Health Benefits

Massage is a holistic therapy. It has effect on both body and mind. The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

• Stimulates Circulation. Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This assists the elimination of waste products, such as the lactic acid in overworked muscles, allowing your body to work at its best.
• Increases mobility and range of motion. Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the muscles and many other parts of the body, which helps keep these tissues elastic.
• Enhances skin condition. Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, to keep the skin lubricated, and clean.
• Improved digestion and intestinal function. Massage increases the body's secretions and excretions. It increases the production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine. There is also an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and salt. As a result, the metabolic rate increases.
• Simulates or soothes the mind. Massage balances the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on the need of the individual. Stress-related illness is widespread in our culture, and people in all walks of life can benefit from stress reduction.

Read more on the many health benefits of massage therapy!

How to best benefit from your massage

Before your massage:

• Arrive well hydrated and with your body in as chemically balanced as possible. Do not come in for a massage after a night of drinking alcohol, as a massage will only make your hangover worse. If possible, also avoid caffeine the day of your massage.
• Arrive showered. The massage oil will absorb best into clean skin.
• Arrive on time. Not only will this allow the full time for your appointment, but feeling rushed often means a harder transition into the relaxed state of mind for which we aim in a massage session. (There is no need, however, to arrive early.)
• Communicate with your massage therapist in the interview portion of the session about any medical and physical ailments, as well as personal preferences that would make your massage ideal for you. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about how the session will proceed.

During your massage:

• Undressing: For a full body Swedish massage, the massage recipient ideally removes all articles of clothing and jewelry. This allows the therapist to use full strokes using the boundaries established by the drape (the sheet covering you) rather than stopping before then end of a muscle at your clothing. Your therapist will keep private areas covered at all times and will not massage your genitals. However, if you prefer to leave underwear or other articles of clothing on for added modesty, your therapist can adjust to your level of comfort. You may not receive the full benefit of smooth strokes, but your entire body will still be addressed (unless you specifically request an area to be avoided.)
• Positioning on the table: The massage table is designed for your comfort. Your therapist can help you adjust the face cradle and the leg bolster (pillow). This particular table has the added feature of breast recesses, which help many women lay more flat while face down than on a regular surface. Please communicate your preferences to your therapist regarding the most comfortable position for you.
• Pressure: It is essential that you communicate with your therapist during the massage regarding pressure. There is a wide range of sensitivity and comfort levels that vary from person to person and even from session to session. Some people prefer a consistently soothing touch that addresses muscles but does not hurt; their muscles tense up and they are unable to relax with deep pressure. This is fine. Other people most enjoy a massage that involves very deep pressure, and experience total relaxation and satisfaction with some degree of pain. This is also fine. Your therapist will adjust to your level of comfort.
• Passive movement: Passive movement is a technique used for relaxation and increasing mobility. Your therapist will move or shake a limb or part of a limb with no "help" from you. You're just "along for the ride." The movement is often used in conjunction with pressure, pinpointing the specific muscle involved with that movement. Passive movement also can explore the range of motion for a joint. That range can often be expanded once the muscle is warmed, and with proper use of stretches.
• Stretches: Your therapist may assist you in stretching certain muscles, particularly if you express concern for a problem area. This is another example of where communication is of utmost importance: please tell your therapist if you are uncomfortable at any time!
• Talking: Some people prefer silence during a massage to increase the feelings of being relaxed, to the point that they go to sleep on the table. This is perfectly fine as we do not expect you to engage in social conversation; however, if you choose to talk throughout your session, you are certainly free to do so. Of course, always give your therapist feedback on anything causing discomfort, or if you would prefer more pressure or less pressure during any particular technique. I want to provide you with a massage session that is comfortable to you.
• Breathing: Deep breathing can greatly enhance your massage experience. Not only does concentration on breathe encourage a state of meditative relaxation, breathing deeply increases distribution of oxygen and allows muscles to respond optimally to massage.

After your massage:

• Water: Sometimes, the day after a massage a person can feel achy and have other flu-like symptoms. One reason this happens is because the massage has moved toxins from where they were stuck in the body. We often refer to these toxins as "knots". In actuality, these firm, often sore spots in the body are a build up of metabolic waste or lactic acid from muscle over-use. In order to move these toxins out, it is necessary to drink plenty of water after your massage for several days. If the symptoms persist more than one day, please call the office.
• Epsom Salts: Because of the high magnesium content, epsom salts bath can be helpful any time you are suffering from achiness and muscle strain. It is an excellent idea for the evening after you have had a massage because it helps to clear out released lactic acid. Use approximately 2 lbs of epsom salts (contrary to the 2-3 cups that the package recommends) in a full bath, the temperature of which is as hot as you can comfortably tolerate. Soak in the bath for a minimum of 20 minutes, without adding any bathing solutions or oils and without using soap, as these substances will alter the chemistry of the water. After soaking for 20 minutes, you may wash or rinse off as you wish.
  Caution: If you are over 50 or have diagnosed heart trouble, you should moderate the water temperature and avoid submerging your body above heart level. You should definitely use a cold towel around your neck, keeping a bucket of cold water available beside the tub for wringing. If you have any concerns about whether a hot tub will affect you adversely, please consult with your doctor before using the epsom salts bath.
• Extending relaxation into your every-day life: Remember that blissful feeling of your massage! Give your body adequate breaks, whether exercising, sitting for longs periods of time, or doing any sort of repetitive activity. Don't forget to breathe!

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