Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy in Encinitas, Poway, and San Diego
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing stress, or simply seeking relaxation, massage therapy offers a world of benefits.
Our experienced massage therapy team offers care in relaxation, biocranial, shiatsu, tui na, reflexology, deep tissue, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, prenatal and more. Massage is a great adjunct to acupuncture, functional medicine, and physical therapy. Contact us for more information and to schedule your appointment today!
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Styles of Massages
TUI NA
At ActiveMed Integrative Health Center we offer Tui Na, traditional Chinese medical massage. Tuina (also called Anmo) is the oldest known system of physical and massage therapy in San Diego County and in the world. Originating in China 15,000 years ago. Tuina uses the Traditional Chinese Medical theory of channels (meridians or pathways) as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massages and techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious Qi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tui na methods include the use of hand and arm techniques to massage the soft tissue. Tuina is effective for the treatment of headaches, musculoskeletal disorders,stiffness, spasm, cramps, inflammation , pains, numbness and tingling, allergies and sinusitis, chronic stress-related emotional disorders, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, diabetes and reproductive dysfunctions. It can generally improve poor blood circulation and related symptoms. Tuina can help to improve muscle and skin tone, women’s condition after childbirth, age-related changes in men and women, and patients who have suffered prolonged illnesses.
DEEP TISSUE/SPORTS MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
At ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, we offer a variety of massage styles! Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation.
THAI MASSAGE
Thai massage refers to “ancient/traditional massage”. Thai massage originated in India and is based on ayurveda and yoga. The technique combines massage with yoga-like positions during the course of the massage; the northern style emphasizes stretching while the southern style emphasizes acupressure.
REIKI
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a massage therapy popular in San Diego County. It involves the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. It is based on what reflexologists refer to as a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body and internal organs on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. At ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, we pride ourselves on the variety of massage styles we offer. Reflexology is one of our specialties.
CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY
Used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, and chiropractors. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, restoring healthy fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid and respiration of the cranial sutures. The practitioner gently works with the spine and the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. In this way, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord is said to be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
QI GONG
Qi Gong is the philosophy and practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for health of mind, body, and spirit. Based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese martial arts, and Chinese philosophy, qi gong develops human potential and is considered to awaken one spiritually to one’s true nature. Check out our meditation page for more information.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a tactile practice that helps promote health, it is rooted in Oriental medicine by using intuitive skills and adds depth to the practice itself. In itself a therapist will rely on sensitivity and energy instinct instead of reason and knowledge. The sensitivity to the flow of Ki is something very important to the practice, Shiatsu is well rounded and creates effective treatment for all patients.
There are many benefits when it comes to Shiatsu, for example it can help improve circulation as it stimulates weaker blood vessels.
- Reduced stress and tension as well as anxiety and depression
- Reduced muscle stiffness and pain
- Improved range of motion
- Improve blood circulation
- Improve elimination (constipation and bowel movements)
- shiatsu massage restores vitality, reinforces the immune system and stimulates the body’s defence system
From the Japanese term “finger (Shi) pressure (Atsu),” Shiatsu uses the same meridians and pressure points as acupuncture. It involves applying pressure to specific points, using palms, thumbs, knees or elbows, stretching and breathing. There are 2 approaches: KATA 1, based on the 3 elements, Earth, Metal, Water that represent 6 meridians – stomach, spleen, lung, large intestine, kidney and bladder or KATA 2, based on the 2 elements, Fire and Wood, that represent 6 meridians – heart, small intestine, pericardium, triple energizer, liver and gallbladder.
