You know you need bodywork - but where do you even start?
Maybe your shoulders have turned into bricks. Maybe you’re recovering from recent surgery. Or maybe you’re just ready to feel more like yourself again. You hop onto our booking site, ready to schedule some time to take care of yourself… and then you see the long list of appointment offerings: Neuromuscular Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Ayurvedic Detox Massage - wait, which one is right for you?
At Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts, we offer a wide range of massage and bodywork because different bodies - and different seasons of life - need different kinds of care. But we also know it can be overwhelming to choose when you’re not sure what each session involves.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right session for your needs.
If you're in pain: Try a Neuromuscular Therapy & Myofascial Release session
You don’t have to be an athlete to need deep, targeted (read: not full-body) work. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or carrying tension that just won’t quit, Neuromuscular Therapy sessions offer slow, precise techniques that release the fascia (the connective tissue around your muscles) and help you feel like you’re living in your body again - not fighting against it.
These sessions are great for:
Chronic pain
Acute injury
Postural tension
Scar tissue
Limited mobility
If you need deep rest and nervous system support: Try Craniosacral Therapy
Not all healing has to feel intense. Craniosacral Therapy is an incredibly gentle, hands-on, fully-clothed technique that works with your craniosacral system (yep, that’s your skull, spine, and cerebrospinal fluid) to downshift your nervous system and allow your body to unwind stored tension - physically and emotionally.
We offer Craniosacral Therapy on its own or in combination as a Cupping + Cranio session for a dynamic duo of restful healing. Many of our clients describe these sessions as a reset for their entire system.
Craniosacral is great for:
Stress and anxiety
Nervous system regulation
Insomnia
Emotional overwhelm
Post concussion/TBI (traumatic brain injury) support
If you’re feeling puffy, swollen, or are recently post-op: Try Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle technique that stimulates your lymphatic system - a key part of your immune and detox pathways. It can be especially helpful if you’re recovering from surgery, experiencing hormonal swelling, or simply feel like your system is a bit “sluggish.”
These sessions are so gentle they are often recommended by medical doctors in the immediate aftercare from surgery, without the typical waiting period for hands-on bodywork.
MLD is great for:
Post-surgical healing, including immediately after top surgery or mastectomy
Bloating and fluid retention
Supporting immunity
Chronic inflammation
If you want to zone out and feel better after: Try a Relaxation or Deep Tissue Massage
These sessions are customized, full-body massages that utilize Swedish or Deep Tissue techniques based on what you and your practitioner decide is most needed that day. If you like gentler pressure, choose a Relaxation Massage, and if you prefer deeper pressure, choose a Deep Tissue Massage. These sessions are incredibly relaxing while still therapeutic.
Bonus - our Relaxation and Deep Tissue massages also can include Fire Cupping when your practitioner finds it appropriate for your condition at no extra charge!
Relaxation and Deep Tissue massages are great for:
General stress or mild pain relief
People new to massage
Anyone who wants a well-rounded session
Anyone who sits all day at work and suffers from desk-related aches and pains
If you're curious about Ayurvedic healing or want to strongly boost your circulation: Try an Ayurvedic Detox Massage
Rooted in the Ayurvedic Indian system of medicine, our Ayurvedic Detox Massage uses substantial amounts of oil tailored to your constitution. Through vigorous and enlivening strokes it supports increased blood flow, lymphatic circulation, and tissue nourishment to your system. These sessions stimulate your internal organs, immune function, and promote skin health.
Ayurvedic Detox Massages are great for:
Boosting your immune system
Supporting seasonal transitions
Bringing hydration and luster to your skin
Whole body detoxification
What about Fire Cupping?
At our clinic, the Chinese medicine technique of Fire Cupping is a cornerstone of many of our treatments. All of our practitioners (both acupuncturists and massage therapists alike!) are trained in fire cupping and will add it to a session when it’s appropriate for the patient and condition.
We also offer a few cupping specific appointment types - like our Cupping Massages - that blend fire cups and traditional massage techniques into 60-min of whole body bliss. If you’re short on time, our 25-min Quick Cupping sessions are perfect for established patients who just need a quick cupping tune-up. And as we mentioned above, Cupping + Cranio seamlessly blends the fascia support of gentle cupping with the deep rest of Craniosacral.
Fire Cupping is great for:
Improving athletic performance and recovery
Generalized aches and pains
Whole body detoxification
Releasing tight fascia
All Sessions Are Trauma-Informed & Gender-Affirming
You won’t find a “gender-affirming massage” on our services menu - because all of our sessions are offered in a way that honors your body, your story, and your identity. Our practitioners are trained to create a space where queer, trans, and nonbinary folks feel safe, respected, and centered. We believe healing touch should never require you to explain or justify who you are.
Still not sure?
It’s okay! You can always book a 15-min free consultation and talk directly to one of our practitioners to help you decide.
We all need more hands-on care right now. Our clinic is happy to be here and provide the care you need.
Ready to book?
*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
