What is Massage Therapy?
Touch is an essential part of interacting in our relationships, communities, and in the world. It has been scientifically shown that after touch therapy, such as massage, there’s a reduction in the action of the hypothalamic area of the brain, which controls the stress response. The body’s level of stress hormones decrease and the level of endorphins increase, leading to a minimized perception of pain and a greater feeling of well-being. Massage Therapy helps us to connect to the stillness and simplicity of just being, while also providing an oxygen rich environment for healing.
Massage Therapy helps the body to heal by positively affecting all the systems of the body at a cellular level. It is especially helpful to the muscles and surrounding tissues, boosting tissue repair, lymphatic return and blood circulation, energy production and cell growth and greatly eases the stress response in our bodies. When we become accustomed to tension and restriction this distorts the signals our body uses to communicate with us and limits our ability to feel. Touch helps us to heal by regaining sensation and awareness literally bringing us back into our bodies and promoting regeneration.
Massage Therapy provides relief from:
Chronic pain
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, digestive disorders
Injuries, surgery recovery, scarring
Soreness, stiffness, spasm, swelling
Hypertension/High blood pressure
Tension headaches and migraines by lessening their frequency
Restrictions of movement
Massage Therapy is:
Unwinding patterns of tension in the muscles, connective tissue and systems of the body
Pain management lessening duration of symptoms by re-setting neurological pathways
Rest and relaxation to the nervous system that creates a “relaxation response” and a natural increase in serotonin levels
Increased postural balance and ease of movement
Amplified delivery of oxygenation and nutrients to the cells
Management for high-stress lifestyles
Support for your Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Orthopedic and your medical goals with greater results and faster recovery
Did you know our skin is the largest organ of the body? For that reason, it is the first line of defense in the body’s immunity. Keeping the skin healthy, helps keep your body healthy. At Namaste Therapies, I only use plant based oils that are unprocessed, without synthetic additives or oil dispersants. My product line of choice is Banyan Botanicals which are of food grade quality, organic, nutritious Ayurvedic oils that can be tailored to dosha type, as well as pain management, tissue building, and even for promoting healthy hair, or skin conditions like Eczema. These oils are herbal oils, free from parabens, petroleum, or synthetic fragrances. You will never find lotions or creams, or anything that might be an irritant to sensitive skin at my practice. If you have known skin sensitivities or allergies, please let me know in advance.
Modalities and Descriptions
Structural and Myofascial Bodywork
Structural bodywork’s aim is to unwind the uniques strain patterns residing in your body’s myofascial system, restoring it to its natural balance, alignment and length in a customized session that includes whatever modalities are needed to re-create symmetry and ease in movement. This is accomplished by integrating deep, slow, fascial and myofascial manipulation, coupled with movement re-education and breath awareness. Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia. Ideal for chronic pain and limited mobility by decreasing dysfunction in joints to increase the bodys optimal movement abilities and awareness.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques such as tapping, pushing, pulling. Shiatsu works with the nervous system and is promoted as a way to help people relax and cope with issues such as stress, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety, depression and limited body awareness. Traditionally shared amongst family members in Japanese culture to keep the body limber and energetically harmonized by increasing the flow or Qi (Chi). Shiatsu is performed on a futon type mat, with clients fully clothed. Shiatsu means “finger pressure” and uses the meridian channels of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), prefer slower work, and those who have sustained physical injury. It is common to experience mild to moderate soreness a day or two after your session. Deep tissue work varies greatly and is customized for the individual body type.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation with a nurturing focus. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, increase the elasticity in the tissues, flexibility, and reduce chronic paint cycles. Swedish massage works with the lymph system by flushing and eliminating waste and greatly assist individuals with poor circulation. It is also tremendously helpful in restoring better sleep patterns and lessens tension held in the body which creates a better sense of overall wellbeing.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that focuses on muscles relevant to a particular sport using a melding of techniques simular to Swedish but with more specificity. Often there is trigger point and stretching methods such as Active Release Technique and PNF stretching. These movements and techniques are used to try to help the athlete’s body achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery. Ideal for sore muscles.
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy brings on many changes to the body including new aches and pains as ligaments stretch and a woman’s center of gravity shifts with the growing baby. Prenantal massage is done in a side-lying position or with wedges and bolsters to support you throughout your massage. Women with normal to low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from massage. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before using massage therapy.
Add to any session
Cupping Trigger Point Therapy: $15
An ancient practice dating back to 1,550 B.C. these silicone suction cups create a vacuum effect, decompressing the area, which allows blood vessels to expand, flushing away tension, increasing blood flow, and reducing pain.
Dry Body Brushing: $15
Polish, smooth and exfoliate the entire body with natural bristle dry brushing before your massage. Helps boost immunity as it promotes lymphatic return fighting off those seasonal colds and allergies. Take home brush included!
Hot Basalt Stone Massage: $10
Added to an area that needs more attention during your session these heated basalt stones melt away deeply stored tension and soreness with the added benefit of detoxifying and moisturizing the skin.
Shiatsu Facial Massage: $20
Treat the face with a gentle cleanse and exfoliation, jojoba oil moisturizing massage stimulating acupressure points that restore and refresh, tuning fork acupressure therapy, with soothing anti-inflammatory Orange or Rose Blossom cool compresses to the eyes.