MASSAGE
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
- Massage stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
- As a result of increased heat and mechanical stimulation, blood vessels dilate, increasing delivery of fresh blood to that tissue and improving the removal of metabolic wastes.
- If a muscle is contracted or connective tissue is restricted, it may place an abnormal amount of pressure on a lymphatic vessel and block it from proper drainage. Massage can ease that tension, allowing lymph vessel to open and drain. This process is also aided by slow, relaxed, deep breathing.
- Research has demonstrated a decrease in levels of cortisol (a hormone released during times of stress) after massage.
- Massage stimulates the parasympathetic division of the nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s overall relaxation response as well as increased activity and effectiveness of the digestive tract.
- Massage interrupts the pain/spasm cycle and promotes healing of injured tissue.
- A decrease in stress via these mechanisms enhances the overall functioning of the immune system.
TYPES OF MASSAGE
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
Soft tissue manipulation that balances the central nervous system with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT provides direct relief from constant tension and irritation due to trigger points.
Myofascial Release and Unwinding
Therapeutic treatment that works with the fascia of the muscles and utilizes a deep, gentle stretching to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial release is a modality that works both structurally and energetically, unique in its ability to treat mind-body trauma and facilitate self renewal.
Sports Massage
Bodywork geared towards athletes that contributes to increased performance and recovery, helps to prevent injuries, breaks down scar tissue, increases stretch and ease of motion.
Ashiatsu Massage
This modality has it’s roots in Asia. Ashi (foot) -atsu (pressure) is a form of barefoot massage that you will absolutely fall in love with. If you are looking for a massage that provides consistently deep and relaxing pressure — THIS IS IT! I use overhead bars to support my body and vary the pressure. Try the deepest, most luxurious massage.
Raindrop Technique
This deeply nourishing form of massage combines the art of aromatherapy with techniques of Vita Flex by applying therapeutic grade essential oils to the spine, neck and feet. This specialized form of bodywork brings balance and harmony to the body — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Pre & Post Natal Massage
Sessions designed with the growing and changing physical and emotional needs of the mother-to-be or the new mother. Helping to ease distress on the body of the common physiological conditions, (e.g. sciatica, swelling).
Craniosacral Therapy
Gentle energy work that tunes into the natural rhythmic flow of cerebral spinal fluid between the cranium and the sacrum. Balancing the craniosacral system can help relieve headaches, chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression and other tension related symptoms.
Hot Stone Therapy
Swedish massage with the added warmth of hot stones placed on the body and used to massage. This modality is deeply soothing to tired, sore muscles and is also deeply relaxing.
Swedish
Traditional pampering that incorporates long flowing and relaxing strokes that soothe muscles and promote relaxation.
Couple’s Massage
A nice way to bond with your friend or family member. Enjoy bodywork while spending time together in the same space. Afterward, make it a date and go out for lunch.
Visceral Manipulation
Our bodies need movement to be healthy. This is true for our organs as well. Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy consisting of gentle, specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone and inherent tissue motion of the viscera (organs), their connective tissue and other areas of the body where physiologic motion has been impaired.
MASSAGE SERVICES
Individualized massage therapy for good health, injury treatment & prevention
Massage Therapy with Raya helps remove pain and create a natural healing environment for your body, mind and spirit.
Located in the Albany area, your session is designed with your unique needs and goals in mind. Unless you specifically request just one style of massage, I blend modalities for the maximum therapeutic value.
$60 – Half Hour
$105 – One Hour
$155 – Hour and a Half
$69 – Half Hour
$115 – One Hour
$165 – Hour and a Half
$115 – One Hour
$165 – Hour and a Half
$120 – One Hour
$170 – Hour and a Half
$210 – One Hour
$310 – Hour and a Half
Packages
$300
$450
$595
$875
PRAISE
I’ve been seeing Raya regularly for about 9 years and she has helped me SO many times — working out the kinks, aches and pains through both massage and yoga classes. Since seeing Raya, I’ve experienced none of the lower back pain that I’d had for 20 years. She has fixed things doctors could not.
Receiving Raya’s massage was such a fabulous treat. Having medical massage and energy facilitation background, I can be somewhat picky when it comes to bodywork. What impressed me most, was Raya’s ability to hone in to specific soft and connective tissue attachments and tissue with BOTH a skilled hand and keen awareness. She worked with intention and blended her clinical skill with greater intuition. I do not offer trades often, but am excited to get back onto Raya’s table very soon! I recommend her highly.
Wow! What a Session today! Not only were you inspired — but, so was I!!! Your work is always exceptional, and of course there are better days and off days for us both — but they are always great days — at a minimum… But, today — was an extraordinary day!!! I’m still so moved — that it — that you got things to move — and I feel quite great! Thank you for your excellence and your expertise. Mostly, I thank you for your terrific care and wonderful touch — you have certainly touched me!!! Thanks for being the best Massage Therapist of all time!!!
Just wanted to report that after the last massage which was right before bowling, I had my best night of the season and my highest single score of the year.
I have been seeing Raya for routine bodywork since 2008 when I was training for my second marathon. I was suffering from tight hip flexors and very sore hamstrings, so on a friend’s recommendation I made an appointment. Long story short, Raya has kept this tired old body going through 6 more marathons. A lifesaver of sorts for a slightly older than middle aged runner who tends to forget to stretch… Earlier this year I was feeling awful. Tired, short of breath and just plain miserable. I had suffered a nasty cold after returning from a half marathon in Miami in January that took weeks to get over. Even after the cough finally cleared up I was having big problems breathing, basically unable to take a deep breath. Needless to say my running suffered and with it my attitude. A trip to my Primary Physician lead to a barrage of tests, but, thankfully, nothing physically wrong. I was tired, cranky and frustrated. I kept telling myself I just wanted to feel like myself again. For some reason I didn’t mention any of this to Raya, Big Mistake! I should have known better. When I finally told her what I was going through she knew just what to do. Just one session and I felt like a whole new person. It’s all in the FASCIA of course! A little Fascia release in the diaphragm and I felt better almost immediately. Back to normal. Amazing. Two weeks later as I write this I am still feeling great and my only regret is I waited so long to tell Raya what I was feeling. I won’t make that mistake again, Raya is my ROCK! Moral of the story: Massage is not just a guilty pleasure; it can be a real health solution. Hey, even my doctor agreed that it was just what I needed!