by Alissa J. Jones, C.M.T.

The physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of massage are truly staggering if you look at all the health concerns this touch therapy addresses, here are just a few:        

Reverses the damaging effects of stress

Lowers Blood Pressure

Joint relief for Arthritis sufferers

Increased pulmonary function for adults and children with Asthma

Calming and nurturing effects for individuals with Autism

Enhanced attentiveness for individuals with ADHD

Discomfort relief for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Reduces pain in muscles and joints for Fybromyalgia sufferers

Improves range of motion for individuals having gone through recent rotator cuff surgery

Decreases diastolic blood pressure related to hypertension

Pain reduction, and often times, total relief for Migraine Headache sufferers

Relaxation for individuals with Sleep Disorders

Reduces stress hormones attributed to pre-menstrual cycling, pregnancy and menopause

Soothing and calming effects for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Assists in several ways with eating disorders

Alleviates symptoms of Depression

Aids in pain relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Improves general circulation in the body

Improves immune function

Helps decrease desire to smoke

Assists with weight loss

Strengthens and tones the entire body mechanism, to prevent unnecessary injuries and strains

Relief for Fatigue

Promotes overall relaxation and a peaceful centering feeling

Massage is not just a “feel good,” it is regenerative and assists in restoring your body back to  “Homeostasis,“ which is the body’s state of internal stability and normal condition or function.”  When you consider there are so many more benefits from massage not even mentioned here, it is obvious that massage is more than just “beneficial,” but actually vital to your everyday life.

If you have ever broken a bone, or injured a part of your body, your memory recall of that incident will be about the emotion attached to the pain. It’s that emotional recall attached to the pain that is termed “Mind to Muscle.”  This process occurs in the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for the making of memories. In massage, the Limbic System is stimulated and therefore reconditioning, and healing of the muscles can take place.  A muscle can actually be retrained to not react to certain stresses which would normally cause it to tense up and cause pain. 

One great example of reconditioning muscles through massage is with tension in the neck and shoulders which causes migraines.  Last year, our Esthetician, Charla, came to me explaining that she had been experiencing tremendous and reoccurring pain from migraines, and no medications were helping her.  After a few consecutive weeks of massage, we were able to retrain her neck and shoulder muscles not to react during stress in the same way they had before.  The result was phenomenal; After months of regular pain, Charla was pain free and has been for a while now. 

 At Salon Emage Day Spa, I offer several massage therapies. The most common and very basic of these therapies is referred to as, “Swedish Massage.”  Every other therapy is an altered or enhanced extension of the basic Swedish Massage. 

 Swedish Massage is a combination of relaxing and nurturing modalities, such as kneading, stroking and percussion. Swedish massage is the beginning point from where most massage therapies and techniques blossom. A full body massage incorporates work on the arms, legs, hands, feet, back, head, neck, shoulders and face. According to your comfort level, massaging any of these areas can be adjusted or avoided. A basic, non-descript oil or body cream is used in this massage.

Aromatherapy Massage is simply adding a small portion of concentrated essential oils to the basic oil or body cream. Essential Oils are pure oils distilled or expressed from a plant’s flowers, stem, fruit peel, seeds, bark, roots and/or resin. They give a plant its fragrance and also contain the plant’s most valuable therapeutic and nutritional qualities in concentrated form.  Many essential oils are the active ingredients in prescribed medications, cosmetics and perfumes. Synthetic copies can cause allergic reactions and side effects, however, genuine essential oils contain the most powerful natural healing properties without the risk of side effects. External application, (added to the massage oils used) and inhalation (breathing them in) are the ways they are used during massage.

Deep Tissue Massage is the recommended therapy for clients who require a firmer massage and for those who are experiencing sore and tight muscles.  Deep Tissue Massage refers to the concentrated pressure a therapist uses to address specific painful points or tight muscles. Therapists use their fingers, forearms or elbows, along with their body weight, to apply the pressure needed to flatten, lengthen, and stretch tight and sore muscles. While Swedish Massage focuses on the more superficial muscles, Deep Tissue attempts to reach the medial and deep layers of muscle. Because of the intensity of this massage, it is not recommended for first time massage clients, and will not be used on pregnant women.

 Hot Stone Therapy is where heated stones are placed on your body and then used in massaging some of your muscles. Heat from the stones warms the soft tissue so that it relaxes and becomes more pliable during the massage. Even people who enjoy the benefits of massage regularly, are surprised by the added deep relaxation they experience during a Hot Stone session. The stones are heated to your comfort level.

Pregnancy Massage is designed to relieve the muscle aches, anxiety, and fatigue that often accompany being pregnant. The massage itself is very gentle and soothing. As stated earlier; Deep Tissue is never incorporated into pregnancy massage. Regular massage for pregnant women can actually aid in reducing pain during labor and can assist with an easier delivery. An aromatherapy massage is suggested as a post-natal therapy as it aids in reducing the effects of stretch marks. (Some essential oils are contraindicated for use in pregnancy massage)

 I believe in the regenerative and restorative qualities of massage. I have personally experienced, and witnessed in other’s, the healing that massage brings, not only to the body, but to the spirit and emotions, as well.  I often tell people massage causes the mind, body and spirit to operate in unison as God designed them to.  After a good massage, where you have experienced that deep sense of relaxation, you will actually feel very centered and balanced. 

 If you are in good, general health, it may not be necessary to check first with your physician, but if you have any health concerns at all, or if you are pregnant, it is advisable to check with him/her before beginning a treatment of massage therapy.

 When you call Salon Emage Day Spa to set up your massage , you can expect to be asked to arrive about 15 minutes early in order to fill out a brief health form.  This form is important in order to evaluate your special concerns or needs for your massage experience.  At Salon Emage Day Spa your spa experience is as important to us as addressing your massage needs.  We have a quaint and peaceful relaxation room where you will be brought to fill out your paperwork and enjoy a glass of refreshing water.  If you are having any other spa services done, I E: facial or body treatments, in addition to your massage; we will give you a robe and slippers to change in to for your comfort while moving from room to room.  Soft, relaxing music and dimly lit candles will enhance your “experience” while waiting for your treatments to begin.

 Thank you for allowing me to share a little bit about the benefits of massage therapy with you.  I look forward to meeting you and discovering the perfect massage therapy program for you.  

 God Bless You,

Alissa J. Jones C.M.T.