires. This energy is often described by both the Reiki practitioner and the Reiki client as a tingly or warmth sensation that produces a soothing balance. Reiki helps an individual relieve stress, physical pain and discomforts, and can enable them to regain their strength. It often helps one to recover faster from injuries and illnesses.
An ancient Japanese method of touch therapy that uses energy to help release blockages within the body. Reiki helps to bring about deep relaxation and healing on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental stress as well as quicken recovery from illnesses and/or injuries. When this treatment is given alone, the recipient remains fully clothed.
A Reiki session is approximately 60-90 minutes in length. Clients are treated fully clothed, sitting up in a chair or lying down on a massage table, whichever is more comfortable. During the session, the Reiki practitioner will gently rest their hands on (or slightly above) various parts of the body in patterns which include the head, neck, abdomen, arms, legs, back and feet. The body is touched lightly.
Throughout its lengthy history, Reiki has been used to help treat virtually every known illness and/or injury. As well, many individuals have used Reiki to help overcome unwanted habits, achieve personal goals, and alleviate stress. Children and animals are especially responsive to this non-invasive and loving energy. This self-help technique does not require any system of belief or thought to be activated and can be easily incorporated as a self-help method to balance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. It is a great stress management tool!
CranioSacral Therapy or CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the Cranio-Sacral system.
It is called the Cranio-Sacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral Therapy is safe for adults and children. CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by the late osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a technique where a practitioner uses a feather light touch to test for and release restrictions of the cranial system. When there is tension or stress at certain points in the body, the body may be out of synchronization, causing ill health. Cranio-Sacral therapy is administered through monitoring the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid’s flow through the system. By freeing tension from the spinal cord, the cerebral spinal flows more freely. It is relaxing, safe and effective; and Cranio-Sacral therapy may alleviate numerous conditions including migraines, chronic fatigue, motor coordination impairments, stress and tension, and orthopedic problems. After Cranio-Sacral therapy is administered, a common state of relaxation occurs and improves mental performance as well. When this treatment is given alone, the recipient may remain fully clothed. Cranio-Sacral therapy is safe for children and adults.
Practitioners release restrictions in the Cranio-Sacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams or about the weight of a nickel.
By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, relieve stress, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain, illness and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck Pain and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Colic
Autism
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Infantile Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress Management and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Hot Stone Massage is a form of massage therapy that follows the same principles of Swedish massage with the addition of heated stones which helps lead to deep relaxation.
Adding heat to specific areas on the body enhances the feelings of relaxation and peace. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. The penetrating effects of the heated stones allow the massage to be delivered without excessive pressure. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body.
The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
Thai poultice massage is a technique that involves special poultices made of herbs and spices that are wrapped in muslin or cotton and steam-heated.
Steam heating allows the natural essential oils and aromas of the herbs and spices to be released. During a massage, the poultices provide moist and nutrient-rich relaxation to the skin and muscles. While offering comfort, the poultices also work with the body’s natural energy to promote harmonization of the body’s energy flow. They do this by loosening energy blockages and stimulating blood circulation.
Thai poultice massage originated in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period (14th to 18th centuries). The poultices were used on soldiers returning home with painful, weary muscles. The poultices were applied directly to the body in a kneading and systematic manner. Today, Thai poultice massage is becoming popular in the United States. Licensed massage therapists use the technique to alleviate pain and inflammation, as well as to relieve the stresses of modern life that accumulate in muscles and joints.
Typical ingredients of Thai poultices include: prai (a herb specifically from Thailand), used for relief of sore muscles and tired joints; tumeric, a natural analgesic that contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, refreshes the skin and boosts the immune system; lemongrass, which regenerates connective tissue and ligaments, supports thymus and spleen function, aids circulation, reduces fevers and infections, improves muscle tone, aids athletic muscle pain and sprains, stimulates lymphatic detox, aids edema and fluid retention, and helps skin blemishes; kaffir lime, for toning mature skin and boosting circulation; and camphor, which stimulates the circulatory and nervous system, combats inflammation and eases spasms, various pain aliments and sore muscles. Camphor is also reported to aid digestion, kill internal parasites and minor infections. Many other beneficial herbs and spices may be used as well as these.
