Massage Therapy
Offered by Deb Kline and Philip Bice

See also Shiatsu/Acupressure.

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage to

Body

Mind

Spirit
  • Enhances circulation
  • Removes metabolic waste
  • Relaxes muscle tension
  • Decreases blood pressure
  • Nourishes skin, making it more supple and smooth
  • Stretches muscle tissue, minimizes scarring
  • Increases range of motion of joints
  • Promotes a sense of well-being and balance
  • Creates and enhances a positive self-image
  • Stimulates or calms the nervous system, depending on the massage technique used
  • Brings about self-awareness of where you tend to "hold" tension, and what it feels like to truly have the muscles in a relaxed state, instead of in "static tension"
  • Empowers you to take on the responsibility for your own self-healing
  • Opens and balances the energy blockages you subconsciously hold within your body
  • Renews and refuels your "positive energy" to focus on productivity in your workplace and at home
  • Allows time to seek self-reflection and take a "time-out" of life's chaotic pace to reset goals and ambitions, giving you a new perspective on your life path

What is Ayurvedic Massage?

This form of massage, which originated in India, incorporates two types of massage, Garshana and Abyanga.  Garshana is a dry massage done with wool, raw silk, or terry cloth gloves.  This massage is performed quickly over the skin and removes dead skin cells, stimulating the circulation and lymphatic system.  Abyanga is an herbal-oil massage that stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation, enlivening and revitalizing the body.

What is Hot Stone Massage?

This relaxing full-body massage utilizes water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body.  Stones coated in oil will also be used to deliver massaging strokes.  As the stones are placed, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.

What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal Massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the pregnancy and delivery experience. Massage therapy relieves physical and mental fatigue, enhances circulation, improves the function of muscles and joints, and optimizes general body tone.

There are many benefits of Prenatal Massage:

  • improved circulation to the muscles of the low back
  • headache relief
  • nurturing support and caring touch
  • relief of sciatic pain
  • decreased calf cramps
  • relaxation and improved quality of sleep
  • stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, hips, and pelvis
  • relief from back and neck pain caused by muscle imbalance and changes
  • preparing the muscles used during childbirt

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is based on massage techniques long used in Turkish baths. It became known as Swedish Massage after being promoted by the Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling in the 1820s. The technique involves long flowing strokes in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This increases oxygen flow in the blood and releases toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage aids in flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes, thus shortening recovery time from muscular pain or strain. It has been shown to increase circulation without increasing heart load. It helps the tendons and ligaments keep supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also soothes the nerves with gentle stimulation. It reduces both emotional and physical stress, and is often a component in a program of regular stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Further Information

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Last Updated: November 16, 2009