Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is one of the key ingredients to a healthy life. While some find it to be a luxury, I would call it a necessity for creating optimal health.
Massage Therapy:
- Increases blood circulation -- Our blood feeds our cells with oxygen and nutrients. The more blood flow, the healthier the cells, and the faster one heals when injured.
- Increases lymphatic circulation -- Our lymphatic system is responsible for picking up metabolic wastes from our cells, filtering them through the lymph nodes where they are broken down with healthy bacteria, and then filtered out through the kidneys and skin. The lymph system does not have a pump like that of the blood which gets pumped by the heart. Therefore, it is imperative that we keep the lymph moving so that our cells are not bathing in our metabolic waste. Massage Therapy is one of the best ways to get the lymphatic system moving.
- Benefits our Immune System -- As in #2 above, Massage Therapy supports the lymphatic system in doing its job. Our lymph system is also our immune system, as it support the body by attacking foreign invaders and filtering them out. The easier your lymph moves, the healthier you will be.
- Promotes Relaxation and Stress Relief -- Countless studies have shown the deleterious effects that stress has on the body. There is no denying the connection between emotional and mental stress and the resulting physical manifestations. Massage de-stresses the mind, relaxes the body, and promotes health.
Massage Modalities Include:
- Deep Tissue -- After warming up the body with long, soothing strokes, deeper pressure can be applied. Deep tissue will allow the body to release spasms and muscle adhesions, and ease tension. Depth of pressure is always adjusted to the client's preference. One doesn't have to be cringing in pain in order for the work to be effective in releasing tough muscles.
- Swedish -- A relaxing, soothing massage using gentle effleurage strokes.
- Therapeutic -- This is a massage using various techniques to address specific areas of concern, whether it be an injured area or just one where tension is extreme.
- Massage Cupping -- A technique using special cups which pull up on the musculature to promote blood flow and healing to the muscles. The cups can be used as part of the massage itself, or left in place in areas requiring more attention (*temporary marks could appear when the cups are left on the body due to increased blood circulation such as the marks seen on Michael Phelp's body during the 2016 Summer Olympics.)
- Fascia Blasting -- Fascia is the clear saran-wrap-looking substance that wraps around our muscles, keeping our bodies in alignment. It is both surrounding as well as within our musculature. Fascia can become shortened and stuck together because of injury or stress. This causes muscle adhesions, decreased range of motion, scarring, poor posture and pain. Fat is also stored just below the fascia causing the appearance of cellulite. With fascia blasting, the muscles are briskly rubbed with a special tool. This eliminates the adhesions, reduces pain, restores range of motion, smoothes the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. (*temporary bruising may occur due to increased blood flow.)
- Infant Massage -- Studies have shown that touch is important to the health of our babies. Infant massage soothes colicky babies, increases the bond between parent and child, promotes sleep, and teaches the difference between good touch/bad touch.
