Tina Merced
Artisan Massage Therapy

Services & Rates

Swedish Massage

1 hour: $80-$130
1.5 hours: $120-$150

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.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Therapeutic (deep tissue) techniques are applied in areas of pain or limited range of motion. Passive, assisted and resisted stretching type muscle energy techniques may be combined with Swedish flowing strokes to relieve pain syndromes and dysfunctions of the muscles. "Sometimes force is required; sometimes finesse!"  Even a person who can't tolerate much pain can usually receive skilled and customized therapeutic massage, that can give them relief. TRIGGER-POINT Therapy is my primary technique. I use thumb over thumb pressure with great accuracy and patience on the points that are 'triggering' your referral pain. When the point begins to releases or completely releases, you will feel the pain and referral subside. If you don't know of it, you will when I'm done. Please do not drink alcohol or have minimal sleep the night before Therapeutic Massage. It will lower your pain threshold and limit the effectiveness of my great work. I do not tend to use a lot of forearm strokes or elbows unless I feel it's necessary to break though muscle spasm. This may or may not be a whole body treatment depending on severity of problems and length of session scheduled. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

CranioSacral (SM)

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing neck pain, back pain, and mental stress (among other things). It does this by optimizing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. Developed by physician William Sutherland, this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience. I was trained in all four levels with the Upledger Institute. 

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.

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.

An Essay on REFLEXOLOGY
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Reflexology is a wonderful complimentary therapy. There are many benefits to utilizing Reflexology in a whole-body wellness approach.  Swedish and Therapeutic massage can address and improve many conditions of the muscular/ skeletal system. Reflexology, as well, can make improvements specifically in the balance and function of both the hands and feet. This is very beneficial considering how the feet are the foundation for the alignment of the body and carry all the weight too.  It seems apparent also how regular, methodical and thorough Reflex treatments of the hands can help maintain optimal structural and functional balance in hands that are all use so very much in everyday activities.
Reflexology is a wonderful complimentary therapy. There are many benefits to utilizing Reflexology in a whole-body wellness approach.  Swedish and Therapeutic massage can address and improve many conditions of the muscular/ skeletal system. Reflexology, as well, can make improvements specifically in the balance and function of both the hands and feet. This is very beneficial considering how the feet are the foundation for the alignment of the body and carry all the weight too.  It seems apparent also how regular, methodical and thorough Reflex treatments of the hands can help maintain optimal structural and functional balance in hands that are all use so very much in everyday activities.

Reflexology is very relaxing and tonifying to the brain and nervous system. There are a very large proportion of proprioceptors and other sensory receptors in the feet and hands compared to other body parts. In the brain, a great amount of cerebral cortex is dedicated to receiving and sending impulses to the feet and hands.  This is why so many people love to have attention paid to these areas through Reflexology, massage, manicures, pedicures, etc. 

Regular Reflex treatments can assist the body’s systems by working to restore and maintain balance, and when necessary, encouraging detoxification processes.  It is one of the very safest alternative healing methods to address the visceral organs of the body. Many times when a patient needs it most, as when ill, hands-on techniques are contraindicated or too invasive. This is often when Reflexology is indicated to stimulate or calm visceral or glandular functioning.  One should never forego standard medical treatment when necessary, but Reflex treatments can promote healing in a safe and pleasant manner.

The act of washing and attending to another person’s feet has always been a way to show respect to and honor that person’s spirit. These are the some of the reasons that Reflexology can be considered a truly body/ mind/ spirit whole being wellness approach.

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.

Energy Work

1 hour: $80

Energy work is based on the belief that everyone has a "life force", and that the body needs to sustain its balance for optimum health. Anytime you experience emotional or physical illness, it indicates that your life force has simply become unbalanced. I work directly with your energy field to restore balance and flow to your entire system. And once your energy field has been restored to full health, your body will follow.