MASSAGE Therapy

What is a massage like?
Massage releases chronic tension and pain in muscles, improves circulation increases flexibility in the joints, and reduces mental and physical fatigue. In addition, massage is one of the most effective means available to combat stress. But the question most people want answered before first trying this enjoyable and healthful experience is "What is a massage like?"

Who will give me my massage?
Your massage will be given by a massage therapist with many hours of training, often in several types of massage. In addition, massage therapists have a basic competence in anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of when massage is and is not appropriate. A growing number of states license massage therapists.

What kinds of massage can I get?
Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It used long light strokes, deep kneading, small friction type motions, light tapping, and movement of the joints. The list of other specialized techniques is long. Ask you massage therapist to explain any other techniques she or he uses.

In the last decade, massage has enjoyed a boom in popularity. Once thought of as a luxury for the pampered, it has become a hands-on favorite of stressed-out office workers, recreational athletes, and wellness enthusiast… popping up in health clinics, shopping malls, and even corporate suites.
- Better Homes and Gardens April 1991

What is the first appointment like?
Your massage therapist will begin by asking some general health questions since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate. Your massage therapist will then leave the covering yourself with a fresh sheet.

Your massage will take place on a table especially designed for stability and comfort. Your massage therapist may offer cushion or an adjustable face rest for support. The room will be warm and quiet, often with soft music to set at relaxing mood.

For a full body massage, most people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. You are warmly draped at all times, except for the area being worked on.

Your massage therapist will usually use a lubricant, such as light oil or lotion, which is good for your skin and absorbs well. For some kinds of massage, no oil is used and you remain clothed.

A massage usually begins with a light steady touch, followed by broad, flowing strokes. This starts calming your nervous system and releasing tension in your superficial muscles. Gradually, as your body becomes ready, your massage therapist works more deeply to relax specific areas.

What should I do in a massage?
Make yourself comfortable. If your massage therapist wants you to adjust your position, he or she will either move you (for instance lift your arm) or will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during a massage. Others prefer to talk. It's your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is certainly the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions about what your massage therapist is doing, or about massage in general.

The desire to sigh or take a deep breath is a sign that you are relaxing. In fact, deep natural breaths can actually help you relax.

Will a massage ever hurt?
Massage on healthy tissue feels good, and the saying "no pain, no gain" is not true for massage. The most effective and the deepest massage works with the body's natural responses, rather than against them. Always tell your massage therapist if you feel and discomfort so she or he can adjust to a more appropriate level.

Massage used to address a painful injury may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens noticeably in the first few minutes. Your massage therapist know ways to minimize pain, and will work carefully within what feels right to you.

Today, massage has become more accepted as a holistic means for healthy people to relieve emotional stress, to relax and to enjoy the universal human need for touch.
-Muscle " Fitness, August 1994

Will a massage tickle?
Ticklish people are often surprised that massage does not tickle. The touch in a massage is completely different from tickling. The intent is relaxation, the pressure gentle but firm. In addition, your massage therapist chooses strokes that gradually accustom you to the touch involved.

If you are extremely ticklish, tell your therapist so he or she can work carefully, or avoid your area of sensitivity altogether.

How long is a massage?
An hour is a common length for a massage. This is enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for instance back, neck and shoulders.

A half-hour can be an excellent introduction to massage, with plenty of time for a partial massage, such as back, neck and shoulders or legs and feet. One and half hours is enough time for a full body massage along with special attention to a problem area.

What do I do after the massage?
When your massage is finished, your massage therapist will leave the room while you dress. Be aware that massage can be profoundly relaxing, and it affects all of your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the table.

People are now recognizing massage therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness, prevention, stress management and health.
-Forbes FYI, November 1994

How will I feel after my massage?
After a massage, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up from months of tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.

Sometimes the immediate effects of your massage may seem mild. Watch for further change over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced stress.

How do I find out more?
You may still have questions after reading this information. It's your body, and you are right to be careful. Any massage therapist will be happy to discuss your questions over the phone or in person before you book an appointment. But finally, when you are ready, the best answers will come from experiencing a massage first hand. Enjoy in good health!

Chronic Pain and Massage

Few things are as distressing as chronic pain. It saps your energy and takes an emotional toll. Overtime, pain can become a vicious cycle with a life of its own, sometimes persisting even after the original cause is resolved.

