explanations of various touch therapies
THE IMPORTANCE OF TOUCH FOR HEALING
by Lori E. D'Ascenzo
Touch. It is the most warming and essential element of human connection, a tangible expression of nurturing and love. It calms, soothes and relaxes, comforts, and reassures. Touch helps us to reach out to others, to relate. It is a very personal, silent form of caring communication.....And that is why touch is such a powerful and profound healing tool.
Holistic bodywork therapies are wonderful examples of how touch can have such a positive impact on emotions, psychological well-being, and physical state. In general, touch healing techniques stimulate body functions and relieve stress. They also help to trigger the release of endorphines, making us feel relaxed and happy. As such, touch is an important ingredient for emotional well-being and self-worth. When out of balance emotionally or spiritually, touch re-affirms our physicality, helping us to stay grounded.
Holistic touch therapies provide so much more than mere healing. Practitioners express a genuine loving compassion and concern for their patients and a desire to change a person's life for the better. Rather than the sterile, impersonal, intimidating atmosphere of most medical offices, an holistic practitioner strives to create a warm and ambient setting for the healing experience. They endeavour to get to know each person, understanding the key roles that emotional factors, personality and stress play in any illness.
Instead of treating the disease, as does modern medicine, holistic medicine treats the patient. Practitioners think of themselves as partners in your healing process, rather than saviors. They know that you must have some hand in your own wellness, in order for the healing to be lasting. An wholistic approach aims at restoring the body's natural balance so it can facilitate its own healing.
There are many specialized "touch therapies" from which to choose. Each has been devised to affect healing in a particular way, and for specific results. At the same time, all therapies acknowledge and utilize the subtle interconnection between each of the body's functions and systems. Therefore, many practitioners combine several complimentary methods for optimum results.
You will be asked for a confidential medical history prior to almost every type of therapy. Be honest and accurate. Certain medical conditions preclude the use of some methods of treatment, herbal preparations, essential oils or homeopathic remedies. The practitioner may also make recommendations for follow-up care after treatment.
~~ACUPRESSURE~~
differs from SHIATSU in that it is simplified. Eliminating the rythmical quality, it focuses on relieving energy blockages and pain simply by holding pressure to pulse points on the neural pathways. Because these pathways connect to and send messages all over the body, the trigger point used may be no where near the site of actual pain.
Pressure varies widely, but may seem intense and magnified at first until the body relaxes. Often arms flail or fingers twitch. In addition to localized pain relief, it can reduce fevers and nausea or break up kidney and gall stones. There are no contra-indications. It will always do some good. Relief is often immediate or within 48 hours. Not a massage, it can be experienced sitting down and fully dressed. Treatments can take up to 1 1/2 hours and will probably leave you feeling like a "wet noodle" for a day.
~~ AROMATHERAPY~~
Practiced for thousands of years, Aromatherapy is regaining popularity due to modern scientific study . Scientists are confirming what healers have known for more than 5,000 years....Aromatherapy uses nature in one of its most powerful forms!
Aromatherapy is based on the therapeutic use of botanicals. Subtle, volatile, highly concentrated liquids called essential oils are distilled from a variety of plant materials. Contained within these living essences are oxygenating molecules used to transport nutrients to cells and increase the biophotonic activity of the nervous system. In addition, there are high-frequency electrical properties, as well as several thousand different naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals, keytones, stimulants, antibiotics, hormones, astringents, anti-inflammatories and enzymes.
On average, each essential oil contains a complex combination of at least 100 of these components! Because the vital constituents are in colloidal form, they are readily carried through the body and absorbed on a cellular level. That means the body obtains much more concentrated and direct benefits.
Measured in hertz, the electrical frequency of essential oils is the highest of any substance known to man. As a result, it not only raises the human vibration, but it produces an environment in which bacteria and disease cannot survive.
Therapeutic aromatherapy is used to regulate, disinfect, detoxify, stimulate, sedate or elate. Essential oils work like natural chelators, bonding to metallics and chemicals and drawing them out of body tissues. They can be used to relieve a multitude of complaints from simple insect bites, warts and burns, to blockages within the lymphatic system, constipation, migraines and emotional distress. Registered Massage Therapists use aromatherapy in some types of massage.
They can be applied in any of three ways--inhalation, ingestion or absorption. Inhaled, the aroma stimulates the senses and emotional centre of the brain. Since the olfactory sense produces the strongest impressions through its primitive link to the right brain, or memory, it can induce positive or negative emotional and physical responses, and even increase endorphin, neuro-transmitter and anti-body production.
