It makes sense now more than ever to keep your commitment to the health benefits you receive from massage. A known fact is that the better you feel the better job you can do at home with your family and at your work. With stress accounting for an estimated ninety percent of the disease process, stress reduction alone is a powerful reason for massage. There are many more benefits as an added bonus. Taking time for a regularly scheduled self-care visit can make a huge difference in how healthy you will be overall. Massage is more than pampering; it is a vital part of preventive health and wellness.
At Serene Body Care the independent therapists offer a wide variety of massage types and will gladly customize your session to your specific needs. Be sure to discuss your personal care plan with your therapist before your session begins.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscles and the connective tissue or fascia around them. This type of massage is designed to help loosen the restrictions in the deeper areas. By getting blood and oxygen re-circulating to those areas it helps reduce the inflammation that can build up in chronically tense and tight areas like necks, low backs and sore shoulders. You may experience some soreness or discomfort following this type of massage.
Lymph Drainage Therapy
Involves the use of gentle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of body fluids. The amount of pressure applied varies based on the area or pathology but averages 5 grams of pressure or the weight of a nickel. Recirculation of these fluids enhances the immune system, reduces swelling, promotes detoxification, regenerates tissues, relieves chronic inflammation, reduces symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, decreases pain, the state of deep relaxation aids in insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality, and memory loss.
Prenatal Massage
Massage during pregnancy provides many benefits to the expectant mom and is also beneficial to her baby! Research supports that regular massage for mom can help create a more peaceful and nutrient-rich environment for her baby, and helps reduce stress and the risk of premature delivery. A certified prenatal massage therapist can tailor the massage to your specific needs as your body changes throughout the pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help with the discomforts of pregnancy like cramping, leg pain, low-back pain, neck pain, headaches and relieve some of the swelling that may naturally occur with your pregnancy.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique using energetic principles for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is a safe method of spiritual healing done by a trained practitioner with “palm healing” or “hands on healing” through which a self-healing of the client is allowed. Reiki healing usually coincides with the 7 major energy centers of the body, the chakras. It may or may not be done in combination with traditional massage.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient healing art that uses points on the feet, hands and ears to treat corresponding areas of pain and stress throughout the body. A reflexology session is usually deeply relaxing. The act of applying pressure to the correct reflexology point sends a message to the brain causing a physiological response in the body, creating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. This release results in a reduction of pain and the associated stress.
Swedish Massage
A Swedish Massage is the most commonly requested type of massage and is generally used for relaxation. Your therapist will use oil or lotion so they can do light to medium pressure in long, smooth strokes running in the direction of the heart to encourage blood circulation. Swedish massage may also include kneading movements, circular pressure, brisk hacking or tapping focused on the superficial layers of muscles. The primary goal is to relax the whole body.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is used with massage therapy to eliminate the pain caused by certain tight areas or knots in your muscles. These knots or tightly bound areas often send pain signals to other areas in your body, confusing you as to where the true problem really begins. Once your therapist has located a trigger point, it is treated with a pressure that is applied in a systematic manner. The primary goal of trigger point therapy is to release the tension and alleviate the pain.
Visceral Manipulation
The term “viscera” relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. Visceral Manipulation is a gentle manual therapy that aids your body’s ability to release restrictions and unhealthy compensations that cause pain and dysfunction. Visceral Manipulation, or VM, does not focus solely on the site of pain or dysfunction, but evaluates the entire body to find the source of the problem. The VM therapist feels for altered or decreased motion within the viscera, as well as restrictive patterns throughout the body and then applies VM techniques. VM therapy re-establishes the body’s ability to adapt and restore itself to health.