Massage is one of the most overlooked, yet accessible supportive measures you can seek for chronic pain. Dr. Ronald Malzack, a pioneer of modern pain research, introduces his own discussion of massage and pain with these words:

"Almost all societies (use) mechanical pressure… to relieve pain… There is not one of us who does not … stretch and aching back or rub an area that hurts. These are our own, almost instinctive, maneuvers which have developed into various anti-pain procedures."

The Pain Cycle
The pain cycle is a complex chain of events, which reinforce each other. It often begins with injury or illness, but each element, especially stress, can add to or even start to cycle. Massage is unique in addressing most of the pain cycle elements.

Pain
You perceive pain when your body releases chemicals that stimulate nerves to send pain messages to the brain. These are difficult, and dangerous, to ignore.

Always look for and treat the cause of your pain. At the same time, you can use massage to directly affect how you experience chronic, persistent pain. Research suggests that massage stimulates release of natural pain-relievers such as endorphins. It can also reduce the devastating grip of pain as you focus on the pleasant sensation of relaxation.

Muscle tension
Muscles automatically contract around any painful site to support and protect the area. If pain is resolved quickly, muscles relax. If pain persists, muscles can become habitually contracted. Sometimes contractions press on nerves causing tingling, numbness, and more pain.

Massage helps by stretching tight muscles and by stimulating the nervous system to relax muscle tension.

Reduced circulation
Like a sponge that is squeezed, a contracted muscle can't hold much fluid. Tight muscles reduce circulation, allowing waste products for inflammation and normal muscle function to accumulate. This can leave you feeling fatigued and sore, reducing your energy reserves. It can also irritate nerves, causing pain to spread throughout the tense area.

Massage releases contracted muscles and pushes circulation toward the heart. Also, as massage relaxes the nervous system, blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow. Waste products are flushed away and replaced with healing oxygen and nutrients.

Trigger Points
Over time, areas with poor circulation form trigger points - highly irritable spots that refer pain, tingling or other sensations elsewhere in the body, usually in predictable pattern. As muscles tense around referred pain, the pain cycle spreads.

Trigger points respond well to standard massage techniques such as sustained pressure, ice massage, and muscle stretching.

Muscle Shortening
Eventually, the body lays down connective tissue throughout any contracted area with poor circulation. While helpful for healing injuries, this natural reaction and "glue" muscles and their connective tissue coverings into a shortened state.

Massage increases circulation, rehydrating and softening connective tissue so it can be lengthened by stretching and kneading.

Restricted Movement
Irritating waste products, painful trigger points, and shortened muscles make even simple actions difficult and tiring. As your capacity for movement and exercise decreases, you lose the most important means for maintaining good circulation throughout your body, risking pain in new areas.

Massage helps restore normal movement by releasing trigger points, removing waste products, and stretching shortened muscles. In addition, because you feel better after a massage, you may discover renewed energy and motivation for physical activity.

Stress and Pain
Our physical reactions to stress reflect how we evolved in prehistoric times. Muscles tense for action and circulation decreases to areas not needed to fight or run. This helped cavemen survive the saber-toothed tiger, but unfortunately does not help with modern stresses such as family conflicts, work deadlines, or money worries. When stress is unrelieved, our bodies tense further into an anxious, irritable posture. Stress induced muscle tension and impaired circulation can and do contribute directly to the pain cycle.

To make matters worse, chronic pain itself is a major source of stress. It drains you emotionally, robbing you of the patience and stamina you need just to get through a day. It interrupts your sleep, leaving you tired and irritable. You worry about its cause and if you will ever get better. As pain makes normal activity difficult, your anxiety increases. Will you be able to keep working? Where will you get the money for treatment? Will you become dependent on others?

Massage and stress
Massage acts on the nervous system to counteract the body's response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return toward normal. Many people sleep better after a massage, which helps to body heal and renews emotional reserves. To the extent massage relieves pain, even temporarily, it reduces stress by giving you some control over your situation.

A massage also helps you become aware of unconsciously held tension, and how it feels to relax. This helps you recognize and release tension later, before it creates a problem.

Finally, allowing someone else to give you the care and comfort of a relaxing massage can give you much needed emotional support in a time of stress.

How much massage is right?
This depends on your general health, when the pain started and what caused it. For long-term benefits you usually need series of massages. Follow-up massage in times of stress can help keep old pain from flaring up. You may find massage so beneficial that you make it a regular part of your life.

What else should you do?
Always seek medical advice for pain since it can indicate a serious health condition. Also, because massage is not appropriate for all conditions, let your primary care practitioner know you are receiving massage, and always inform your massage practitioner about any medical problems.

