Massage

Massage is the manipulation of the muscular system and connective tissue to aid in promotion of health and wellness.  Massage therapy is to be used under the supervision of your PCP, and can be a great adjunct therapy to add to your wellness regiment.

“the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.” (AMTA)

It has been said that massage addresses the physical body, while reflexology addresses the emotional body, and reiki addresses the energetic body.  In reality there is a great deal of overlap. These three therapies complement each other very well.

Types of massage…
Swedish – A traditional massage combining gentle kneading techniques with long, flowing strokes designed to ease stress, reduce muscle tension, loosen stiff joints, increase circulation, and encourage lymph flow.

Deep Tissue Massage – Increased pressure and selected deep-tissue techniques are used to loosen the underlying muscle layers. By eradicating tension in these tissues, built-up toxins are released and blood and oxygen are allowed to circulate properly.

Trigger Point Massage – Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the application of static pressure to tender hypertonic spots, or “knots,” in the muscle tissue, in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body.    Trigger point therapy may be combined with deep tissue and sports massage.

Uses…
Massage Therapy for Headaches
http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Massage-Therapy-for-Headaches

Massage for inflammation and blood pressure regulation http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-6139-en.pdf

What To Expect At Your First Massage
By Laura Schocker
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/19/first-massage_n_1359895.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#s794595&title=Book_It