Scent can act as a sedative, euphoric, depressant, stimulant, or aphrodesiac. More importantly, it has a profound effect in releasing emotional trauma. The vapours of essential oils help even further by releasing oxygenating molecules into the atmosphere and increasing ozone and negative ions. This inhibits airborne bacteria.
Ingestion and absorption through the skin have more to do with the nutritive and medicinal effects of botanical essenses. Highly concentrated and extremely potent, they are often diluted in some sort of carrier such as oil or alcohol. Quickly absorbed into the body via the skin or digestive tract, each essense addresses specific conditions. When applied with massage, the effect is stimulated and enhanced.
Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are metabolized like other nutrients into the cells and do not build up in the body. And, since scent is inherent in all aromatherapy essenses, emotional and psychological benefits combine with actual physical reaction for a profound multi-level healing. The effects may last as long as five months!
A certified practitioner must be highly skilled in selecting the proper oils, as well as in competently blending and administering them. The study of the physiological affect of these botanical essenses is extensive. It takes a full year for certification. In addition, proper massage techniques and comprehensive knowledge of the human body are an integral part of the qualification. Aromatherapists must also look toward helping to achieve integration and balance between the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of each patient.
Certain medical conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, pregnancy or the use of pharmaceuticals, can preclude the use of aromatherapy or lymphatic massage. In fact, one should never use essential oils therapeutically without first consulting a trained Aromatherapist. Also, be certain to keep them away from small children.
Any reaction to the oils, such as rashes, allergies, or illness is actually the body's attempt to detoxify and re-establish cellular balance. However, low quality oils containing solvents, alcohol or synthetics will sometimes cause rashes, burns or other irritations.
An aromatherapy massage or lymphatic massage will take about an hour, but the oils must be left on for at least another 4 hours. You must fully disrobe, but are discretely covered by a sheet for the entire massage. Afterward, you will feel deeply relaxed and vibrant, and may even continue to feel shifts and releases within your body for several days. Drink plenty of water to aid the process.
It is vital to note that the effectiveness of an essential oil is directly proportionate to its quality. High quality oils are extremely potent and medicinally unparallelled. They are also very expensive!
Lower quality oils are diluted or adulterated and lack many of the medicinal constituents and electro-magnetic qualities needed to make them effective. Climate, temperature, humidity, the quality of botanicals, and the integrity of the distillation process all significantly affect the refined oil. As well, handling of the product and its exposure to sunlight or heat will lessen the quality and the shelf life.
Many aromatherapists use only the very finest and most expensive essential oils. This will be evident in your body's response after application and in the cost of the treatment, which varies from $20 for a facial or partial body wrap, to $45 an hour and up for a full massage. Be sure to thoroughly question the practitioner on their knowledge and the quality of their oils.
~~BIODYNAMIC MASSAGE~~
addresses the physical symptoms of emotional repression. This very gentle massage incorporates a variety of techniques which lift physical or emotional trauma from the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, muscle and even bone.
To effectively apply this therapy, practitioners must develop a high degree of sensitivity and intuition. As with all wholistic therapies, the practitioner does not see you as a patient, but rather a person whose emotional, psychological and lifestyle circumstances very much affect your state of health.
By auditorially monitoring the autonomic nervous system, particularly the digestive tract, which is very reactive to emotions, stress and fear, a practitioner can determine the subconscious state of mind and body. In this way the appropriate massage technique can be determined, continuously adjusted, and kept within the client's tolerance level. At
the same time, the client is gently guided through the emotional aspects of their physical illness to help release the residual effects of past trauma.
There are currently less than a dozen Biodynamic Massage Therapists in Canada.
~~CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY~~
is a very gentle, non-invasive manual therapy that was devised to evaluate and reduce accumulated physiological stress.
Part of the autonomic central nervous system, the craniosacral is a semi-closed hydraulic system of cerebral spinal fluid that continuously pumps through the brain, down the length of the spine, and back up again. Its purpose is to provide an environment in which the brain and spinal cord can develop and function.
Essentially the cranial fluid projects messages and commands to all the parts of the body via the bloodstream. Part of its function is to stimulate the body's own self-healing processes and immune system. Disease, injury, pain or abnormality, particularly if it is chronic or long-term, throws out the natural rhythm of the cranio-sacral system. In turn, when any part of the system becomes dysfunctional, the body's sensory, motor or intellectual functions is impaired.