Also, massage can relieve chronic pain on many levels, but often works best with other supportive measures. Rest, exercise, nutrition, and appropriate medication can all help you feel better. Stress counseling and relaxation techniques such as biofeedback or medication can also give significant relief.

Discover the Craniosacral System

The Therapeutic Value of the Craniosacral System

We are all familiar with the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms. Like them, another body rhythm - the Craniosacral system - influences many body functions. An imbalance in this system can adversely affect the development of the brain and spinal cord, which can result in sensory, motor and intellectual dysfunction.

The Craniosacral system is a physiological system that exists not only in humans but in animals possessing a brain and spinal cord. Its formation begins in the womb and its function continues until death.

Its name, Craniosacral, is derived from the associated bones. Included are those of the skull, face, and mouth - which make up the cranium - and extend down the spinal cord to the sacrum. Membranes enclosing a hydraulic system connect the Craniosacral system.

For 20 years, osteopathic physician and surgeon Dr. John Upledger has been the chief proponent for using the Craniosacral system to evaluate and treat medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. His research and clinical work with the Craniosacral rhythm has let the development of a light-touch manipulative therapy which has been effective in treating poorly understood dysfunction's, chronic pain, lowered vitality and recurring infections.

The positive effect of Craniosacral Therapy relies to a large extent upon the patient's natural self-corrective physiological activities. The therapist's light, hands-on approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent in the Craniosacral system to improve the body's internal environment.

Because of its influence on many body functions. Craniosacral Therapy is used today by a wide variety of healthcare professionals including osteopaths, medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic medicine, psychiatrists, psychologists, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists and licensed body workers.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Help You?
Craniosacral Therapy is used to locate and solve problems. It encourages your own natural mechanism to improve the functioning of your brain and spinal cord, to dissipate the negative effects of stress and to enhance your general health and resistance to disease.

How is Craniosacral Therapy Performed?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique. Seldom does the therapist apply pressure, which exceeds five grams of the equivalent weigh of a nickel. Examination is done by testing for movement in various parts of the system. Often, when movement testing is completed, the restriction has been removed and the system is able to self-correct.

Trained therapists are able to palpate the motion of the Craniosacral system anywhere on a patient's body. Valuable information can be gained very quickly with regard to rate, amplitude, symmetry and quality of Craniosacral motion.

The regions of the Craniosacral system which can be easily palpated are the bones of the skull, sacrum and coccyx because they attach to the membranes enclosing the cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is filtered out of the blood in a dynamic feedback loop. Pressures build as the amount of cerebrospinal fluid increases, bathing the brain and spinal cord - acting like a semi-closed hydraulic system. When the fluid moves - normally at a rate of six to 12 cycles per minute -the membranes containing the fluid move.

Palpation is possible with all of the other bones of the spine and pelvis. Because of their less direct effect on the hydraulic system, however, it is more difficult to detect the motion. The same is true of the facial bones and the temporomandibular joints.

What Is the Origin of the Craniosacral System and Its Therapy?
While the existence of the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythms is not disputed today, a debate concerning their reality raged in medical communities around the globe for centuries. Ever today, treatment for afflictions associated with these systems remains as diverse as the diseases and their individual practitioners - especially in the area of health maintenance. The history of the Craniosacral system's discovery is fairly recent.

In the early 1900s, as an osteopathic student in Kirksville, Missouri, Dr. William G. Sutherland was struck by an idea. He saw that the bones of the skull were designed, as they were to provide the opportunity for movement, in relationship to each other. For more than 20 years he pondered the prospect of moveable bones in the adult skull. He preformed makeshift experiments on himself with helmet-like devices designed to impose variable controlled and sustained pressures on different parts of his head. His wife then recorded personality changes he displayed in response to different pressure applications; he described head pains, problems with coordination, etc., related to the varied pressures. In the early 1930s, under a pseudonym in the Minnesota Osteopathic Journal, Dr. Sutherland published his first article about this work.

Based on his experiments, he developed a system of examination and treatment for the bones of the skull. With some patient success, Dr. Sutherland organized a small group of osteopaths who studied cranial work with him.

His system became known as Cranial Osteopathy. Because so little was known about how it worked and because results with patients seemed at times to be miraculous, Sutherland's system acquired an understandably esoteric reputation.

In 1970, during a surgery on a patient's neck, Dr. Upledger view the rhythmical movement of a membranous boundary of what appeared to be a hydraulic system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts had an explanation for his observation that the Dura Mater, the outer layer of the meningeal membrane, in the neck visibly moved in and out at about 10 cycles per minute. He concluded that pressure inside the membrane sack was fluctuating rhythmically.

