Why should I have a massage and how will I feel after?
A massage stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, providing a sense of well being. Work pressures and the stress from daily routine may cause long term stress. A regular massage can alleviate these pressures and stress by stimulating the body and reducing tension, stiffness and pain resulting in an enhanced state of well being.
A regular massage helps to tone and assists in strengthening the musculoskeletal system in the body. It also helps to increase energy, stamina, alertness, and promotes restful sleep.
You should feel relaxed after a massage, with freedom from aches and pains that have built over months of tension. Many clients experience an increase in energy after an initial period of feeling relaxed.
What does one do during a massage?
Some people chat, some are quiet. Questions at any time are most appropriate.
During the massage, you lie on a treatment bed, with a head rest, both designed for comfort and stability. It is important that you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you experience any discomfort.
Will there be pain?
Massage on healthy tissue is comfortable and feels good. As the therapist works on injured areas or areas of pain there may be discomfort or pain which should lessen over time. It is important to let your therapist know if you are too discomforted so treatment can be adjusted.
How frequently should one have a massage?
Initially, sessions one week apart is best to maximize the benefits as the sessions build on the gains from previous ones. To retain the positive effects of massage, a ritual of once per month is recommended.
Do I have to undress?
After the initial interview the therapist will leave the room and then you may remove your clothes from the waist up if your treatment involves back, arms, neck or shoulders. For leg and hip treatment you may remove your leg wear. Massage through clothes can be done but you should be aware the treatment will not be as effective or comfortable.
For warmth and modesty you will be draped with a sheet and blanket during the session over the areas not being treated. The room is warm and quiet, soft music is played and the lights are dimmed.
Will I be sore after?
If the area being treated has been previously injured, or strained then it is quite normal to feel some minor to moderate tenderness that night and the next day.
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage prevents and alleviates muscle injuries, pain and soreness and is based on the concept that soft tissue responds to touch. Sensitive points in muscles, known as trigger points, can radiate pain to various parts of the body and mimics many conditions. Secondary pains which build around a primary source of pain can be relieved through remedial massage.
The assessment by a therapeutic massage therapist, who has in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, enables appropriate treatment with skilled manipulation to relieve pain and correct the body’s muscles and soft tissue.
What are the dynamics of deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage focuses on deeper layers of muscle tissue to release tension. Deep pressure is used on specific areas of the muscles and tendons. Deep tissue massage may cause some soreness during or immediately after a massage but the client should feel better within a day or two.
What is sports massage therapy?
Sports massage therapy is a no-nonsense massage and is deeper and more intense than relaxation massage. It serves to alleviate stress and tension which builds in the soft tissues during physical activity. From a once per week jogger to an ardent athlete, sports massage therapy can enhance the soft tissues and bring about optimum performance while minimizing post event injuries.
Sports massage therapy benefits athletes before and after an event. Therapy which concentrates on specific muscle groups provides improved flexibility and range of motion. Pre-event massage supplements a warm-up to enhance circulation and provides relaxation which reduces mental tension. Post-event massage therapy reduces muscle spasms and metabolic build-up. Both facilitate movement and enhance recovery and reduce the risk of injury.
Also, people in physically demanding jobs or jobs involving occupational, postural or emotional stress can benefit from sports massage therapy.
How does massage increase circulation?
Natural endorphins in the body, which reduce pain, are released during massage therapy. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, through muscle stimulation during massage, endorphins are released which improves blood circulation and eliminates waste products.
What is Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine is an ancient art of healing that focuses on achieving internal balance and is premised on the human body considered as a whole system. Practitioners use methods such as acupuncture, herbal preparations and exercises to restore the flow of vital energy (Qi) and the balance of the life forces, Yin and Yang. Qi is fundamental to Chinese medicine. The quality and amount of Qi determines ones health and vitality.
Natural plants and minerals are medical materials of Chinese medicine which are far safer than chemical drugs. Chinese herbs are a powerful therapy and are indicative of balancing the Yin-Yang.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture relieves suffering and disharmony in the body and is a method of producing analgesia by inserting extremely fine needles into the skin of the body along a series of lines called meridians. There are many pressure points on these meridians. Each point controls energy flow and in some instances the flow of energy, Qi, may be blocked, causing distress and illness. Through acupuncture the switches at these points are adjusted or repaired according to the principles of Chinese medicine. The needles are usually left in place for about 20 minutes and the whole treatment may last about 1 hour. Acupuncture is one of several therapies that constitute traditional Chinese medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture produces a little sensation but some people feel nothing at all; it is virtually painless.
What is your cancellation policy?
24 hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. Cancellations without 24 hour notice will result in a charge for your session, as that time has been set aside specifically for you.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your appointment. Time for your appointment has been arranged for you. If you arrive late your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointment follows yours. Full payment for your session will be applied.