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BENEFITS OF MASSAGE - There are countless styles of massage, some with origins in the Eastern hemisphere dating back a thousand years or more, others not so old with history from our western world, and equally effective.
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There are methods that are a hands on approach and some that work strictly with the bodys’ energy fields and polarity and may not even physically touch the body but instead interact with the field of energy that surrounds it. All are amazing, all have their place and purpose. I could not begin to name them all here on my site.
The more I learn about them all the more I want to learn, so the list grows as time goes.
In life we are all students of one thing or another. One of my interests and fascinations will always be in the magnificence of this beautiful creation called our body, how it functions, and how to get the most out of it. In turn how to become the best that I can be in order to teach others, so they too may get the best from their health and life. |
As one learns, they can’t help but integrate their new knowledge, continually improving and perfecting their existing body of work, evolving it, making it better and better. The result being massage treatment that is not only effective, but a joyful, memorable, satisfying experience to receive.
Here are just a few that I have familiarized myself with in study and practice.
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TRIGGER POINT THERAPY - A diagnosis and treatment for myofascial pain syndrome popularized by a medical doctor named Janet Travell around the 1950’s. She was the first female doctor to be appointed as personal physician to a United States president; that president was John.F. Kennedy.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a term used to describe one of the conditions caused by chronic pain. It is associated with and can be caused by “trigger points”
(sensitive, painful areas found between the muscle and connective tissue called fascia).
The therapist locates areas of pain in the body, feeling for nodules located in tight bands of shortened muscle fibers. Gentle pressure is applied, encouraging softening of the area and reducing the pain. One classic sign of an actual trigger point is the way that it refers pain to other muscle groups, besides just the area that pain is manifested.
At an appropriate time following the treatment series the client takes an active role in beginning and maintaining a stretching and strengthening program designed to target the weakened and strained areas in order to keep up good health and stay pain free. |
At 50 years old and an avid equestrian, I pursued my love of dressage(classical horseback riding) by committing myself to professional lessons. I knew it would be tough, but little did I know the extensive importance of flexibility, balance, and strength; stiffness and soreness quickly ensued. I knew that something had to change, or I wouldn’t be able to continue.
Since coming to see Mark every two weeks, he has become a generous combination of massage therapist, personal trainer, life coach, and cheerleader. He has relieved my pain, taught me useful stretching exercises, and encouraged me in my all important *self-care*. My skills now improve with a sense of ease, and an air of possibility. I am totally excited to see that its not my age that makes the difference, its what I do with what I have that counts. I honestly believe without his help physically and emotionally, I may have been forced to quit my passion.
Thanks Mark for all you do,
Julie F. |
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This style of treatment helps to relieve chronic pain, and uncomfortable, unhealthy holding patterns in the body.
The key to good health is the consistent self care following the treatment series.
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SWEDISH MASSAGE -
Massage started to become popular in the United States around the middle 1800’s. It was introduced by two physicians and based upon the techniques created by a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner named Per Henrik Ling.
Swedish style work is characterized using five styles of long flowing strokes:
Effleurage (light touch)
Petrisssage (kneading)
Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
Compression / vibration
This style of massage is a strong foundation of many different Western styles and approaches. It is excellent for inducing relaxation, relieving pain in muscles and helps stiffness in joints.
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TUI NA - An ancient style from China that dates back more than 2000 years. Its literal translation is “push-grasp.” A hands on style that incorporates the use of all parts of the hands, forearms, and elbows in pressing, tapping, and kneading movements.
Along with encouraging deep release of stress in muscles it also can be very energizing to receive.
Helps to remove blockages along the bodys energy lines called meridians and stimulates energy and blood flow to promote healing in the body.
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SHIATSU - A Japanese method that began in the early 1900’s. It is the use of thumbs, fingers, and palms in the application of static and rhythmic pressure to particular areas of the body, in a set sequence.
Classically it is performed with light clothing worn since no lotions or oils are used.
Its use is to promote and maintain good health and restore imbalances in the body. It too utilizes the energy lines or meridians of the body as do most Eastern styles of work.
In their respective countries, this and other Asian/ Oriental methods are actually used as diagnosis and treatments of certain ailments in the body.
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THAI MASSAGE - The name itself signifies this style originated in Thailand. This massage modality also overlaps and blends with styles in countries like Tibet, China, and India and has origins there also.
This type of Eastern massage also utilizes the energy lines or meridians of the body. It is characterized by deep stretches, yoga like positioning of the body and deep compression movements.
Thai massage like Shiatsu is also performed with light clothing worn because no oils or lotions are needed.
This style of work is excellent for gaining better flexibility in muscles, increased joint mobility, improving overall health, and promoting better physical performance. It also lends itself to improving feelings of self confidence and well being by way of stimulating energy and blood flow throughout the body.
