Massage 101

Which type of massage is right for me?

*Swedish Massage - a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers
of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. And employs some of the following
techniques:

Effleurage – is a smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Petrissage (also called kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually
follows effleurage

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating
taps to the client.

Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements
applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes
an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

*Deep- tissue - releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger
pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is
called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

*Trigger Point - applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to
break cycles of spasm and pain.

Guided Relaxation - we use a system of guided breathing, relaxation and visualization techniques adapted
from a variety of techniques garnered from group meditation sessions, exercises by Brian Weiss and other
methods taught by hypo-therapy and meditation experts.

Aromatherapy - we use organic essential oils that complement your therapeutic goals in both our massage
oils/gels and by the use of a diffuser if desired.

Reiki - is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is
administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us
and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel
stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

(information courtesy of Reiki.org - go there to learn more and to sign up for their newsletter)

Scalp and Sinus Intensive - this technique focuses on the sinus pressure points in order to alleviate pressure
and reduce sinus pain and headaches. The base of the scalp and temples are also areas of focus during this
technique.

Focusing on these specific areas can significantly reduce or even eliminate pain and also encourages sinus de-
congestion.

(* information courtesy of the AMTA glossary of terms. Go to http://www.amtamassage.org/about/terms.html
to learn more)

The Benefits Of Massage

Massage and massage related therapies are
known to provide a variety of benefits from
stress reduction, to increased relaxation, or even pain management.
Below is a detailed list of these benefits courtesy of http://www.
massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

Massage can:

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and
shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s
natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from,
strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch
marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs,
improving circulation.
Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s
natural painkiller.
Relieve migraine pain.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress
related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally,
than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in
this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt,
help manage stress.

This translates into:

Decreased anxiety.
Enhanced sleep quality.
Greater energy.
Improved concentration.
Increased circulation.
Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after
receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can
often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes
cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows
that with massage:

Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and
increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood
pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention
and cramping.
Pre-term infants have improved weight gain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits

Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage
frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking
part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in
how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each
passing year.

Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is
truly an investment in your health.

And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’
t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a
necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your
practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your
needs.

Contraindications of Massage

A contraindication is a condition which prohibits massage of either the
effected area or prohibits a massage altogether. A massage treatment is non-
invasive and is beneficial to the body in many ways, however it is
important to be aware of conditions may irritated or worsened by receiving
a massage. These conditions are listed below and split into three groups:
local, medical and total contraindications.

Local Contraindications:
These conditions affect specific areas of the body, but it is possible for a
person to benefit from massage so long as the specific area is avoided.

Scar tissue - 6 months for minor surgery - 2 years for major surgery
Varicose veins
Undiagnosed lumps/bumps
Sunburn
Skin diseases
Areas of undiagnosed pain (not aches or tensions)
Pregnancy (the abdomen only has to be avoided)
The abdomen during the first few days of menstruation (dependant
on consultation with the client)
Diabetes (extra care shown to feet/ or any instances of edema)
Edema (swelling/bloating)

Medical contraindications:
These are conditions that require consent from your doctor before a
massage treatment plan can be put into place.

Cardio-vascular conditions
Hypertension
Hypotension
Thrombosis
Phlebitis Heart conditions
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Bells palsy
Trapped nerves
Inflamed nerves

Total Contraindications:
These conditions affect the whole body and therefore treatment can not be
given.

Fever
Contagious or infectious diseases
Any person under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ( this includes
dental anaesthetic for a specific time period.)
Cancer (unless the client is terminal, in which case with a doctor's
permission massage can be given as part of palliative care)

If you have any questions regarding contraindications to massage e-mail us
or consult with your physician.

With the exception of total contraindications - we can still devise a massage
relaxation plan with the consent and guidance of your physician.

Or another therapy, like Reiki, may be used in lieu of massage. Reiki doesn't
require contact with the body in order to work.