Massage Therapy
Offered by Phyllis Mann and Diana Risse

See also Reflexology and Shiatsu/Acupressure.

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage to
Body	Mind	Spirit
Enhances circulation Removes metabolic waste Relaxes muscle tension Decreases blood pressure Nourishes skin, making it more supple and smooth Stretches muscle tissue, minimizes scarring Increases range of motion of joints	Promotes a sense of well-being and balance Creates and enhances a positive self-image Stimulates or calms the nervous system, depending on the massage technique used Brings about self-awareness of where you tend to "hold" tension, and what it feels like to truly have the muscles in a relaxed state, instead of in "static tension"	Empowers you to take on the responsibility for your own self-healing Opens and balances the energy blockages you subconsciously hold within your body Renews and refuels your "positive energy" to focus on productivity in your workplace and at home Allows time to seek self-reflection and take a "time-out" of life's chaotic pace to reset goals and ambitions, giving you a new perspective on your life path

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is based on massage techniques long used in Turkish baths. It became known as Swedish Massage after being promoted by the Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling in the 1820s. The technique involves long flowing strokes in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This increases oxygen flow in the blood and releases toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage aids in flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes, thus shortening recovery time from muscular pain or strain. It has been shown to increase circulation without increasing heart load. It helps the tendons and ligaments keep supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also soothes the nerves with gentle stimulation. It reduces both emotional and physical stress, and is often a component in a program of regular stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic muscle tension by using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction focused on a particular problem area. Movements may be directed across the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber) using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. Deep Tissue Massage uses greater pressure and at deeper layers of the muscle than Swedish massage. However, "deep" doesn't necessarily mean "hard." With the proper technique, muscles deep in the body can be reached with a minimum of discomfort.

Deep tissue massage aids in moving out toxins and congestion that accumulates in damaged tissues, reducing edema, inflammation, and pain. Combining deep tissue massage with traditional treatments often can speed recovery and aid in optimal healing.

What is Aromassage?

Aromassage is massage using scented oils, selected for their aromatherapy effects, for optimal body, mind and spirit relaxation.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

A trigger point is a small area of a muscle that is tightly knotted, causing pain in that area or in other areas ("referred pain"). In trigger point therapy, the therapist locates the trigger points during the massage, and releases them through sustained pressure.

What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal Massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the pregnancy and delivery experience. Massage therapy relieves physical and mental fatigue, enhances circulation, improves the function of muscles and joints, and optimizes general body tone.

There are many benefits of Prenatal Massage:

improved circulation to the muscles of the low back
headache relief
nurturing support and caring touch
relief of sciatic pain
decreased calf cramps
relaxation and improved quality of sleep
stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, hips, and pelvis
relief from back and neck pain caused by muscle imbalance and changes
preparing the muscles used during childbirth

What is Postpartum Massage?

Postpartum massage focuses on helping to restore the woman's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Massage therapy plays an important part in the restoration of the abdominal muscle wall and the uterus to its normal state. It helps to realign the body weight to its original distribution, and tones the over-stretched areas of skin over the belly. As with all massages, it relieves muscle tension and stress from everyday activities, especially new mothering duties. It not only helps restore the physical body to the new mom, but also helps to revive her emotional state. The loving touch of hands can provide a time to relax and reflect for the new mother, and helps to get her through the postpartum blues. When the mother feels good about herself, it is easier to meet the needs of her newborn.

What is Infant Massage?

Cuddling and touching is universally done by parents to soothe their babies. It is recommended to parents of infants, especially premature babies, as a way of promoting growth and behavioral development.

Touch from contact with parents and caregivers is the first learning experience of a child. Through the use of loving touch and caring strokes, Infant Massage strengthens the bond between baby and parent.

What is Geriatric Massage?

Geriatric massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly. As a result of age-related diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, older people often have poor blood circulation and limited physical activity. Many of them are also anxious, depressed and lonely.

Geriatric massage can improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and increase range of motion. It can help maintain and improve overall health, as well as help to regain physical functions that have been reduced or lost. In addition, it can relieve anxiety and depression and provide comfort to touch-deprived elderly patients.

Supplies:

Diana Risse is a retail sales representative of TheraCane®, a tool for therapeutic self-massage.

Massage Therapy Offered by Phyllis Mann and Diana Risse

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage to

Body

Mind

Spirit