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Massage has infinite benefits that even the healthiest person would feel:
~ the "effleurage" strokes (the long, smooth strokes which warm up the body ready for the deeper work) dilate the blood vessels, increasing the number of red blood cells and improving oxygenation of the muscles, organs and joints.
~ massage stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids that carry toxins from the body's cells - this includes the hormone adrenaline, which (when retained by a stress affected body) causes an increased heart rate, and impaired circulation
~ the deeper kneading work (petrissage and tapotement) relieves pain and soreness in individual muscles by realigning the fibres and breaking down knots caused by the adhesion of muscle fibres and connective tissue with toxins. Massage releases these toxins, and "unsticks" the knotty tissues.
~ research has proved that massage has a biochemical effect - it triggers nerve receptors in the skin to alert the brain to release pain-killing and happiness-boosting opiates such as serotonin and dopamine. Mood improves, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol fall, as does the blood pressure. (Research carried out by Dr Tiffany Field, and her team at the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute).
~ improves immunity, concentration and memory
~ helps newborns gain weight
~ speeds healing and recovery in all ages - newborns, children, teenagers, and adults
~ reduces drug dependency
~ regular massage literally trains the body to learn to relax, the adrenal glands calm and stop over-producing stress inducing hormones
~ the skeletal system - the flow of nutrients to the bones is increased
~ postural imbalance - the muscles and bones can relearn how to 'be'
~ reduction of muscle tensions which can lead to structural imbalances
~ breathing patterns are deepened, creating calmness in the body and increased oxygenation
~ asthma and coughing - deeper breathing, a more relaxed mind and body, and dissipated tension in the lungs
~ constipation and elimination of waste products - abdominal massage can assist with these issues
~ Irritable Bowel Syndrome
~ muscle tension and spasms
~ increased blood and nutrient supplies to the muscles
~ elimination of waste such as lactic acid, built up during intense sport
~ restoration of muscle tone and increasing joint flexibility
~ balancing nervous system by increasing/decreasing and smoothing energies
~ releasing withheld and destructive emotions
~ relaxing and calming stress induced headaches and insomnia
~ raising endorphins and promoting healing.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE A MASSAGE?
For specific problems, including stress, once a week for a month. Once you have received between four to six weekly treatments, it is usually best to tail off, and have treatments once a fortnight for a couple of months. If your body is responding well, and you feel better, then you could start to maintain your new-found physical health with a monthly treatment. This is the ideal scenario, and is much more effective than ad hoc treatments.
GENERAL, BASIC CONSIDERATIONS, AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Usually, massage is not a dangerous therapy, but it is advisable to follow sensible precautions:
Do not receive massage:
~ within 2 hours of eating a heavy meal.
~ If you are fasting, advise Emily as she needs to work with care and consideration.
~ If you are feeling unusually weakened as a result of a viral infection, flu, or any infectious skin complaint.
~ If you are suffering from any serious medical condition - cancer, heart disorder, stomach ulcer or any other internal condition which should be given professional medical attention. Emily can work with you on these issues, but cannot replace any standard medical care, relaxing massage can be very helpful. Let her know if you have had major surgery in the last 12 months, or minor surgery in the last 6 months.
~ On a recent fracture, Emily will work one joint above.
~ If you are receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment for cancer Emily must be advised, as her treatment will be very different, probably with her hands off - guiding the treatment from just above the client's physical body.
Please avoid alcohol and non-prescriptive drugs 24 -36 hours before treatment. If this is a problem area for you, let Emily know, and the treatment will address the addiction.
Emily cannot guarantee any solutions to addictive problems, but is able to work with you to address your underlying needs and frustrations.
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