Two years later Dr. Upledger attended a seminar, which explained Sutherland's ideas and taught some of his evaluation and treatment techniques. Coupling his scientific background with a tactile sensitivity, Dr. Upledger was quick to understand how a hydraulic system might function inside a membranous sac encased within the skull and canal of the spinal column. Dr. Upledger incorporated and refined Dr. Sutherland's techniques with success.

In 1975 he was asked to join the Osteopathic College at Michigan State University as a clinician-researcher and professor in the Department Biomechanics. He led a multidisciplinary research team made up of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers through the maze of research, which first established the scientific basis for the Craniosacral system.

The team was able to explain in scientific and practical terms the function of the Craniosacral system. It also showed how this system could be used to evaluate and treat malfunctions involving the brain and spinal cord as well as a myriad of other health problems that previously were misunderstood or poorly understood.

In the two decades since his initial research, Dr. Upledger has written three textbooks: Craniosacral Therapy; Craniosacral Therapy II, Beyond the Dura and Somato Emotional Release and Beyond explain the functioning of the Craniosacral system in detail. In 1985, he established The Upledger Institute, Inc., a clinical and educational resource center. Since then, thousands of healthcare professionals have studied the therapeutic value of the Craniosacral system.

How to Locate Practitioners Skilled in Craniosacral Therapy
The Upledger Institute, Inc., maintains the HealthPlex Clinic at its Florida facility for individuals seeking Craniosacral Therapy. HealthPlex is staffed by physicians and therapists who are compassionate, well informed and highly skilled in Craniosacral Therapy as well as in their individual healthcare specialties. The Upledger Institute, Inc., also has complied an alumni directory that can be used as a guide to locate licensed healthcare practitioners who have completed The institute's post-graduate courses and incorporate Craniosacral Therapy into their practice.

Jin Shin Jyutsu®

Jin Shin Jyutsu® physio-philosophy is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Born of innate wisdom and passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, the Art had fallen into relative obscurity when it was dramatically revived in the early 1900's by Master Jiro Murai in Japan.

After clearing himself of life-threatening illness, Master Murai devoted the rest of his life to the research and development of Jin Shin Jyutsu, gathering insight from a range of experiences and resources, including the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Things). The resulting knowledge of Jin Shin Jyutsu was then given to Mary Burmeister, who brought it to the United States in the 1950's.

Mary Burmeister began teaching the Art to others in the early 1960's, and today there are thousands of students throughout the United States and around the world.

Jin Shin Jyutsu brings balance to the body's energies, which promotes optimal health and well-being, and facilitates our own profound healing capacity. It is a valuable complement to conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation and reducing the effects of stress.

Jin Shin Jyutsu employs twenty-six "safety energy locks" along energy pathways that feed life into our bodies. When one or more of the paths become blocked, the resulting stagnation can disrupt the local area and eventually disharmonize the complete path of energy flow. Holding these energy locks in combination can bring balance to mind body, and spirit.

Learning Jin Shin Jyutsu engages one in self study, self-help. Through the process of "now know myself" we recognize the wisdom of the body, and we learn to interpret the messages provided and utilize them to restore balance. Jin Shin Jyutsu can be applied as self-help and also by a trained practitioner. A Jin Shin Jyutsu session generally lasts about an hour. It does not involve massage, manipulation of muscles, or use of drugs or substances. It is a gentle art, practiced by placing the fingertips (over clothing) on designated safety energy locks, to harmonize and restore the energy flow. This facilitates the reduction of tension and stress, which accumulate through normal daily living.

For those of us addressing existing stress or health disharmonies, or for those simply wishing to participate actively in maintaining health, harmony and well-being the Art of Jin Shin Jytsu is a simple and powerful tool, available to all! www.jinshinjytsu.com

What is Ortho-Bionomy?

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy which is highly effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual, no forceful manipulations are used. The practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further facilitate the neuromuscular re-education process begun in the session. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective in helping alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.

Ortho-Bionomy was developed by Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a British osteopath, who wanted to find a way to work with the body which honored the body's inherent wisdom. From his experience as a Judo instructor and through his training as an osteopath, he found ways of working with the body by exaggerating the body's preferred postures, thereby permitting the body's self-healing process to create greater balance and alignment. He discovered that by working WITH the body and not against it, the body could find balance on its own without having to use force to correct it. Dr. Pauls began teaching this work in the US in 1976, and has taught Ortho-Bionomy extensively throughout Europe.

