Benefits of Bodywork

*What exactly is Massage Therapy* anyway? Massage is a form of healing and relaxation that has been around for centuries... It is defined as "the scientific and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body". The ancient art is believed to be about 4000 years old, and it originated in China. The Greeks knew about massage some 3000 years ago because Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, documented its qualities of usefulness. Massage was brought to the West by the French but not before it was systematized by Swedish physical education teacher, Per Henrick Ling, about a century ago. This is where "Swedish" massage got its name. Today massage is becoming an important complimentary part of our health because it is now believed that 80% of disease is stress related and massage reduces bodily stress. Who cannot receive Massage? To ensure a safe and enjoyable massage experience, those who have the following conditions (a fever, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, major surgery within last 3 months, pregnancy) are advised to get approval from their doctor before receiving massages. Massage cannot safely be performed on anyone who has very recently consumed alcohol because it elevates the alcohol concentration within the bloodstream. What can I expect during my session?** Your therapist will evaluate your reasons for getting a massage and you will be asked questions regarding your past and current physical condition, including medical history, life style and recent events, areas of pain or tenderness, and any other pertinent information. You will be asked to undress in private and drape yourself with a clean sheet, towel, or gown provided by your therapist. You may leave your underwear on if you like. You will lie down on a comfortably padded massage table. Your therapist will undrape the part of your body to be massaged, while ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times. The massage session is your time of peace and relaxation. Inform your therapist of any distraction regarding room temperature, music volume, or physical discomfort caused by the massage pressure. After the session is complete, you will redress in private and exit the massage room. You will be asked to drink several ounces of purified water. The reason for this is to help flush from your body any toxins that the massage moved from your lymphatic tissues back into your circulation or bloodstream. Eliminating these toxins will greatly benefit your health and help you to continue to feel invigorated.
	What are the benefits? Increases endorphins (natures pain-killers) Stress, anxiety, and fatigue reduction Decreases blood pressure and heart rate Reduces certain types of edema Improves immune system function Improves blood circulation and lymph flow Improves sleep and breathing Improves alertness and concentration Improves joint mobility and posture Aids in recovery of pulled muscles and sprains Relaxes muscle spasms and aids oxygenation Enhances athletic performance (pre-game) Enhances recovery from athletic fatigue (post-game) Compensates for inactivity or lack of exercise Relief from painful Fibromyalgia and Sciatica Relief from TMJ- (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction) Relief from painful Carpal Tunnel Syndrome