Des Moines Area Spas

Relaxation massage is also known as "traditional" or "Swedish" massage. It includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and well being.

Circulation of blood is enhanced throughout the body, the nervous system is calmed or activated and the muscles are stretched and relaxed. Relieving physical pain and stress improves your mental health and your physical well-being. Increasing the blood flow through massage can help to flush out waste generated by your muscles and body.

Most people will feel very relaxed and experience relief from long-term aches and pains developed from tension, stress or a repetitive activity. Following an initial period of calmness, people often experience a surge of energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity that can last for many days.

Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, it is a more focused type of massage, to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.")

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.

Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time to be nurtured and pampered. Massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body. Back pain is one of the more common side effects of pregnancy. Back pain can continue throughout pregnancy and even after. Massage can help relieve back pain associated with muscular tension.

Here are just a few of the other benefits prenatal massage has to offer:

Prenatal massage helps relieve edema or swelling by stimulating circulation throughout the body.

Leg massage can help reduce leg cramps and swelling in the legs.

Massage is very beneficial for relaxing anxiety during pregnancy.

Massage can help promote more restful sleep and help prevent pregnancy related insomnia.

Pregnancy massage helps relax your baby, particularly if you have your abdomen gently stroked.

Massage for the Elderly is also called "Geriatric Massage". Specialized techniques are used to accommodate the changing needs of the aging body, providing that little extra care. Great care is taken in the positioning of an elderly client, and once positioned on the massage table, a senior will rarely be asked to move, as is typical with other types of massage.

The benefits of geriatric massage are numerous. Massage can enhance body awareness, sensation and circulation, decrease muscular stiffness, and help to increase joint flexibility. Furthermore, the benefits of enjoying the simple pleasure of human touch is priceless. Careful massage can help provide the elderly with symptomatic relief and enable seniors to extend the vitality in their lives.

Massage sessions can be scheduled from 30 to 60 minutes. The massage will be adapted to meet the mobility needs of the client. For example, if the client is wheelchair-bound, massage can be done right in the chair.

Azik Suites is wheelchair accessible.

The gentle rocking used in Pulsing & Rebalancing movements provides a uniquely non-invasive yet powerfully effective way to relax muscles and restore the body to its optimum state of balance. A full Pulsing & Rebalancing session is done fully clothed. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.

Some pulsing and rebalancing is included in every massage. If you would like a full session of just Pulsing & Rebalancing, please indicate this when you make your appointment. Another option is to do 30 minutes of pulsing and rebalancing followed by 30 or 60 minutes of therapeutic massage for a total of a 60 or 90 minute session. This is a great way to loosen the muscles and relax the body before specific muscle work.

Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.