Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, practiced as a healing art since the beginning
of humankind, has numerous positive effects on the body. The
general approach to massage is holistic, approaching the body
as a complete system.
Similar to exercise in many ways, massage
can stimulate the circulation of blood, thereby increasing the
amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to cells, and the removal
of metabolic wastes (including accumulated lactic acid).
Endorphins,
the body's natural pain and cancer cell killers, are released
with massage. Additionally, heart rate and blood pressure are
often lowered during massage.
Therapeutic massage, while often relaxing, specifically focuses
on manual manipulation of soft tissues to reduce muscle tension
and increase flexibility. The symptoms of many health issues
are often reduced with massage including: arthritis, stress,
anxiety, depression, insomnia, diabetes and many more.
Juli Stempel, LMBT, M.E.
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There are over two hundred modalities of massage therapy and bodywork.
Massage techniques offered at the Center for Integrated Health and Healing
include:
- Swedish - Manipulation of soft tissue using compression,
kneading, and long strokes
to warm soft tissues and provide stimuli to promote relaxation.
- Neuromuscular Therapy - Oriented to specific muscles.
A thorough knowledge of the
origins, insertions and actions of skeletal muscles is needed.
- Trigger Point Therapy - Applied pressure in specific
areas of discomfort to promote
relaxation of muscles.
- Manual Lymph Drainage - Gentle, rhythmic
stretching of the skin to stimulate the
actions of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works
with the circulatory system to cleanse metabolic wastes from
the spaces between cells.
- Sports Massage - Originally developed
for use with athletes, techniques to promote
muscle relaxation and stretching.
- Trager™ - Rhythmic jostling
to restore natural relaxation patterns of muscles.
- Massage for
Seniors - Common physical changes associated with aging can
be
minimized with regular massage. Many aches and pains commonly
referred to
as "normal" often can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
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