What is Massage Therapy?
Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness. AMTA defines Massage as, "a manual soft tissue manipulation that includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body."
Massage Therapy is defined as " a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client." (AMTA). Massage includes diverse physiological effects, which are primarily due to the therapist's hands moving over the body. The different movements can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, boost the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms and be either sedating or stimulating to the nervous system.
Therapeutic massage improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.
Massage Therapy operates on the foundation of different types of strokes and oils that work on stress accumulated areas in an effort to achieve a relaxed mind and body. The different kinds of Massage include: Back Massage, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Chest Massage, Abdomen Massage, Face and Head Massage, Arms and Hand Massage, Legs and Feet Massage, Massage for babies and children and Massage during pregnancy.
What to Expect at Artful Touch!
What makes my massages different then most?
Basically, I do Swedish and deep tissue massage. In addition, I also provide and incorporate some expertise in table shiatsu and reflexology.
A typical massage starts with discussing medical history and specific areas of pain.
Music and soft lighting provide an atmosphere of total relaxation.
You, the client, are covered with a sheet and blanket, only undraping the area being worked on and re-draping when done.
The table is heated and padded for your total comfort. Your only job is to breathe and relax.
If you request it, I also do some intuitive healing along with affirmations that may help you to let go of emotions that may be trapped in your body. I really like to focus on doing deep breathing when we get to an area that needs release, I find that massage along with deep breathing and positive affirmations help the body release old patterns bringing about a transformational experience. Thus, providing the Artful Touch!
Before and after your massage
• Don’t eat a large meal right before receiving a massage
• After the massage, drink LOTS of water to help flush out metabolic waste products that have been released into your system from the massage work
• Have a hot shower or bath and a good stretch after your massage
• Give yourself enough time to enjoy the benefits of the massage. Afterwards, you are liable to feel very relaxed and may not want to do anything stressful or strenuous.
