Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It’s used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

Tui-na is based on the theory that imbalances of Qi, which is the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances that lead to symptoms such as pain and illness. Tuina massage stimulates the flow of Qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture.

In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure.” For shiatsu massage, the therapist uses varied, rhythmic pressure on certain precise points of the body, or the acupressure points. Shiatsu is used to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal pain, including low back, neck, and joint pain.

Thai massage or Thai stretching massage is a traditional healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. This massage is more active than other forms of massage, and the therapist will stretch your body in addition to providing a massage: you will be pulled, stretched, and rocked at the hands of the therapist.