Swedish - It's called "Swedish" because Henrik Ling, who first popularized massage in 19th-century Europe, was a Swede.  But because he taught in France, the names of the individual techniques are in French!  Effleurage is a broad, sweeping stroke; petrissage is a kneading technique; and tapotement means tapping.  Swedish techniques are the first and most basic ones taught in massage schools, so every massage therapist is familiar with them.  Swedish is what you'll get in a "regular", non-specific massage session.  The techniques, though basic, are highly adaptable and very effective in reducing muscle tension and stress and promoting relaxation. 

Aromatherapy - Essential oils are extracted from plants and plant parts by distillation, pressing or using solvents like alcohol.  It is these essential oils that give plants their aromas - from roses to rosemary!  The concept of using fragrances to produce therapeutic effects on the human organism is an ancient one, but modern-day aromatherapy includes current scientific understanding of the complex nature of our sense of smell and its relationship to our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.  Aromatherapy can add an extra dimension of relaxation and healing to your massage experience.

Myofascial Release - Fascia is connective tissue; it surrounds every cell, every organ, every bone, every muscle fiber, every individual muscle and muscle group in the body.  Muscular pain, tension and stress manifests in the fascia as well, and because connective tissue connects every part of the body together, pain and tension in one area can spread to other areas as well.  Myofascial Release is a slow, gentle modality that uses steady holds, stretching and light pressure to encourage relaxation, relieve pain and tension, and restore function and range of motion.  Often, clients experiencing Myofascial Release for the first time may think the therapist 'isn't doing anything' - but that doesn't mean that nothing is happening.  The philosophy behind Myofascial Release is that on some level, the body remembers what it feels like to be whole, well, relaxed and vibrantly alive; that it wants to return to that state; and that the job of the therapist is to remind the body how to do that.