The therapist's role is to measure the rhythm of the craniosacral system to evaluate symmetry between the two halves of the body, as well as quality, amplitude, and rate of cerebral fluid movement. This is done using gentle palpation to detect subtle biological movements. While specific diagnosis cannot be made, the location of any problem can be identified. Then specific techniques applied to the cranio-sacral system, skull, fascia and soft tissue help to release or correct imbalances. When cranio-sacral function is normalized, there can be far-reaching and seemingly unrelated beneficial effects almost anywhere in the body.
A certified practitioner must have extensive knowledge of the craniosacral system, an understanding of its function in relation to other body systems, and a working knowledge of anatomy. A 10--step protocol for evaluation and treatment of the entire body is studied, along with specific techniques for treating dysfunctions and restoring flexibility and adaptability to the autonomic nervous system. Through experience, accurate sensitivity to subtle body rhythms is developed.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is so gentle it is an excellent alternative therapy for babies and children. It enhances the movement of blood and other fluids through body tissues and strengthens the immune system. It is also very helpful for brain dysfunction, chronic pain, lowered vitality, recurrent infections, headaches, and various facial pains. Results may come in just one treatment, or require a series of sessions.
~~MYOFASCIAL RELEASE~~
also uses a subtle and highly sensitive approach to massage. Aimed at relaxing the thin silvery fascia layer between skin and muscle, gentle light pressure encourages the fascia to soften and release tension.
The fascia acts like a flexible web to regulate contraction and expansion of muscles. Each part of the body is connected to all others via the fascia. Actually a single structure that exists from head to toe without interruption, it covers, supports, stabilizes and interpenetrates every bone, nerve, muscle, artery and vein, as well as all internal organs and the spinal cord.
When trauma such as whiplash, surgery, a fall, inflammation, or even habitual poor posture causes the fascia to lose its pliability, Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy can restore it. A very gentle and compassionate alternative to traditional physiotherapy, a skilled practitioner is able to gently guide the body to correct itself, which allows relaxation and release to occur. Trained to be extremely sensitive to the subtle physical body and its highly integrated interactions, the therapist understands that pain may not actually originate at the site of the discomfort.
Following a brief medical history, the first appointment will consist of a 30-45 minute hands-on head-to-toe physical assessment. Some muscle testing, is employed as the practitioner looks for any abnormal response. Treatments vary from 1/2 hour to as long as 2 hours and run about $55 per hour. Myofascial Release is covered by some extended health care plans.
~~REFLEXOLOGY~~
is another technique that employs pressure points to unblock the body's energy. However, in Reflexology the points used are localized within the foot, hand or specific body parts. These points correspond to terminals belonging specifically to the meridians and central nervous system and are referred to as "reflexes".
Since each of the various systems begins in an organ and travels throughout the body performing its functions, a direct link
is formed between the terminal in the foot or hand and other parts of the body. Therefore, proper pressure or manipulation applied to a reflex point will affect the connecting organ or body part. Similarly, adverse responses throughout the body can be experienced when the foot is injured or subjected to improper footwear, posture or hygiene.
As in Shiatsu, Reflexology involves stimulating or building up pressure within a meridian or neural pathway to break through blockages. At the same time, massage breaks up body salts that settle as gritty deposits beneath the skin, creating tenderness or discomfort in the feet.
Following a full treatment, nerve and blood circulation is improved, tension is released, pain and congestion anywhere in the body abates, normal organ function returns, energy and vitality is restored. As much as 80% of lactic acid residues are released and recycled by the liver.
A common misconception is that Reflexology is merely a type of hand or foot massage. It is an effective healing technique that is based on a deeper understanding of human physiology. If one were to look at the bottom of the feet or palms of the hands in relation to the torso of the body, a similarity would be noted between the positions of the reflex points and the corresponding organ locations in the torso.
While there are no specific standards in Canada, and many people competently practice Reflexology with only basic registration, certification ensures that a practitioner has completed a lengthy practical course of study and regularly updates their qualifications. There are several recognized methods, differing slightly in their approach and philosophy.
The Ingham Method is considered the International style of Reflexology. Although individuals styles between practitioners vary, it is generally considered more aggressive and stimulating. Primarily used for relaxing tension, there are over 25,000 certified IIR practitioners world-wide.
The Canadian style of Reflexology features a slightly different foot chart to avoid copyright infringement. This method emphasizes more pressure on the reflexes, but is gentle and compassionate, never reaching a point of pain. However, if a blockage or pain exists anywhere in the body, just touching a corresponding reflex point will cause discomfort. On the other hand, no pain does not mean there is nothing wrong. Medication or numbness could be the cause.