The term "Ortho-Bionomy" comes from "ortho" meaning correct or straight, "bio" meaning life, and "nomy" meaning the laws of or study of. Dr. Pauls defined the term then as "the correct application of the laws of life." He stated "[Ortho-Bionomy] is really about understanding your whole life cycle. Naturally, we focus on the structure because that is the literal skeleton upon which our life is built. When your structure works right, your circulation works better, you feel better, you think better." (Kain and Berns, 1992)

How does Ortho-Bionomy work?
Ortho-Bionomy stimulates the body's self-correcting and self-balancing reflexes by way of the proprioceptive reflexes located in our joints and muscles. The practitioner uses movement and gentle compression to find positions of comfort which allow the body to change the stress and pain patterns which are causing the discomfort.

Ortho-Bionomy also employs the homeopathic concept that what cannot be cured from within cannot be cured from without. Using gentle positioning and light touch, Ortho-Bionomy stimulates inner awareness to awaken within the individual a sense of natural balance and well-being, both physically and emotionally. The inner wisdom of the body is recognized and affirmed. Self healing occurs as the person remembers their natural ability to move away from pain and toward ease.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a spiritual healing art. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. A reiki session usually takes an hour, some practitioners offer 1 1/2 hour sessions. The session is performed by a Reiki Practitioner (RP or RMT) using specific hand positions. During the reiki session, the client is fully clothed while comfortably reclining on a massage table or seated in a chair. It is stress-reducing and a very relaxing experience.

Reiki sessions or classes are a great investment in yourself.
Reiki Is:
A subtle and effective form of energy healing using spiritually guided life force energy. Practiced in every country of the world Being used in many setting including hospitals, hospice, as well as in private practice and in self-care. A wonderful complementary modality in a personal wellness or healing program

Reiki is Not:
Affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice New, it is thousands of years old (at least)

Defining Qualities of Reiki:
A practice of transmitting healing energy through the hands. Passed on through the attunement process. The energy is not guided by the practitioner, but the energy has it's own innate wisdom to guide itself. Reiki energy is not based on belief, faith or suggestion.

A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress, and can help support the body to facilitate healing on all levels- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one's own personal wellness, not just illness.

Reiki classes are a great gift to give yourself. They can help you reach progressively greater levels of well-being. In class, you can learn how to use Reiki on yourself or to share it with others.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, of France. Created out of his award-winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a level of precision consistent with recent scientific discoveries.

Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. From there they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations.

Therapists work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results can be:

• Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins
• Detoxification of the body
• Regeneration of tissue, including burns, wounds and wrinkles
• Anti-aging effects
• Relief of numerous chronic and subacute inflammations, including sinusitis, bronchitis and otitis
• Relief of chronic pain
• Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as muscle hypertonus and some forms of constipation
• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory
• Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue

What is Active Release Therapy?

ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients’ symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

What is Sports Massage?

Whether performing on a field with your teammates, rehearsing dance steps in front of a mirror or running down a country road, participating in sports can be exhilarating and rewarding. Be it for the love of health, a drive to compete or simply to finish a distance race, anyone who is active in sports strives to care for their body. Many people seek massage therapy regularly to help them perform their best and reach their personal goals.

Massage after a strenuous workout

When vigorous exercise leaves your muscles feeling fatigued, stiff and sore, massage can help. Massage stretches and lengthens shortened muscles and reduces spasm. Its gentle kneading improves circulation, which speeds up the removal of waste products that can make you sore and brings in the oxygen and nutrients your muscles need to rejuvenate. A deeply relaxing massage also promotes restful sleep, allowing your tissues time to repair naturally. Because massage helps your muscles return to normal function, it can help you resume activity sooner, enhance your performance and help your muscles work more efficiently.

Maintaining your fit body

Many sports and fitness enthusiasts rely on regular massage as an important part of their health maintenance routine. This is because an area of chronic tension can impair performance and even lead to injury when stressed. Assisted stretching, kneading and other massage techniques can loosen areas of chronic tension and help relieve new
areas of tension before they become chronic.

Your massage therapist will work related muscle groups; such as those in the upper back and the chest. This relieves stresses that may impair your body alignment and helps muscles throughout your body to work more efficiently together.

A massage is also a great place for you to relax and take time to notice areas in your body that are tight and painful. Developing an awareness of how your body feels and moves can help you adjust or adapt your fitness routine to avoid injury.

