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About Michelle

Michelle has been practicing massage therapy since 1992.  A former social worker, Michelle earned an undergraduate degree in sociology from Adrian College in Michigan and her graduate degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.  In the early nineties, wanting to learn more about the mind-body connection she attended the Richmond Academy of Massage and became a certified massage therapist.

Michelle believes in, and research supports, the myriad benefits of massage – benefits ranging from treating injuries and chronic physical conditions to alleviating the stress we all seem to have in our lives.  Massage can provide an integration of body and mind (much like our Bikram Yoga practice) by producing an almost meditative state or a heightened awareness of living in the present moment. Massage can provide emotional balance – bringing with it true relaxation and peace.

Years of experience along with numerous continuing education courses have helped Michelle's ability to design a massage therapy session specific to each client's needs. She is well versed in the traditional Swedish techniques, as well as therapeutic and deep tissue, sports massage, light techniques for those clients not able to accommodate a deep touch, and reflexology.

Massage Therapy

One of the oldest of the healing arts, massage therapy includes a number of techniques designed to promote health and well-being.  The benefits of massage therapy are varied and far-reaching including increasing circulation and increasing flexibility by relieving muscle tightness and tension.  Massage can also be instrumental in helping ease chronic pain and in the healing of injuries by working through scar tissue and adhesions.  And as many studies have shown, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.  

Reflexology

In reflexology, the feet are said to contain reflex areas that mirror and connect to all parts of the body.  Gentle pressure is applied to reflex areas of the feet (and sometimes the hands) in order to decrease stress and bring the body into equilibrium.  Function in the connecting area is improved and, at the same time, the body experiences overall relaxation and benefits to all of the body's systems.