When a massage therapist’s hands touch the skin, the effect reaches down to the muscles and ligaments,and then positively influences the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Healing touch, a sensitive style of communication, speaks safety and comfort. “The beauty of massage lies in it being such a simple, direct form of human contact,” says Susan Mumford in The New Complete Guide to Massage (Penguin Group, 2006).
Massage is a safe therapeutic art, considered by many to be a vehicle for mental, physical, and emotional health. People seek massage for myriad reasons—from simple relaxation to addressing muscular injuries. An intuitive therapist is likely to pick up many clues about your needs from an intake interview before the session, and even by the way you sit, talk, and walk. The written and verbal information you provide and the questions you ask are also crucial for a successful bodywork session. Mention particular issues you’d like to have addressed and feel free to ask about the
techniques being used in your session.
Inform your therapist of short- or long-term medical conditions. Massage is used cautiously, or not at all, in some situations. For example, massage is generally avoided when a person has fever, open wounds, or certain skin disorders. People with long-term medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or osteoporosis, should seek a doctor’s advice before massage. With medical supervision, a trained bodyworker often helps ease long-term pain and stress, usually with gentle strokes and personalized techniques.
During the session, vocalize your needs as they arise. If the room is too warm or cold, say so. Herbal and aromatherapeutic oils add healing benefits to massage. Tell your therapist if you are sensitive to an herb or essential oil, if you’d like him or her to use more (or less) massage oil, or if you don’t care for an oil’s scent.
What if you feel pain during massage? In Massage: Mind and Body (DK Publishing, 2003), Larry Costa says we must “distinguish between comfortable and uncomfortable pain.” When working on sensitive areas of your body, the therapist will begin slowly then move toward deep-tissue work. “You may experience some discomfort to begin with, but this should diminish after a few minutes as the muscles relax,” Costa says. This is comfortable pain. “Pain that causes you to wince, cry out, or tense up is probably not doing you any good.” Ask your therapist for less or more pressure, depending on your needs.
“The healing touch of massage is one of the best gifts you can gives your body,” writes Esme Floyd in Body Massage (Carlton Books, 2004). Touch, a basic human impulse, soothes the body and relaxes the mind, promoting physical and mental wellbeing. Massage sessions provide a safe space for you to relax, reflect, and feel comfortable in your own skin.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Massage Etiquette
Massage therapy is a partnership—a relationship that feels intrinsically personal. In this joint venture, there’s a mutual energy exchange that requires rofessionalism and respect by both parties. What should you expect from your massage therapist and what is expected of you? Here are a few answers.
What if i’m late? - For you and your therapist, rules of common courtesy apply. The appointment should start, and end, on time. Arrive for your session a
few minutes early, especially if you prefer to splash water on your face or sponge off tired feet. Promptness guarantees you’ll receive your full appointment. If a traffic snare causes you to arrive late, expect the session to still end at the appointed time. Other clients are likely scheduled after you. If you must cancel an appointment, call 24 hours in advance. Check with your therapist about fees incurred for missed or cancelled appointments.
What time of day is best? - Some massage aficionados clamor for morning appointments that energize. Others discover an evening massage dissolves the day’s stress. Massage can be a stimulating beginning, a midday respite, or a relaxing end to your day. Avoid massage after a heavy meal, and skip alcoholic beverages before, during, and after massage.
What should i do during the massage? - Breathe. Therapists pace their strokes alongside your breath or breathe with you. “Massage helps clear the cobwebs in your head,” says licensed massage therapist (LMT) Kathyleen voice your needs—on room temperature or the pressure exerted on that tender shoulder. But also get comfortable with silence. Stillness multiplies the restorative benefits of massage.
Should I tip? “I don’t count on tips as part of my income,” Seward ays. “I’m grateful they’re getting the bodywork. A tip is a gift, and it’s appreciated. It’s not a requirement.” If you feel you’ve received excellent service and you’d like to tip, 15–20 percent is a good guideline.
What if i laugh or cry? Exhilaration, exhaustion, giddiness, and tears are all natural responses to massage. You may experience intensely creative thoughts;the solution to a long-unsolved problem may dawn. “Emotional outbursts are common,” Seward says. “It’s a high compliment, if I created the space for my client to let go.”
How can i compliment my therapist? - Fall asleep during massage, refer
friends to your therapist, or tell your therapist the session passed too quickly. “It’s rewarding when a client leaves the massage saying, ‘When is your next open appointment?’” says Kimberly Reiter, an LMT in New Albany, Indiana. Returning regularly for massage is the best compliment a client can give.
What if i’m late? - For you and your therapist, rules of common courtesy apply. The appointment should start, and end, on time. Arrive for your session a
few minutes early, especially if you prefer to splash water on your face or sponge off tired feet. Promptness guarantees you’ll receive your full appointment. If a traffic snare causes you to arrive late, expect the session to still end at the appointed time. Other clients are likely scheduled after you. If you must cancel an appointment, call 24 hours in advance. Check with your therapist about fees incurred for missed or cancelled appointments.
What time of day is best? - Some massage aficionados clamor for morning appointments that energize. Others discover an evening massage dissolves the day’s stress. Massage can be a stimulating beginning, a midday respite, or a relaxing end to your day. Avoid massage after a heavy meal, and skip alcoholic beverages before, during, and after massage.
What should i do during the massage? - Breathe. Therapists pace their strokes alongside your breath or breathe with you. “Massage helps clear the cobwebs in your head,” says licensed massage therapist (LMT) Kathyleen voice your needs—on room temperature or the pressure exerted on that tender shoulder. But also get comfortable with silence. Stillness multiplies the restorative benefits of massage.
Should I tip? “I don’t count on tips as part of my income,” Seward ays. “I’m grateful they’re getting the bodywork. A tip is a gift, and it’s appreciated. It’s not a requirement.” If you feel you’ve received excellent service and you’d like to tip, 15–20 percent is a good guideline.
What if i laugh or cry? Exhilaration, exhaustion, giddiness, and tears are all natural responses to massage. You may experience intensely creative thoughts;the solution to a long-unsolved problem may dawn. “Emotional outbursts are common,” Seward says. “It’s a high compliment, if I created the space for my client to let go.”
How can i compliment my therapist? - Fall asleep during massage, refer
friends to your therapist, or tell your therapist the session passed too quickly. “It’s rewarding when a client leaves the massage saying, ‘When is your next open appointment?’” says Kimberly Reiter, an LMT in New Albany, Indiana. Returning regularly for massage is the best compliment a client can give.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What is it Exactly
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.
Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
Will My Insurance Cover It?
The services of a bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered.
So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.
Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
Will My Insurance Cover It?
The services of a bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hot Stone Massage
For those of you who have never experienced a Hot Stone Massage, now is your chance. I will extend the special price of $45.00 through the end of November, 2009 if you book an appointment for Monday or Wend.
This truly a great massage, the stones melt the muscles like butter, allowing the us to reach the deepest muscle layers. Try it, I guarantee you'll love it!
This truly a great massage, the stones melt the muscles like butter, allowing the us to reach the deepest muscle layers. Try it, I guarantee you'll love it!
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