Massage is an old art. It was known to our ancestors and was practiced after bathing and exercise to balance and center the body. They understood that health involves equal development of the mind and body. In the world we live in, we rarely take time to allow our bodies to recover from the rigors and pressures of every day routines. Endless meetings, deadlines and errands can lead to burnout and illness which will eventually make us ineffective in our work and home lives. Massage is one way to lessen and relieve these stresses that dull our minds and weaken our bodies. Massage is basically touch. Using the palms of the hands, the forearms, fingertips, elbows and knuckles, the therapist will stroke, push, pull, knead and tap away tension and muscular pain and stiffness from your body. Specific types of massage use different strokes and pressures to achieve the desired effect. Here are descriptions of the specific strokes themselves:

Effleurage is a succession of strokes applied either firmly or lightly. Usually applied in long strokes either toward the heart or away. Any part of the hand, arm or fingers can be used to apply this stroke. Its effect is to increase blood flow, relieve fatigue, improve nutrition to tissues and sooth and sedate the nervous system when applied lightly.

Petrissage is a movement in which skin and muscle is squeezed, pinched or rolled with a firm circular pressure. Kneading, rolling and grasping are terms that may be used to describe the technique. The effect is to relieve muscle cramps and spasms, stimulate nerve endings, improve circulation and prepare tissues for deeper work.

Friction is done with small, concentrated circular movements in order to penetrate into the tissues. Pressure here can vary from light to heavy, but the main effect is to move the tissue under the skin. This can aid in relieving tense or knotted areas and improving circulation to areas on the body.

Compression is the application of pressure with a rhythmic action of the fingers, palms of the hands, fists or forearm. It can be performed over clothing, like before a workout to legs or at the office to your shoulders. It is very versatile depending upon the depth of pressure and tempo of the stroke. As the others, it also increases circulation, relieves fatigued muscle and moves the muscle fibers to warm them up.

Direct Pressure is exactly what it says, the application of pressure to specific areas with the thumb, fingers, or elbow to trigger points or tsubos on the body. This helps them to relax and release to increase comfort. The release of direct pressure should be slow and gradual to allow the skin and muscle to adjust.

Tapotement is rapidly striking the body with cupped hands, finger tips, the heel of the hand or any other part of the hand. It sounds like it would be uncomfortable, but it really is a great way to finish a massage when done correctly. The stroke is used for many reasons. It can relax tissue and sedate the nervous system; it can awaken the nerves and the muscle and prepare them for work or activity. It improves blood flow to the tissues and improves the sense of touch. In hospitals, this stroke is used to aid respiratory patients in their recovery. Other terms which could be used to describe the technique are hacking, beating, chopping, or tapping.

Knowing all this...does a massage sound like a benefit to you? Before you decide, there are things to consider to make your treatment the best for you...

Things to Know Before You Go

• Be honest about your medical history and medications.
• Sometimes massage is not a good idea and could hurt you.
• If you are in doubt about any aspect of your health or have any questions about increasing your circulation, consult a medical doctor before beginning a massage therapy routine.
• If you're pregnant, there are certain areas that are safer left alone. Your therapist can explain these areas to you.
  It's best NOT to eat before a massage. You could feel ill if you do.
• It Is best to drink plenty of water before and after your massage. That's what keeps us all going and it will help improve your circulation after the massage!
• A shower before your massage is always best. It helps to open your pores, remove some of the daily pressure and makes the massage more pleasurable for you and the therapist.
• If you're running late...CALL! Your lateness could impact another appointment and may cause you to be rescheduled...Your time is valuable to you.
• You are always in control of the sessions. If there is something that isn't right, let your therapist know right away so it can be corrected.
  

Because massage has grown in popularity. There are many people seeking advice on their disease and whether massage is a good alternate/complementary therapy to the conventional treatment they might presently be receiving.

Following is a list of diseases which can benefit from massage

1. Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
2. Nausea in Cancer and HIV
3. Multiple Sclerosis/Muscular Dystrophy
4. Chronic Repetitive Strain Injuries
5. Anxiety & Panic Attacks
6. Migraine Headache
7. Back Pain
8. Insomnia
9. Premature Infant growth & development

This list may look extensive, but there is research to back up these claims. Click on the Icons below to link to research information available for these and other conditions. Of course, this is only a small list of conditions...There are always exceptions to every rule and massage is not indicated for all situations...

• Within 48 to 72 hours after any injury
• Anytime there is fever, cold or flu symptoms
• Whenever there is an active skin condition such as shingles, impetigo, severe acne, open wounds or herpes (cold sore type) lesions, massage may not be indicated

The Benefits

1. Improves circulation
2. Increases oxygenation to muscles
3. Relaxes and reduces tension in tired, aching muscles
4. Can help reduce the chance of injury Before and After exercise

What to Expect during your first Treatment

Massage sessions usually last an hour, although 30 and 90 minute treatments are available. The therapist will interview you over the phone to determine whether massage is indicated for your particular needs. Once the interview is completed an appointment is scheduled.

Upon arrival to the office, the therapist will ask you to fill out a history form and ask you to identify the areas you feel tension and areas you wish no work done. The therapist may touch you to more accurately identify trouble spots and will then determine the best massage technique for your particular needs.

Next, the therapist will discuss the plan for the treatment, what your expectations of the treatment will be and how best to get those results. They will show you the table and ask you to undress to your comfort level and recline on the table under a blanket or drape. For Swedish, Deep Tissue or work on specific problem areas (like a shoulder or lower back) the therapist will suggest what you should remove. It is not always necessary to fully undress.

The room should be comfortably lighted, warm and inviting. Music is generally soft and relaxing. The therapist will leave the room or close a divider for you to change comfortably. Upon returning to the room, a pillow or bolster under you knees will be offered for comfort. If the therapist starts you face down on the table, a pillow below your abdomen to relieve back stress may be used. Of course, the use of these items is up to you. If your treatment is Shiatsu or Reiki, you will remain clothed. It is suggested you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing for these treatments. You will be asked to remove your shoes.

The sequence of the massage will be different for each client and situation. In general for Swedish relaxation, the face, neck and upper torso will be massaged with or without cream or oil, (Again, you can make requests that these not be used.) then the abdomen may be massaged. For some, this may sound uncomfortable. Issues of uncovering the belly are common. It is not necessary to show the therapist your stomach. The work can be done through the drape. Abdominal massage is very effective for digestion, deepening relaxation and back problems.

From the abdomen, the arms, legs and feet are massaged. It is important to remember, ONLY THE AREA BEING MASSAGED IS UNCOVERED. The other areas should be comfortably draped, warm and relaxed. Passively stretching and moving the arms, legs and neck through a range of motion after work is completed on the muscles is common. These range of motion or passives should be to your comfort level, never painful or too tight.

Once we complete the front of the body, the therapist will help you reposition for work on the back. Again, you should remain draped and comfortable. A bolster or pillow under the ankles and abdomen if needed for comfort. The back treatment is performed from one side, then the top of the table then the other for complete coverage of the musculature. Special attention may be paid to the specific areas that are identified as especially tense or knotted. The upper and lower back and hip area are massaged before we move on to the legs. Sometimes, we may use a heating pad, hydrocolator or ice pack to your tender spots before or after the massage to improve the treatment and your comfort.

Some therapists will complete a session with gentle rocking, light finger strokes, compressions or tapotement (tapping with the hands). These ending strokes are unique to the situation and the therapist. Be open to try new things, they will make each session with your therapist more interesting and can energize or sedate you depending on the goal you set for your treatment.

This is all about you!