One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
Swedish Massage
Laurel Wanner
I graduated in 1992 from Twin Lakes College in Santa Cruz, certified with a focus in Swedish and Polarity. I have since studied table Shiatsu, deep Swedish and Prenatal which I incorporate into my work when appropriate.
I have also completed studies in Myofascial Release, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and Sports Massage.
Lisa DiBello
Lisa has been in private practice and employed at note-worthy spa and healing facilities continuously for 20 years since her graduation from the Swedish Institute in NYC. Though originally from NY, she has lived, trained and traveled in Asia, and has resided in six US States on the East and West Coast, the Southwest and Colorado. She has studied Traditional Thai Massage extensively in the US and in Thailand as well as one year of formal TCM study at Beijing University for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her work aims at resolving both short and long-term soft-tissue imbalance and her style is defined by quiet, deep relaxation – utilizing Swedish, Thai and Japanese Shiatsu massage techniques. It will include the subtle use of specific points along the energy meridians as well as suggestions for take-home physical/postural behavior modifications. Expect to walk away from the table with your nervous system noticeably calmed and your senses reinvigorated.
Nicholette Keel
Nicholette Keel graduated from Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, CA. She incorporates modalities of Swedish, Shiatsu, specialty Pre-Natal, stretching, acupressure, and Polarity Therapy with her fifteen years of industry experience. Her intuitive understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection serves to assist clients in releasing chronic tension and imbalances. Her goal to her clients is for general well-being and optimal health. Her style is best described as slow, firm, relaxing, and nurturing. She accomplishes this by using a combination of long flowing sweeping strokes with specific pressure points that target key areas of stress. Her unique sensitivity enables her to fine tune and craft the massage session around each client’s individual needs. As an active athlete and body-worker, she understands the importance of flexibility and range of motion that massage therapy serves to address repetitive stress injury, fatigue, and tight muscles. She is skilled in using pressure from light to firm with a diverse range of modalities to help clients achieve deep relaxation and recovery.
Pearl Jones
Pearl is native to Santa Cruz, and second generation massage therapist. Graduated locally from Cypress Health Institute in 2011, she has spent the last 8 years practicing massage and becoming the intuitive healer she is today. Specializing in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Prenatal, Hot-Stone, Chakra-clearing, and Polarity energy work. On her time off, she enjoys adventuring about our beautiful community with her husband and 3 sons. After all of her years in Santa Cruz, she still finds new treasures to be experienced. Change and newness are joys in life.
Robin Richart
Robin’s modalities include Swedish, Polarity, Craniosacral therapy, soft to deep tissue, also offering Skin and Body Care treatments.
Samantha Pope
While studying psychology and dance at the University of Florida, Sam took a semester of Thai massage within the dance department, and the spell was cast. After graduating, Sam found herself reconnecting with her Thai teacher, and an opportunity she couldn’t refuse appeared; an intimate apprenticeship to learn the art of Thai massage. For several years, Sam studied & practiced daily with her teacher, and eventually became a co-teacher in all workshops and classes.
In 2017, Sam attended the Florida School of Massage to broaden her training and knowledge and became a licensed Massage Therapist. There she studied several modalities including Swedish, Connective Tissue Therapy, Reflexology, Polarity, Sports Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy. In 2022, Sam moved to Santa Cruz and joined the team at Well Within. Her sessions include elements of the modalities listed above, as well as space for intuition and in the moment discoveries. Her current specialty massage offerings include Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Thai Foot Reflexology, and Thai Massage.
Sarah Joy Zell
Sarah has been practicing massage since 2006 and she shares a lifelong passion for health and wellness for all people. Her sessions invite a sense of connection: connection to yourself and connection to the world around you. She loves how massage gives people the kinesthetic information they need to help heal from injuries and feel a greater sense of ease and wellbeing. Her modalities include Swedish Relaxation Massage, Pregnancy Massage, and Craniosacral Therapy.