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SPORTS / DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE - Sports/ Deep tissue massage is not a particular modality or style per se. Rather it is a blend of movements designed to help improve the physical performance of the human body.
Sports and deeps muscle therapy massage makes use of active movements with the client during treatment in addition to significant stretching to increase flexibility. Deep strokes are always done with a level of pressure that are suited for that clients’ needs, and are performed at a rhythym that energizes and stimulates the muscles, enhancing their healing and recovering ability.
More and more people are realizing that a complete exercise routine or athletic type activity does not just consist of the activity itself, but also care for the wear and tear and minor injuries that tend to occur with strenuous movement.
The physiological and physical benefits of massage make an ideal complement to a total conditioning program.
A good massage therapist suited for performing sports style therapy should have adequate understanding of anatomy and be familiar with the muscle groups and how they move. Also the specific stresses of each activity or sport.
Use of Ice and heat can sometimes be incorporated into the treatment session as necessary, as well as instruction to use such, following therapy or injury.
Sometimes it can become intense if there is need for targeting specific areas that have incurred injury. There can be use of specific techniques that are scientifically known to address conditions. For example “cross fiber friction” is where pressure is applied moving back and forth across muscle fibers to free them apart. Adhesions as they are commonly known are as the name implies, areas where muscle fibers, neighboring muscles, and joining connective tissue become stuck together and limit freedom of movement.
In essence this is what the majority of muscle pain is at its core, areas become stuck and cannot move, causing pain. Therefore manipulation of the tissue by way of massage help to restore movement and reduce, if not eliminate the pain.
Since this isn’t for everyone it is essential for a good therapist to be clear in communicating with the client what to expect during and after the treatment.
These methods are found to be so effective, useful, and necessary that it is now quite commonplace- that everyone from the “weekend warrior” to the active housewife, to the Olympic athlete receive this high level of therapeutic work.
It is indeed beneficial to couple comfortable, effective, consistent sports/deep tissue style massage with any activity in order to overcome muscular issues that would otherwise remain bound in the body causing reoccurring injury, pain, and imbalances.
Nothing beats performing well when you are an active person, whatever your activity or sport. Massage helps to ensure that performance
SPORTS MASSAGE CAN:
- Reduce injury by relieving muscle stress
- Greatly improve range of motion
- Shorten recovery time between workouts
- Maximize oxygen and nutrients in the blood by increasing circulation
- Increase feelings of confidence and well being
…And much more |
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ESALEN MASSAGE - Nestled between the Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur California, and founded in 1962 by two guys named Michael Murphy and Richard Price is a place called Esalen. The name derives from a local Indian tribe known as Essalen.
It is a mecca for thousands of massage connoisseurs each year. Musicians, psychologists, deep thinkers, and artists alike; Esalen has attracted the likes of people such as Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Buckminster Fuller, George Harrison, Joseph Campbell and countless others.
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The attraction even 40 years later is their commitment to the “exploration of the human potential”. The Esalen massage trademarked by its long flowing strokes and almost spiritual approaches, has a style all its own.
Esalen is a magnet for many teachers and authors of massage styles who share their knowledge and expertise through ongoing diverse workshops.
If you are lover of massage this is a definite visiting place when in the area.
Esalen style is one of a kind and is highly specialized. One author describes it as
“non verbal, intuitive, and following the flow”.
For 35 years the Esalen Institute has been an incubator for developing techniques that address the mind, body, and spirit. |
Esalen massage is ideal for those that want to experience not only deep relaxation, but also a sense of healing and balancing of their body. It leaves you feeling wonderfully changed from the inside out.
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MORE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE - Research has shown that massage has numerous benefits to the body. Some immediate and noticeable, others are experienced so deeply and profoundly that they have the ability to improve and effect all the bodys’ processes and interrelated systems.
Certainly the benefits don’t just stop at the physical because there is no way to separate the body, mind, and the spirit. On the deepest level the act of touch and the need for it reside inside us all. It connects us to ourselves and to each other in way that nurtures and heals us. From the moment we are born until death the extent of the power of touch remains a mystery, yet we know when we feel its incredible force.
The art of massage is touching with a purpose and intention, bringing healing and wholeness to another
Here is a list of the wonderfully amazing benefits of massage therapy that is extensive but certainly not inclusive:
- Induces relaxation
- Promotes regenerative sleep patterns
- Improves mental focus and concentration
- Lowers the blood pressure and heart rate
- Encourages healthy function of immune system
- Reduces and can eliminate chronic pain
- Helps to align collagen in forming of scar tissue
- Alleviates spasms and soreness in muscles
- Improves muscle flexibility and elasticity
- Aids proper flow of lymph fluids
- Reduces tension headaches and migraines
- Calms the entire nervous system
- Increases range of motion of joints
- Improves muscle recovery between workouts
- Aids digestion
- Increases blood circulation
- Reduces anxiety and helps depression
- Raises overall health awareness
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