Massage has been around for thousands of years. It is probably one of man’s earliest remedies for pain relief.
The word “massage” comes from the Greek root of “masso,” which means “to touch”.
There are many different types of massage, but the most common is Swedish, which includes deep tissue, sports massage lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release. Rolfing® Structural Integration is another Western form of massage.
Asian forms of massage include Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Ayurvedic treatments. Reflexology was actually developed in the West, but derives from Eastern ideas that the body has a flow of energy, or “chi” that can be unblocked with treatment.
Other energy-based treatments include Reiki, Polarity Therapy and Brennan Healing Science.
Massage has significant psychological and physiological benefits:
- It reduces tension and anxiety, calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.
- It improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
- It stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and muscle spasms. But many healthy people get massage regularly because it helps them maintain physical, mental and emotional well being.
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Ashiatsu (ashi = foot, atsu= pressure) is an adaptation of an ancient Japanese form of barefoot massage. Bars are used overhead and used for balance and control. The therapist uses her soft, clean feet to apply deep compression massage and long, gliding strokes over the back of the clients body. Lotion is also applied resulting in a deep luxurious, Swedish-style massage.
Ashiatsu is an effective treatment for suffers of chronic low back pain and neck pain.
This treatment is guaranteed to induce deep relaxation, relieve tight muscles, and stimulate the body’s own self-healing capabilities.
Massage is a key ingredient in any complete workout program- massage speeds muscle recovery, increases endurance, and enhances athletic performance.
Whether your a weekend warrior, or a marathon runner, a regular massage routine can help you reach and maintain your fitness goals.
Recognized by the American Medical Association and approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage. (NCBTMB)
Recommended for athletes, clients with a larger build or anyone wanting to try something new who enjoys deep massage work.
Some contraindications for deep compression massage include: alcohol or recreational drug intoxication; breast implants within nine months, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy; recent surgery including eye surgery within six months; heart condition or high blood pressure; people on prescription anticoagulants or acute inflammatory condition; stenosis and spondylolisthesis; any contagious condition, including fever, cold or flu.
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