After a brief medical history, treatment often begins with an herbal foot bath or application of Witch Hazel to disinfect, dislodge oils, and open the pores for toxin removal. Hands-on treatment is usually applied to bare feet, sometimes with olive or Aromatherapy oils. Using acupressure or a hooking or milking technique, the practitioner works the whole body through both the feet, returning to specific problem points. The feet may also be rotated, stretched or shaken. Often the client falls asleep during the 45 minute to 1 hour treatment. Occasionally there is an emotional release.
As with any healing modality, don't expect a quick fix. Physical symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg when trying to affect healing. And the longer you wait before treatment, the longer the recovery. Regular sessions will prove an excellent restorative and preventative measure.
Since the purpose of Reflexology is to normalize body functions, there are no contra-indications. It will not make any condition more acute, and will always do some good, even if only to make the feet feel better or prevent illness. However, it is not used for structural problems like broken bones or hernias. Excellent for pregnant women, the terminally ill, and for pain management, it can be performed almost anywhere from home to hospital. Since it effectively helps to clear out body toxins, occasionally a flu-like healing crisis may follow.
~~ REIKI~~
is a very popular and common healing modality often referred to as "laying on of hands". Used for thousands of years in slightly varying forms by cultures all over the world, it is quickly regaining acceptance and popularity. There is no religious doctrine or dogma associated with it.
Literally translated, REiki means "spiritual wisdom of the life force". Simply put, practitioners have been brought to a conscious awareness of how to manipulate and direct high levels of electro-magnetic energy through their body. When directed toward a life force--man, animal or plant, the process of healing is accelerated on all levels--mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.
Reiki works by using the body's electro-magnetic field to attract and increase levels of oxygen-rich hemoglobin to areas requiring healing. Oxygen activates and speeds up natural self-healing capabilities and stimulates the immune system. In addition Reiki balances and re-orients the electro-magnetic energy field. In this way it induces relaxation and relieves pain, as well as induces the release of emotional blocks.
Completely safe, it can be used in conjunction with any other healing modality, at any time, in any place, in any position, for a quick fix or a full body treatment. It will calm the body in states of emergency. However, some time should elapse after stroke or heart attack to prevent electrical surges or shifting bloodclots. Broken bones should not be Reiki'd until after they have been properly set, since they will heal quickly.
For chronic illness or disease, Reiki is most effective when administered in three successive treatments and then weekly. It will quickly eliminate the after-effects of anaesthetic, significantly reduce pain, shrink swelling and facillitate rapid tissue recovery after surgery or injury. However both practitioner and client should drink plenty of water to avoid headaches or a healing crisis.
Treatments can run from 5 minutes to 3 hours. The client is fully dressed but removes watches and jewellry. The practitioner may or may not actually touch the client, but no pressure is applied. Beginning at the head and working gradually to the feet, energy is directed to specific areas via the positioning of the hands. The client may feel heat, tingling, internal pulling, release, peace, or heightened emotions. Healing is never forced. The client progresses at their own comfort level.
Often a practitioner develops a great deal of sensitivity to energies, both their own and that of others, and can detect glitches, imbalances, emotions and illnesses within the auric field. However, Reiki practitioners are not licenced to actually diagnose.
Also used to relieve anxiety, emotional pain or counteract depression and negativity, Reiki works simultaneously on both practitioner and client. Both 2nd level and Masters are qualified practitioners. Many will use Reiki in conjunction with other healing modalities. Costs for a treatment vary from about $25 up. It is one of the few healing techniques that can be performed on oneself, and is excellent to learn for home use.
Holistic therapies are highly specialized methods of treatment that often have their roots in ancient medicine. They are based on an innate understanding of the natural functions of the body and its tremendous capacity for self-healing when in proper balance. Unlike orthodox medicine, holistic therapies address the cause instead of the symptoms.
Symptoms are actually the body's attempt to correct a problem, expel an offending substance, or compensate for an imbalance. By suppressing or eliminating symptoms. the body cannot perform its self-healing functions. As a result, the illness may seem to disappear because symptoms are not present, but in reality the disease is driven deep within the body, often to erupt at a later time.
Holistic therapies go right to the cause, whether emotional, psychological or physiological, and help the body to eliminate it. They also take a preventative approach by keeping the body balanced so that it can maintain its own health. They can be very complementary to orthodox medicine, but doctors and practitioners need to work hand in hand to help and heal people on truly profound levels.
Many bodywork therapies can be learned for self-application. They can also be used effectively on animals to improve health, performance and temperament. In fact, some holistic practitioners are beginning to specialize in pet care.