Pre-event massage

Massage can help you prepare for a competitive event. A pre-event massage is brief and invigorating, usually fifteen to twenty minutes long. It is given within an hour before your even, right through your clothes. Your massage therapist will rock and jostle your arms and legs, and will use compression – firm and repetitive pal
pressure into the belly of your muscles. These strokes are warming and energizing. Many athletes use this time to focus on their upcoming event and visualize their success.

Post event massage

After your event when you’ve cooled down, a post-event massage will be a calming and relaxing experience with the goal of easing pain and soreness and reducing imflammation. Your massage therapist will use a slow compression stroke to bring blood and oxygen to tense areas and to help flush out metabolic waste products built up during heavy muscle use. He or she will lightly jostle and shake your arms and legs and help you stretch your muscles. A post-event massage can last from 15 to 20 minutes and is also given through you clothes.

Massage for sports injuries

An injury to anyone who loves to be active is more than just pain and frustration. When your sports is your passion, an injury can be emotionally devastating.

A variety of massage techniques can help with injuries such as tendinitis muscle strains and ligament sprains. Because massage increases circulation it can also reduce welling and increase the supply of nutrients needed for healing.

In addition, your body often repairs injuries with scar tissue consisting of tightly matted collagen fibers. These fibers tear and retear easily, making healing difficult and causing your movements to be painful or restricted. Appropriate massage techniques can limit scar tissue formation in new injuries and can reduce or make more
pliable, the scar tissue around old injuries. Your muscles will move more freely and with less pain.

You may experience some discomfort at first with massage in the area of an injury or chronic pain, but the sensation should lessen after a few minutes. Always let your massage therapist know if your session is uncomfortable in any way. She or he can work within your comfort level by using less pressure or changing techniques.

Your sports massage therapist

Massage therapists have extensive training that includes a wide variety of massage techniques, anatomy and physiology and knowledge of when and when not to massage. In addition, massage therapists specializing in sports massage are trained to recognize and work with the unique demands that different sports place on the body. Your
massage therapist will be happy to answer any questions about his or her specialized education, experience and certification or licensing.

What are Holistic Nutritional Consultations?

The designation “Nutritional Consulting Practitioner” signifies a nutritional practitioner who has met the standards of the International Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC) – a voluntary, independent, non-profit association. The IONC was established in 1983 to assure the publie that practitioners are meeting high educational standards. Because of this, certain insurance companies are now covering RNCP services.

What is Holistic Nutrition?
Holistic Nutrition is a complimentary health care profession which focuses on prevention, and considers natural methods to promote healing.
Holistic Nutrition encompasses body, mind and spirit in the assessment and support of health and wellness.

Biochemical Individuality
Everyone is biochemically unique nutritional needs, holistic nutrition takes this into consideration. Our ability to digest, absorb and assimilate nutrients varies from person to person. What may be good for one person may not be good for another due to genetic factors, allergies, intolerances, stressful lifestyles, etc.

Nutritional Symptomatology
By studying the clues given by your body, a nutritional consultant can determine imbalances such as deficiencies or excesses of specific vitamins, minerals, proteins and other factors. This is effective in detecting sub-clinical conditions which are not detectable by conventional laboratory tests.

What will a visit do for me?
Biochemically, nutrition plays a major role in supporting physical and emotional well-being. By re-balancing the body’s systems, energy, vitality and clarity of thought will be enhanced.

What treatments may be recommended?
Clinical nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets and treatments may be recommended which may include vitamins, enzymes, and other nutraceuticals.

Botanical Treatments (Herbal)
The use of plants for healing dates back to ancient times and is the foundation for modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world are used for their healing properties and nutritional value.

Homeopathic Treatments
Based on the principle of “like cures Like”, homeopathic treatment was developed in the 1700’s. Minute amount of natural substances are used to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.

Lifestyle Counseling
Physical, emotional, nutritional, and environmental factors affect health. Nutritional Consultants support clients in making effective lifestyle choices.

What conditions does a Nutritional Consultant work with?

• Allergies
• Behavior and learning disorders
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Sport nutrition
• Chronic inflammation
• Detoxification programs
• Natural weight loss
• Fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue
• Autoimmune disease
• Specialized diet planning
• Family nutrition
• ETC!

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage incorporates the use of heated Basalt stones with relaxation massage and is considered one of the purest forms of relaxation and stress management. It loosens sore or tense muscles, greatly reduces stress and also increases healing through better blood flow. Plus …it feels great!!!

Book your hot stone massage with Steve today.