Mayeth Galera Smooth & Calming Hands Therapeutic Massage
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00 - 18:00
- Monday
- 10:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Thursday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Friday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 19:00
Calgary, Alberta T2H 0K2
Deep Tissue Massage
The Practitioner primary performing physically break down muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause inflammation or limited range of motion.
Best for
• Chronic muscle pain or injury recovery.
• Improving postural problems.
• Reducing symptoms of conditions like sciatica or fibromyalgia.
Very light pressure—similar to the weight of a nickel—is used to stretch the skin in the direction of lymph flow, guiding stagnant fluid toward healthy lymph nodes.
Massage Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.
Gentle Pressure and Rhythmic Movements:
MLD uses light, rhythmic strokes and circular movements to stimulate lymph vessels and nodes, promoting the movement of lymphatic fluid.
Targeting Lymph Nodes:
The technique focuses on areas with lymph nodes, such as the neck, armpits, and groin, to facilitate drainage.
Benefits of MLD:
Reduces Swelling (Edema):
MLD helps to reduce swelling by encouraging the drainage of excess fluid and protein from tissues. By promoting lymphatic circulation, MLD can help to improve the body's immune response. MLD can be beneficial in post-surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, and management of lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid buildup). The lymphatic system plays a vital role in removing waste and toxins, and MLD can enhance this process.
Improves Skin Health:
MLD can promote healthy skin by improving circulation and reducing swelling.
Pain Management:
MLD may also help to reduce pain associated with swelling and inflammation.
Injuries: To help with swelling and promote healing after injuries.
Chronic Conditions: In some cases, MLD may be used to manage swelling associated with other chronic conditions.
therapeutic massage session is much more clinical and structured than a standard spa treatment. It typically follows a specific medical or functional protocol to address a specific issue.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how a practitioner performs a therapeutic session:
1. Assessment and "Mapping"
Before you even get on the table, the practitioner will perform a physical assessment. This might include:
• Range of Motion (ROM) Testing: Asking you to turn your head or reach for your toes to see where the movement is restricted.
• Postural Analysis: Observing how you stand to see if one shoulder is higher or if your pelvis is tilted.
• Palpation: Using their hands to feel for "hypertonic" (overly tight) muscles, heat, or swelling.
2. Warming the Tissue (The "Superficial" Phase)
Even though the goal is deep work, a practitioner never starts deep. They use effleurage (long, gliding strokes) to:
• Increase local blood flow.
• Warm up the fascia (connective tissue).
• Desensitize the nervous system so the muscles don't "guard" or tighten up when deeper pressure is applied later.
The 5 Core Techniques
1. Effleurage: Long, gliding strokes to warm up the tissue.
2. Petrissage: Kneading and "rolling" the muscles to release tension.
3. Friction: Circular rubbing to create heat and improve joint flexibility.
4. Tapotement: Light, rhythmic tapping to stimulate the area.
5. Vibration: Gently shaking the muscles to encourage a "reset" of the nerves.
The Practitioner primary performing Pressure: Light to medium (rarely painful).
• Flow: Constant, unbroken contact between the practitioner and the skin.
• Focus: Full-body (back, legs, arms, neck, and scalp).
• Result: Reduced cortisol (stress), improved circulation, and deep relaxation.
Step A: The Back (15–20 minutes)
The back is the best place to start because it has the largest surface area for the nervous system to relax.
1. Effleurage (The Glide): Spread oil with long, sweeping strokes. Start at the lower back, glide up the sides of the spine (not on the spine) to the shoulders, and sweep back down the sides.
2. Petrissage (The Kneading): Use your palms to "knead" the fleshy parts of the shoulders and the lower back. Think of it like gently squeezing a sponge.
3. The "C" Stroke: Use your thumbs to make small "C" shapes in the muscles between the shoulder blades, moving slowly to avoid bone.
Step B: The Legs (10 minutes per leg)
1. Gliding: Stroke from the ankle up toward the hip. Always move toward the heart to assist circulation. 2. Kneading: Use both hands to "wring" the calf muscle and the thigh (hamstring).
3. Foot Finish: Use your thumbs to apply firm pressure in a line from the heel to the toes.
Step C: Arms and Hands (5 minutes per arm)
1. Long Strokes: Glide from the wrist to the shoulder.
2. Palm Circles: Use your thumb to make circles in the palm of their hand—this is often the most relaxing part for people who type or use phones.
• Communication: Ask, "Is this pressure okay?" A Swedish massage should never be painful. It should feel like a "firm hug" for the muscles.
Regular prenatal massages can help increase your serotonin levels, which helps you get a better night’s sleep. The relaxed state you’re in after a massage can also aid in getting the best sleep quality you can.
Prenatal massage safe for the baby.
Often a massage therapist may have specially designed cushions for the massage bed to help you lay comfortably.
Fire cupping is available at no additional charge; kindly inform your therapist prior to treatment if you'd like to incorporate it.
Swedish Massage
About
At Smooth & Calming Hands, Mayeth blends technical expertise with a compassionate touch to help clients find relief from chronic pain, recover from injuries, or simply escape the stresses of daily life.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that every body is unique. Whether you are seeking deep therapeutic work or a gentle restorative session, Mayeth tailors each treatment to meet your specific health goals, ensuring you leave the clinic feeling balanced, rejuvenated, and—true to the clinic’s name—calm.
Gallery
Reviews
- Rebecca·
Satisfied relaxed and healed. I definitely gonna come back it worth it,l highly recommend it to my friends and family.
- Jonas·
This was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. My therapist was kind, attentive, and incredibly skilled. They really listened to what areas were bothering me and worked through the tension without it ever feeling rushed. I walked out feeling lighter and completely stress-free. I’ll definitely be booking again!😃
- Julie D'Amico·
10/10! Mayeth knows exactly where all my sore spots are without me even saying a word. Her pressure is perfect, and I left feeling so much lighter and relaxed. Highly recommend if you’re looking for someone who truly understands the body and how to release tension.
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00 - 18:00
- Monday
- 10:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Thursday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Friday
- 11:00 - 19:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 19:00





