|
 | |  As a society, we are touch deprived and this can lead to disease or emotional dysfunction. From the cradle to the nursing home, tactile stimulation and the emotional assurance of caring touch bring about a sense of well-being and security. In numerous studies conducted on massage for infants; Touch Research Institute researchers have found improved weight gain and development in pre-term infants, improved weight gain and motor behavior in cocaine-exposed infants, and improved weight gain and decreased stress behavior in HIV-exposed infants. Full-term infants also benefit with increased alertness and social behavior, less crying and increase weight gain.
As you lie on the table under crisp, fresh sheets, hushed music draws you into the moment. The pains of age, the throbbing from your overstressed muscles, the sheer need to be touched--all cry out for therapeutic hands to start their work. Once the session gets underway, the problems of the world fade into an oblivious 60 minutes of relief, and all you can comprehend right now is not wanting it to end.
But, what if that hour of massage did more for you than just take the pressures of the day away? What if that gentle, Swedish massage helped you combat cancer? What if bodywork helped you recover from a strained hamstring in half the time? What if your sleep, digestion and mood all improved with massage and bodywork? What if these weren't just "what if's"?
What you already know about the benefits of massage!
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free noninvasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits of receiving regular massage and/or bodywork?
- Increased circulation: allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. Just a few of those results include: relaxation and stress reduction, improved digestion and elimination, improved skin tone, and enhanced concentration.
- Stimulates the lymph flow: the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
- Relaxes spasms and cramping.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Releases endorphins-the body's natural painkillers-and is used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscle for those with restricted range of motion.
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, and creates less need for medication, less depression and anxiety and shorter hospital stays.
There are some conditions where massage is not recommended or when your practitioner may need your doctor's permission before providing services. If you are in a car accident or have a job-related injury covered by workers' compensation, a doctor's prescription will be required. In these cases, often insurance will cover massage services. The best thing to do is check with your insurance company to see exactly what is covered under what circumstances. | |
|
|
| |  What to Expect
Come to your massage prepared to relax and unwind. Allow enough time before and after your session so that you do not have to hurry. The first few minutes will be spent getting acquainted and establishing our goals for your session. Before getting on the table: remove all jewelry that could interfere with your massage, remove contact lenses, try not to eat 2 hours prior to massage, turn off cell phones or pagers which might interfere with your relaxation process.
During Your Massage
The goal is to relax, enjoy and be comfortable. Breathe deep and regular - avoiding holding your breath. Your body will always be draped with a sheet and I will only uncover the area I am working at the time. You will always be in complete control of your privacy and modesty. Some massage techniques may cause slight discomfort, but you should never experience extreme pain. I will be checking in with you from time to time to see how the pressure is affecting you. Always feel free to give feedback at anytime during your session letting me know if the pressure is too much or too little, if you are too cold or too hot, or if anything makes you feel uncomfortable. At times during massage emotions can be triggered. There is never anything embarassing about this process and I will encourage you to continue if you wish. If you want to cry, do so; if you want to laugh feel free. I am trained to help you work through these emotional releases. If you wish to talk about it, rest assured the conversation will remain completely confidential. Please understand however, that I am not trained in psychotherapy, but am here to listen and support your process.
After Your Massage
Drink plenty of water after your massage to help flush out any toxins that may have been stirred up during the session. Allow yourself a few moments to slowly bring yourself back from the relaxed state you are in. Depending on the type of work you just received, you might need to take a few minutes to integrate and experience the new structural holding patterns. Starting with your feet, notice how you stand, walk, bend over, move limbs, and even sit differently in your body. Also, try not to schedule any stressful or demanding tasks for the next several hours following your massage. | |
|
|
| |
| | That's right! Come and be a part of Wisdom of the Ancients. Currently, we are seeking an exceptional therapeutic massage therapist. Is that you? | |
|
|
| | ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES OVERSTRESSED? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT IDEAL WAY TO REWARD THAT WINNING DEPARTMENT OR TEAM? From manufacturers to hospitals to auto dealerships, companies across the country are using seated massage services to make work literally less of a pain in the neck for employees. Chair massage provides hard-working employees with a convenient method of alleviating the stress inherent in these competitive times. Slouching at a desk for prolonged periods often results in lower back pain. Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are common among office workers. A 10 to 20 minute "stress-buster" massage relieves tension in  the neck, back, and shoulder muscles, reducing irritability and increasing productivity. Chair massage is performed in the workplace. Your employees will be seated upright on a special massage chair and will remain fully clothed. No oils are used, so there is no need for them to be concerned about stains on clothing. The session generally lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. The chair is lightweight and portable, enabling it to be set up in virtually any office or break room. Studies by the Touch Research Institute in Florida show that the benefits of chair massage have quick results. Immediately after the massage sessions, the subjects experienced a change in brain waves in the direction of heightened alertness and better performance on math problems (completed in less time with fewer error). At the end of the five-week study period, subjects reported reduced job stress and elevated moods. This was in addition to the usual benefits of massage, relief of muscular tension, revitalized energy, and a stronger immune system. Chair massage utilizes Acupressure and Swedish massage to relieve tension. Though beginning at a slower pace, the work moves a little faster as the practitioner proceeds. The session ends with quick, revitalizing strokes in order to bring the client back to a state of full consciousness. | |
|
|
| |  Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers to stimulate more than 7,200 nerve endings in each foot. These nerve endings correspond to all parts of the body, including organs and glands. Stimulating the appropriate region is intended to eliminate energy blockages thought to produce pain or disease in the related areas. It is used to prevent, rather than cure, and is used to relieve a wide variety of ailments. Reflexology can relieve stress and tension within the body. It improves circulation and lymphatic flow, and works to unblock nerve impulse pathways. These benefits all work toward helping the body heal itself by restoring balance to the vital energies and organs. People of all ages can benefit from reflexology treatments.
Sessions can run from 30 to 60 minutes and treatment can be done in a reclined position or on a massage table. When treating specific conditions weekly sessions are recommended, twice a week with extreme cases.
| |
|
|
| | In an effort to establish and maintain professional ethical standards, the following Code of Ethics will be applied to this practice:
Competency: I will accurately represent my competence, educational training and experience to my clients, providing services within the scope of the definition of massage or bodywork and the limits of my training. I shall not apply massage therapy or bodywork techniques in those cases where they may be contraindicated without a written referral from the client’s primary care provider.
Welfare of the Client: I shall endeavor to serve the best interest of my clients at all times and provide the highest quality service possible. I shall maintain clear and honest communications with my clients and shall keep all client communications confidential. I shall not perform manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, diagnose, prescribe, or provide any other service, procedure, or therapy which requires a license to chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine unless specifically licensed to do so. I shall acknowledge the limitations of my skills and when appropriate, refer clients to the appropriate, qualified professional.
Dual Relationships: I will not enter into dual relationships with clients and if a dual relationship exists between my client and myself, said dual relationship will be acknowledged with appropriate boundaries clearly defined by both parties.
Boundaries: The sole intention and purpose of any and all massage sessions is therapeutic, healing, caring and professional. Draping is required during all massage therapy sessions. It will be accomplished with intention, care and awareness, making my client feel secure, safe and cared for. At no point during the session will a client's genitals or a women's breasts be exposed.
Sexual Touching: I shall in no way instigate or tolerate any kind of sexual advance while acting in the capacity of your massage and bodywork practitioner. If a sexual advance is made your session will immediately end and you will be billed for the entire cost of the session.
| |
|
|
