The Healing Power of Touch
Massage has always been one of the most natural and instinctual means of relieving pain and discomfort. In the 5th century BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates, the "father of medicine", wrote that his colleagues should be experienced "in rubbing ... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid..."
Touch is essential for survival. Studies have shown that babies that are not touched do not thrive, and may even die. The basic need for touch applies to all of us, babies, children, adults and the elderly. Frequently, the elderly may be particularly touch deprived. In most cases, soothing touch creates a sense of well-being and a feeling of connection and nurturing. Much research has been done on the importance of touch and the benefits of massage by Dr. Tiffany Field, Phd., of the Touch Research Institute, at the University of Miami.
Who can benefit from massage?
Just about everyone can. We are all subject to the effects of stress. The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75% - 90% of all visits to the doctor are stress related. So stress relief is a major benefit of massage. Athletes are recognizing enhanced performance and quicker recovery with massage. On-site chair massage is becoming very popular as employers are seeing increased productivity, improved moral and less absenteeism. Massage is also valuable for our senior citizens, babies, people suffering with chronic pain, those recovering from injuries or coping with addictions and many other health challenges.
What is a massage like?
We will begin with a health history and discussion of your concerns. For a full body massage most people choose to undress completely, but you may leave on your undergarments if you wish. You will be given privacy to undress and then you will lie on a padded massage table, under cover of a sheet at all times. Only the area of your body being massaged is undraped. The room will be warm and quiet, with some nice relaxing music. Blankets, pillows and a padded face rest are supplied. The utmost care is taken to assure your privacy and comfort.
The massage begins with relatively gentle pressure and then gradually moves to deeper pressure to address specific areas. Typically a light massage oil is used. Working in an area of tightness, injury or chronic pain may at first cause a mild discomfort which usually lessens after a while. It is always important to let me know if the pressure is too much, so that I can adjust it. At the most, you should feel a "hurt so good" kind of a feeling.
This is your massage and you are always in charge. You can close your eyes and completely relax. You may even fall asleep. I will gently move your arms or legs or turn your head as needed. You may sigh or breathe deeply which is helpful for your relaxation. Feel free to ask questions at any time. Self help suggestions may be offered at the end.
A typical massage lasts an hour which gives enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage or more in-depth work on a particular area. An hour and a half is usually enough time to address the whole body with special attention to a problem area.
Many people are recognizing the need to pamper themselves, just because they deserve it!
Some Benefits of Massage:
- Helps relieve depression and anxiety
- Reduces effects of stress and tension
- Promotes relaxation; increases endorphin levels, our body's natural painkillers
- Reduces blood pressure
- Provides short term pain relief
- Eases chronic pain
- Improves range of motion and muscle flexibility
- Improves immune function
- Stretches tight muscles & shortened tendons
- Reduces trigger points and spasms
- Improves circulation
- Improves lymph flow; reduces edema
- Increases alertness and clear thinking
- Can relieve insomnia through relaxation
- Improves athletic performance and recovery
- Promotes healing from injuries, strokes, etc.
- Can slow progress of chronic conditions
I believe that in today's world our focus needs to be on wellness, not sickness. By incorporating regular massage you are taking an important step towards your own health. The best results occur when massage is given on a weekly or biweekly basis. There are some conditions for which massage may not be appropriate. It is recommended that you see your health care practitioner for any physical or psychological problems that you may have.
How long? 1 or 1½ hours
How much? $80 or $105
Benefits:
Promotes Healing & Relaxation, Improves Range of Motion and Flexibilty
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Therapies
Wellness Massage
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Massage Therapists)
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