Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of soft tissues in the body for treatment of body stress or pain. It can create inner balance and harmony, and be soothing in mind and body. Techniques that are currently used include hands, fingers, knuckles or forearms.
Because many diseases are exacerbated by stress, therapeutic massage can help a person become healthier and more resistant to disease. Through the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue and muscles, therapeutic massage relieves muscle aches and pains.
The following are samples of what massage can help you achieve:
Anxiety | Relaxation | Pain Relief | Stress Reduction | Depression | Poor Circulation | Increased Flexibility
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.
Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.
Pregnancy Massage
Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman’s body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.
Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman’s individual needs.
Geriatric Massage
Geriatric massage, which utilizes the same basic techniques as traditional massage therapy, was especially designed for the elderly and their unique needs. This type of massage includes the gentle massage of soft tissues (and sometimes passive or active manipulation of the joints), proven to improve circulation and increase flexibility. Massage therapy for the elderly addresses the same health conditions as other techniques and utilizes the same methods, but with a much gentler touch.
Geriatric massage also helps to:
•Increases blood circulation to reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases;
•Improves lymphatic flow to aid in the elimination of toxic substances from the body;
•Combats the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression;
•Improves balance, posture and flexibility;
•Reduces arthritic pain and increases joint mobility;
•Improves quality of sleep.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
is a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses a light touch to encourage the healthy movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This method of bodywork is used to reduce the negative effects of stress, enhance overall health and improve resistance to disease. It has also been shown to reduce problems associated with pain as well as some neurological dysfunctions, because of its affect on the brain and spinal cord.
Lymphatic Drainage
is used to stimulate the movement of lymph, which in turn helps to rid the body of inflammatory and toxic material. This technique uses a rhythmic, light touch to enhance the body’s own gentle pumping action within the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to enhance the immune system as well as to reduce pain.
Reflexology
is a modality originally based on an ancient Chinese therapy. It involves the application of pressure to specific areas in the foot, hands and ears, which correspond to various parts of the body. The applied pressure to these reflex zones in turn stimulates body organs and relieves areas of energetic congestion. Reflexology is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, and has been found to be useful in stress related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology can also be used in circumstances where areas of the body are traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct touch is contraindicated.
Shiatsu
a light compression technique, similar to acupressure, was developed in Japan and uses traditional acupuncture points which help to encourage the healthy flow of life energy as well as restore balance in the body. Shiatsu uses traditional five-element Chinese medicine, which shows a relationship between the earth’s natural rhythms and the human body. The technique produces a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. In turn, this helps with pain relief and the strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and discomfort.
Shiatsu uses a gentle yet deep touch combined with assisted stretching and other corrective techniques in order to clear contracted areas in the body, allowing energy to circulate freely.
A shiatsu session is a dynamic interchange of energy on many different levels. There is no rigid formula. Every treatment is a full body treatment- working the body head to toe, though each session will differ from the next as it is designed for the special needs of the individual.
Health benefits:
Shiatsu helps to maintain overall health and increases body-mind awareness. This enables the receiver to experience a sense of wellbeing and peace of mind by further establishing a healthy relationship with the body. A treatment provides the client space to open up, and see the true cause for his or her condition.
Shiatsu is most beneficial for:
– Deep Relaxation.
– Acute and Chronic Muscle Pain and Tension (such as neck, shoulder and back aches).
– Headaches and Migraines.
– Respiratory and Circulatory Disorders.
– Digestive Problems.
– Menstrual Disorders
– Psychological Issues and Stress related disorders: Anxiety, Grief, Depression and Insomnia.
– Correcting long term Postural Imbalances.
By improving circulation, and releasing toxins and deep-seated tensions from the muscles, you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.