Thai poultice massage is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Also, persons who have rheumatoid arthritis should get the approval of their medical doctor before receiving a Thai poultice massage. Otherwise, any of us leading an active lifestyle, especially anyone feeling sore and achy, would truly benefit from the deep, soothing, aromatic comfort that comes with a Thai poultice massage.
Manual lymph drainage massage (also called lymphatic drainage and lymph massage) is a form of very light massage that encourages lymph flow in the body.
It is particularly good for detoxification, edema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments, scar tissue, spider veins, redness and acne.
The lymph system is a slow-moving system of vessels and lymph nodes that is supplementary to the body’s system of blood circulation. The lymph systen both delivers nutrients to the cells and carries away excess water, cellular waste, bacteria, viruses and toxins.
A therapist trained in lymph drainage massage stimulates the lymph system with extremely light, pumping movements. By stimulating the lymphatic system, the therapist helps drain puffy, swollen tissues, supports the body’s immune system, helps the body heal from surgery, and aids in the body’s natural waste removal or detoxification.
The lymphatic system is located directly beneath the skin, so the pumping movements are very light. Manual lymph drainage should have a very soothing, relaxing effect. It can be used as part of a facial, or as a whole body treatment.
Drink plenty of water after a lymph drainage massage to help flush out toxins. Stay away from salt and alcohol after a massage, as they inhibit the body’s ability to flush out toxins.
Stretching Sports massage focuses on optimizing muscle, tendon, ligament and joint health in order to prevent sport injuries or promote healing after an injury has occurred.
Sports massage therapists are well trained in various massage therapy techniques including stretching techniques, which can be incorporated into a therapy session.
PNF or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching results in increased flexibility and is considered one of the most effective methods to increase range of motion, according to the website Sports Fitness Advisor. Using this technique, the sports massage therapist gently stretches your muscle or muscle group to its end point for approximately 10 seconds. You then contract that muscle against resistance by pushing against the therapist’s hand. This position is held for six seconds. Once relaxed, the therapist then passively stretches the muscle again, positioning it further than the original range of motion allowed. This type of therapy is ideally suited for large muscle groups such as your hamstrings, quadriceps and adductors, which are all muscles found in your inner thighs.
A wonderful choice for mother’s to be!
It is so important for expectant mothers to receive regular pregnancy massage in order to keep her body strong, relaxed, and healthy. A side posture massage using a variety of pillows is designed to take care of the special needs required during pregnancy. Relief of stress on feet, ankles, low back and neck, as well as reducing swelling, are all benefits of a Prenatal Massage.
At Cashiers Massage, prenatal massage is only performed after the first trimester. It is advised that you consult with your doctor to see if prenatal massage is right for you.
Balinese massage is an Indonesian massage technique that focuses on gently making the person feel calm and relaxed.
Aromatherapy oils are used on the skin of the person to aid in the calming factor, and gentle rolling and kneading are used on the muscles.
It is said that the energy flow, oxygen, and blood flow increases after receiving a Balinese massage.
Corporate/company Chair massage may also be set up at your location with a minimum of five participants.
Please discuss your needs with us at time of booking.
(Note: Depending upon your location, an additional travel charge of $30 may apply.)
Chair massage is also available at Cashiers Massage by appointment. Our Chair massage is priced at $1/minute.
Ashiatsu Massage
In ashiatsu, the practitioner uses their feet to deliver treatment. The name comes from the Japanese, ashi for foot and atsu for pressure. This technique typically uses the heel, sesamoid, arch, and/or whole plantar surface of foot, and offers large compression, tension and shear forces with less pressure than an elbow, and is ideal for large muscles, such as in thigh, or for long-duration upper trapezius compressions.
No refunds for no-shows.