Warm Stones & Hot Towels
These extras are a great way to incorporate heat for a deeply relaxing and restorative experience. Smooth basalt stones are warmed, oiled, and moved along sore muscles to induce relaxation in the body and mind. The stones are used throughout the massage, especially on areas holding tension.
Hot towels flush heat into the body, much like sinking into a hot bath. They may be used to warm up tense areas before deep work, to wipe away excess oil, or to induce a greater sense of relaxation. One to four hot towels are typically used in Anna’s sessions, and they are most often applied to the back, neck, face, chest, and feet; you are welcome to request hot towel application on other areas.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a gentle, full-body exfoliating treatment done with a soft, natural palm bristle brush. Gentle, circular strokes moving toward the heart enhance the circulation of blood and lymph as dead skin cells are sloughed away. Each area of the body is dry brushed before oil or lotion is applied, and the session is otherwise performed as usual.
Nap Time
You know that feeling when your massage is ending and you think, “Noooo! I just want to stay here and rest for awhile”? Add a nap to your session, and let yourself rest! At the end of your massage, Anna will position you on your back or your side with pillows for comfort. She will leave the room and allow you 15 or 30 minutes to rest. You can sleep, or just zone out and enjoy the warmth of the massage table. Extending your time of rest allows you to bask in the liminal space of creativity, openness, and self-awareness that comes from an Esalen® massage. When your chosen nap time has passed, Anna will knock on the door and let you know it’s time to get ready for the next part of your day.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses the properties of essential oils to enhance the effects of your session. Anna has six blends to choose from:
Sweet Dreams (lavender, frankincense, ylang ylang)
Freshen Up (tea tree, grapefruit, geranium)
Breathe Easy (eucalyptus, rosemary, scotch pine, thyme)
Woods Walk (cedarwood, scotch pine, patchouli)
Pain Away (eucalyptus, white camphor, marjoram, sweet birch; great for headaches!)
Rotating Seasonal Blend
The oils will be applied throughout your session to the neck, chest and feet. If there is a specific oil you want to incorporate, you are welcome to make requests. Anna's brand of choice is Mountain Rose Herbs.
Magnesium Balm
Topical magnesium is a remedy for muscle aches, cramps, and dry skin. Magnesium ions are the molecules that muscles need to release contractions, and applying it topically to be absorbed through the skin helps to release localized tension. A great choice for those seeking deep techniques to resolve chronic pain. The balm will leave your skin a little sticky, as though you've been swimming in salt water, so plan your post-massage activities accordingly. Anna’s magnesium balm of choice is manufactured by Mg12 in Tryon, North Carolina.