Massage Therapy

Quite some time ago, Massage and other types of Bodywork were considered luxuries. Today many of us rely on these forms of therapy to deal with everyday stresses,  re-energize, and  become balanced. Numerous studies have documented that Massage Therapy have an impressive range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Physically relaxes the body                                   
  • • • Calms the nervous system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces heart rate
• Slows respiration
• Loosens tight  muscles
• Stretches connective tissue
• Reduces chronic pain
• Improves  skin tone
• Increases blood and lymph circulation
• Speeds removal of metabolic waste
• Increases red blood cell counts
• Relieves tired and aching muscles
• Stimulates the release of endorphins
• Improves muscle tone
• Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes deeper more effective breathing
• Speeds recovery from injuries and illness
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces swelling
• Reduces scarring
• Improves posture

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Reduces mental stress
• Promotes better sleep
• Calms a temper
• Induces mental relaxation
• Improves concentration

Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Reduces anxiety
• Enhances self image
• Provides feeling of well-being
• Promotes greater creative expression

Deep Muscle Massage Therapy, also known as the Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy, was created by Therese Pfrimmer in the l940's when she discovered that massaging her own leg muscles in a deep way led to the reversal of her own paralysis. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is designed to encourage corrective changes to damaged muscles and to the adjacent soft tissues. It works across the muscles manipulating deep tissues, stimulating circulation and regenerating lymphatic flow, thus promoting detoxification and oxygenation of stagnant tissues.

Deep Muscle Therapy facilitates the release of entrapped nerves, and it also aids in dispelling toxins and congestion accumulated in damaged muscles, thus reducing edema and inflammation, as well as reducing pain.

Deep Muscle Therapy has been found to help the following body systems:

* Muscular system
* Skeletal system
* Nervous system
* Integumentary system
* Endocrine system
* Cardiovascular system
* Lymphatic system
* Respiratory system

Deep Muscle Therapy has been found helpful in the treatment of ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson's, Cerebral Palsy, brain injury and stroke. It has also been effective in the treatment of injuries, arthritis, fibrositis, neck tension, chronic fatigue, and so on.

Foot Reflexology is a holistic healing method that involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the feet. The term "reflex" is used in the sense of reflection, as these small areas reflect a particular area of the body. Foot reflexology unblocks the vital energy circulating throughout the body. If this energy becomes blocked, the part of the body relating to the blockage may show signs of disease. By using specific pressure techniques, the energy blocks found in the feet are detected and reduced. Through stimulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, toxins are released, encouraging the body to heal itself. This is accompanied by a great sense of relaxation and well-being. Foot reflexology is effective in a variety of health issues such as fatigue, stress, sinus infections, allergies, neuropathy, diabetes, colds and flu.

Reflexology, as all the other modalities practiced here at NIHA, focuses at unblocking the vital energy that circulates between the organs of the body. If this energy becomes blocked, the part of the body relating to the blockage is affected.

Lymphatic Drainage therapy is gentle bodywork that activates lymph circulation to stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Energy Balancing is subtle bodywork that balances the body's electromagnetic energy, indentifies blockages and encourages deep relaxation and inner harmony.

Pregnancy Massage is a technique specifically tailored to ease the common discomforts of pregnancy as well as promoting maternal and fetal well-being. The body of the expectant mother adapts to the new life growing within her. Pregnancy massage offers a wonderful way to relax, increase energy, and relieve discomfort. Benefits:

* Stress management
* Reduction of fluid retention
* Slow down the progress of varicose veins
* Release of chronic tension in lower back and other areas
* Ease of constipation, gas, and heartburn
* Relief of headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic waste products

Geriatric Massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the older population. It uses the same basic techniques as general massage, but it is tailored to suit the specific health conditions and concerns of seniors. Geriatric massage involves the use of hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to improve circulation, relieve pain, and increase the range of motion. Geriatric massage is very helpful in improving health and well-being. In addition, it is beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression, and in providing comfort to a touch deprived part of our society.

• Shorter sessions - a geriatric massage session usually will last about 30 minutes.
• Gentle strokes - with an older person care must be taken to use motions that are gentle, comfortable and soothing. The strokes are designed to improve blood circulation and heart function, prevent diabetic complications, relieve muscle tension, and ease the body and mind.
• Gentle stretching of shoulders, legs and feet to improve mobility and flexibility.
• Careful massaging of hands and feet (if advisable) to prevent stiffness and relieve discomfort.
• Specific care is taken so that the older client is comfortable on the massage table by using extra pillows.

PRACTITIONERS


Brigitte Everett, L.M.T.
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