During Swedish massage, massage therapist will apply massage oil or cream to your skin to facilitate various massage strokes, including the smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.

Swedish massage promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension and creates other health benefits. It can be slow and gentle or vigorous and bracing, depending on what you and your  therapist want to achieve.

Feel free to state your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, ask for a deep tissue massage.

Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure." Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.

deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly.

The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. It should not be confused with “deep pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session, and that is not performed to address a specific complaint. Deep tissue massage is applied to both the superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures. The sessions are often quite intense as a result of the deliberate, focused work. When a client asks for a massage and uses the term “deep tissue”, more often than not he or she is seeking to receive a full-body session with sustained deep pressure throughout. If a practitioner employs deep tissue techniques on the entire body in one session, it would be next to impossible to perform; it might lead to injury or localized muscle and nerve trauma, thereby rendering the session counterproductive.

The therapist will use a combination of massage techniques along with strategic placement of delightfully warmed or cooled stones. This is intended to achieve the goal of relaxing muscles with a very deep penetrating heat and releasing inflammation with the cooling effect of the cold stones. At CLOUD NINE we have carefully selected our stones from the crystal deep blue waters of our very own "FLATHEAD RIVER". Stones are chosen for their smoothness, depth, energy and feel, they are then warmed to a  perfect temperature in a hot water bath. The stones are then used with warm oil or cream and long soothing strokes to achieve optimal muscle relaxation.

Because of the majestic surrounding rocky mountains and the natural grounding energy of the deep crystal waters of Flathead Lake the very formation of these rocks lends itself to the sacred space required to facilitate your total body wellness.

Thai massage is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage. It is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran" (Thai: นวดแผนโบราณ, [nûət pʰɛ̌ːn boːraːn]), literally, the ancient-manner massage.

The massage works by working with the body’s own lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for immune system regulation and fluid and waste removal. It is what helps rid the body of any toxins that may cause illness. When the lymphatic system slows down or becomes blocked, then fluids begin to build up, causing the whole body to feel tired and heavy, making us susceptible to catching sicknesses.

By stimulating the lymph nodes through massage, it helps to clear any blockages and gives the lymphatic system a boost keeping it running healthy and strong. This in turn keeps your body free of toxins and illness and while also creating a stronger immune system.

A lymphatic massage session begins with a consultation between the therapist and client to discuss the client’s specific needs and how many sessions will be needed. The actual massage consists of gentle pressured and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes throughout the body. The procedure uses the deep thumb pressure of shiatsu combined with the relaxing techniques of the Swedish massage. Depending on whether the therapist is focused on only one specific area or is working on the entire body, a session can last anywhere between half an hour to two hours in length.

Lymphatic massage is an excellent treatment on its own or when used in combination with other massage techniques such as deep tissue or Swedish massage. Since it consists of only soft, rhythmic motion, the technique can be used on even the gentlest of areas including areas of the body that are swollen. 

The massage is good for individuals who frequently suffer from illnesses, a faulty immune system, sports injuries, depression and emotional problems, stress, and low energy. It has been shown to have positive effects on the skin, to produce energy, and to help with respiratory problems. The treatment boosts the immune system making it easier to fight of disease and creates general feelings of vitality. It can also help the client deal with different types of pain because it evokes the body’s innate healing mechanisms. The main idea behind lymphatic massage is that when our immune system is healthy, we are also strong and healthy.