Services

Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage

In the Japenese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy, is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. Working with gravity instead of against it, Ashiatsu therapists are able to provide an effective therapeutic massage without causing pain or discomfort to themselves or the receiving client.

Cream or oil is applied to the clients body making this deep therapeutic massage fluid and relaxing. Parallel bars are used above the massage table for balance, support and client safety.  To learn more about the roots of barefoot massage and the inspiration for the Deepfeet version of Ashiatsu, click here.  To learn more about Deepfeet and to watch a short video example, click here.

Ashiatsu is not suitable for everyone:

Due to the compressive nature of Ashiatsu barefoot massage, therapists must take extra precaution with certain client conditions. This a just a hand full of conditions that would be contraindicated for receiving an ashiatsu treatment. 

• 
  Pregnancy or trying to conceive
• High blood pressure
• Recent injuries or surgeries
• Contagious skin disorders
• Compromised immune system
• Acute liver or kidney disorders
• Certain medications
• Acute auto immune disorders
• Recent surgical implants
• Advanced Diabetes

Source:  https://www.deepfeet.com/about/

Michelle is an advanced-certified Deepfeet practitioner and formerly an instructor for Deepfeet (2019-2021).  She has been practicing Ashiatsu since 2011 and learned from Deepfeet's original instructors.  To book a session, select the "Top to Bottom Skin Care" location in Shiloh, IL. 

Couples Massage

I offer customized massages for couples, families, or friends back-to-back--or one after another at the same location.  I am comfortable working with couples of all types and backgrounds.  Let me know your preferences at the time of booking and I will customize each massage.

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. 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.  

Events or Corporate Massage

I can bring my table and supplies to your special event in the St. Louis and metroeast area.  Please contact me with details or check availability on my schedule by clicking here.  Let me know the aproximate # of people and about how long to spend on each.  A sign-up sheet with time slots is helpful for work events.  Note--massages are performed on a table and sanitized between each person which will add about 3-5 mins between guests.

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy is a style of massage where heated stones are integrated into your session by massaging with the stones and/or placing them on your body to deepen relaxation and promote circulation in your muscles. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly than with a traditional massage. The overall experience is very relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating.  

Life Coaching

I want to help you reach your goals, build confidence, manage stress, work through difficult issues, and listen when you need support.  I offer holistic life-coaching on a sliding scale or at no additional charge during your bodywork session.  Although I remain a licensed professional counselor, I prefer coaching vs. counseling because my focus is less on diagnosing mental illness, and more on skill-building and supporting you as a whole person.  All areas should be evaluted-emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual/religious, occupational etc. in order to identify strengths and needs, and to live a more balanced life.

Please reach out with questions. If I am unable to help, I would be happy to refer you to a more experienced clinician for your specific needs.  Phone, video call, or in-person options are available.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a system of massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. It uses a holistic approach towards healing, emphasizing and stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Neuromuscular therapy also enhances the function of joints and muscles, and accelerates the overall healing process by facilitating the release of endorphins.  Michelle is trained and certified in the American version of NMT, developed by Judith Delaney.  

"NMT assessments and examinations primarily address:

• ischemia (tight tissue with reduced blood flow)
• myofascial trigger points (hypersensitive points within muscles that give rise to referred phenomena, including pain)
• neural entrapment (pressure on nerves by muscles and other soft tissues), and nerve compression (pressure on nerves by osseous and other bonelike tissues, such as cartilage or  discs).
• postural assessment (assessment of the position of the body as a whole)
• dysfunctional gait patterns (manner of movement when walking)

with constant consideration for many other perpetuating factors, such as hydration, nutrition, breathing patterns, and psychologic stress.

NMT is highly effective for clients who present with chronic pain and is often successful in reducing or eliminating even longstanding painful conditions. Some of the techniques can also be applied to acute injuries and for post-surgical care; many help to improve performance in sport or dance and to prevent injuries due to these activities" (https://nmtcenter.com/description, 2022). 

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.  Body pillows, wedges and bolstering is used for side-lying massage and a semi-reclined position. 

I use to prefer women wait until after their first trimester to see me for massage.  This was only due to the higher rate of miscarrage occuring during the first trimester, and not due to massage being unsafe.  If you aren't anxious about receiving a massage and don't have any restrictions or complications, feel free to book an appointment anytime! Massage has wonderful benefits through your entire pregnancy.  For further reading on the myths of massage and pregancy, click here. ~Michelle

Reflexology & Gua Sha Foot Scraping

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.  Reflexology can be included with your massage session at no additional charge or booked as a stand-alone appointment.

Pressing on reflexology points does not induce labor or cause miscarriages.  It's possible to induce Braxton Hicks contractions, or simply relax you when labor is nearing anyway.  It is okay and quite beneficial to get your feet and ankles massaged during pregnancy.  For further reading on the myths of massage during pregnancy, click here.  

Gua Sha foot scraping is a wonderful technique used to relieve foot pain and plantar fasciitis.  I love this work and am grateful to my medical massage therapist for introducing me to this and relieving my plantar fasciitis!  It is nice to have someone else scrape your feet for you, but you must continue to work on it at home.   Click here to find my favorite tool on Amazon for scraping the feet.  

Skin Care Services

For spa facials, advanced hydrofacials, sugaring/hair removal, e-slim, skin-tightening, permanent make-up, and more, visit Top to Bottom Skin Care in Shiloh, IL.  Gift cards and online booking are available. 

Sports Massage

Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.  Stretching is also integrated by request.

Swedish Massage

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.