Massage Therapy

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Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing." Now days, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client: 

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Physical and Mental Benefits

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• relaxes the whole body

• loosens tight muscles

• relieves tired and aching muscles

• increases flexibility and range of motion

• diminishes chronic pain

• calms the nervous system

• lowers blood pressure

• lowers heart rate

• enhances skin tone

• assists in recovery from injuries and illness

• strengthens the immune system

• reduces tension headaches

• reduces mental stress

• improves concentration

• promotes restful sleep

• aids in mental relaxation

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Acupressure

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Acupressure is an ancient form of healing believed by some to be even older than acupuncture. It involves the use of the fingers (and in some cases, the toes) to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself. Pressing on these points relieves muscle tension, which promotes the circulation of blood and qi (pronounced "chee") -- the vital energy or "life force" -- to aid in the healing process.

Acupressure and acupuncture are somewhat similar. Acupressure is sometimes referred to as "needleless acupuncture," because both forms of healing use the same points to achieve the desired results. The main difference is that an acupuncturist stimulates points by inserting needles, whereas an acupressurist stimulates the same points using finger pressure.

Stimulating specific points on the body can trigger the release of endorphins (chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain). When endorphins are released, pain is blocked, and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. In acupressure, as with most traditional Chinese medicine concepts, local symptoms are considered an expression of the whole body's condition.

When performed correctly, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension and enables the body to relax. Reducing tension, in turn, strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness. However, applying acupressure too abruptly, or using too much force during treatment, can lead to bruising and discomfort. Great care should be used when applying pressure to points on or near the abdomen, groin, armpits or throat. Special care should be when treating pegnant women or those with recently-formed scars, burns, infections or skin lesions.

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Aromatherapy

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Many essential oils that are derived from plants, herbs, flowers, and roots have beneficial therapeutic qualities. Aromatherapy involves the "burning" of essential oils to elicit a desired effect; for example, lavendar is known to induce calmness and relaxation. When combined with bodywork, aromatherapy can enrich the massage experience immensely. A few drops of essential oil can be added to massage cream or oil and applied to the skin. Professionally trained aromatherapists also blend oils to treat specific conditions. Only experienced professionals and/or those knowledgeble  in the properties of aromatherapy should attempt to blend oils or utilize them in practice, as some oil combinations can be toxic, while others can burn the skin.

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Color Therapy

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Color therapy is a form of energy work based on the theory that light deprivation leads to dysfunction in the body. Since each color has its own frequency and vibration, specific colors are used to treat designated parts of the body. The body, in turn, responds to the vibrational pattern of the color and works to correct the dysfunction. the therapist can also advise you on what color you could incorporate into your wardrobe to create the desired vibration. 

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Reflexology

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This technique is based on a system of points on the hands, feet and ears that correspond, or "reflex," to other areas of the body. Similar in theory to acupressure, reflexologists believe that applying appropriate pressure to these points stimulates the flow of energy, thus helping to relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. A very pleasurable form of bodywork, reflexology is also used to ease stress and promote relaxation.

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Sports Massage

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Sports massage therapies are both preventative and therapeutic, and used for athletes during warm ups, training and competition to treat and/or aid in the prevention of injuries; help improve flexibility, range of motion, and performance; and aid in mental clarity. Virtually every professional sports team employs professional sports massage therapists, and are often privately employed by professional athletes.

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Hot Stone Massage

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A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.

During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.

The stones may be placed

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• along your spine

• on your stomach

• on your chest

• on your face

• on your palms

• on your feet and toes

 

Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:

• long strokes

• circular movements

• vibration

• tapping

• kneading

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Kinesiology

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The word Kinesiology is pronounced kin-easy-ology. It is simply the study of muscles and the movement of the body. Kinesiology makes use of “muscle monitoring” – holding a muscle against light pressure – as a method of getting feedback from the body. This enables a Kinesiologist to identify what is causing imbalances within the body’s system and how best to re-establish that balance. The human body is naturally a self-healing and self-regulating system and is designed to be in balance on all levels (physically, mentally, emotionally).

 

Specialised Kinesiology is a very gentle, non-invasive yet powerful therapy, and at its core is the fact that the human body has its own innate healing ability – but it is not always able to access this ability. The main aim of Specialized Kinesiology is to assist the body in being better able to heal itself and be more in balance.

Sometimes, however, we find ourselves in a state of “dis-stress” or “dis-ease” – either physically, mentally or emotionally. This is our body’s way of indicating that we have gone “off track”. Symptoms are our body’s way of communicating to let us know that we are “off track”, not living to our full potential, or not coping in one or more aspects or areas of our life.

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Kinesiology offers a very powerful means to re-balance ourselves by allowing us to identify and balance the underlying cause of a complaint rather than just treating or suppressing the symptoms. Kinesiology looks at the whole person in order to find out what is behind the symptoms.

A Kinesiologist uses various balancing techniques and protocols such as light touch or pressure to specific points or reflexes to re-establish balance and activate the body’s intrinsic healing process so that the body can heal itself more quickly and effectively. It does not diagnose, nor does it focus on treating symptoms.

Kinesiology is a holistic healing modality that complements professional healthcare. It can help speed up recovery and improve quality of life.

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What does a kinesiology session involve?

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During a kinesiology session you'll be asked to provide detailed information about your medical history and why you're at the session.The remainder of the session you'll be asked to lie, fully clothed, on a massage table. Sessions usually last for about an hour and involve different challenges depending on the problem. During a muscle challenge, your practitioner tests neuromuscular integrity by asking you to raise your arm or leg and to hold that position while pressure is exerted against the limb.

 

Chemical challenges involve checking your reaction to certain allergens or foods when placed on the skin. When you undergo a mental challenge you'll be asked to focus your thoughts on a certain topic while muscles tests are carried out. Treatment is designed to clear blockages by stimulating your innate healing capacity in order to help the body resume normal function.

Various methods may be employed including tapping, emotional release, massage, magnets, oils, crystals, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, nutritional advice or affirmations etc.

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