Most people turn to alternative medicine as a last resort when modern medicine cannot find the answers. They are usually surprised to find the solution and relief that has long elluded them, feeling as though a "miracle" has occured. Usually a much quicker and more complete recovery is facillitated, and other problems disappear simultaneously.
~~ RHYTHMICAL MASSAGE~~
is a unique, very subtle localized massage technique that penetrates deeply, but is easy for the body to assimilate. Soothing, rhythmical patterns of light massage are used to apply specially prepared medicinal oils. These gentle strokes combined with heat, are designed to harmonize the various subtle natural body rhythms of the client.
Rather than using pressure, a unique kneading technique creates a soft suction that lifts and lightens tissues. Any buried traumas are drawn to the surface and released. In this way, physical, psychological, and emotional integration occurs.
Lasting 20-30 minutes, each session focuses on one specific area and is followed by an essential rest period. Subsequent treatments work progressively on different areas until full integration and recovery is gradually achieved.
Special training is required to develop the technique and gain an intuitive sensitivity to the body's natural fluid and electro-magnetic rhythms. The practitioner is then able to develop and implement an individual treatment program based on an understanding of the patient's particular condition. This process evolves from treatment to treatment over several weeks.
Subtle, compassionate and somewhat spiritually-oriented, Rhythmical Massage can be used in place of any regular massage treatment, including lymphatic drainage. However, it is not covered by extended health care. Only six practitioners are presently certified in Canada. Introductory treatments range from $30-$65.
In addition to the normal massage benefits, Rhythmical Massage aids insomnia, respiratory and heart conditions, grief and emotional trauma, neurological disorders, and mental handicaps. However, it should be used with caution on Hemophelia, Leukemia, vascular disorders, poorly-controlled Diabetes, cancer, tumours or infectious conditions. It should not be used during menstruation, first trimester pregnancy, or until soft tissue injuries have healed.
Many touch therapies can also be used as a kind of physical phychotherapy. Touch often triggers strong emotional release, both through its demonstration of compassion, and its ability to relax soft tissue where trauma is buried.
The body has natural urges to express emotion through physical responses such as anger or tears. The message to trigger these urges is initiated by glandular chemical secretions (peptides), which are then dissipated by action and normal digestion. When this impulse is repeatedly repressed or thwarted, chemical build-up clogs the tissues and muscles affecting posture, mobility and health. But, given safety and encouragement, the body's natural urge to physical and psychological balance will re-assert itself.
~~ SHIATSU~~
SHIATSU and its Western counterpart ACUPRESSURE, are based on an ancient oriental form of therapeutic body work. Using elbows, thumbs, and palms, localized pressure is applied to points along the neural pathways of the body . This builds up pressure that virtually bursts through blockages to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and restore normal energy flow. The result is a feeling of relaxation.
A combined quasi-massage/acupuncture technique, Shiatsu is administered while the client is fully clothed. There are two types of Shiatsu--Namikoshi and Zen or Masunaga. The latter uses a somewhat lighter touch and is more conscious of the levels of body energy. An all-over massage can last up to 1 1/2 hours and costs about $45 per hour. Shorter massages focus on specific problem areas.
On the first visit the practitioner will spend some time talking to you and discussing your lifestyle. Then your energy is assessed so the treatment can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness. A trained practitioner can actually feel the quality of your electro-magnetic energy through the sensitivity of their hands.
Treatment varies from person to person, but will usually start at the neck, since that is the area where most tension accumulates. A rythm of pressure and release is set up as the practitioner uses their body weight to lean into the point and move. This may hurt for a short time until tension is released. The entire body is treated with presses, stretches and vibrational pressure. Any problem areas will receive additional attention. A face massage ends the session, after which you are allowed to lie quietly. It is best to take it easy after the massage, since profound relaxation is likely to occur.
A common misconception is that Shiatsu is painful. However, a point will only be uncomfortable if pain is already there. It should dissipate after the pressure is lifted since the blockage will be gone.
Shiatsu is effective for headaches, muscular pain or spasms, digestive problems, menstrual discomfort, depression or anxiety, chronic illness, and fibromyalgia. However, since it keeps the meridians cleared, it is most effectively used on a regular basis as a preventative measure. It is not recommended for cancer, fever, infections, fevers or inflammation, or the later stages of pregnancy.
~~THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE~~
Canada has extremely high standards for certification of Registered Massage Therapists, requiring 2 years of extensive study followed by strict government-approved examinations. Students must undergo 2,200 hours of intensive anatomical, physiological and clinical studies, followed by actual experience. Few can maintain the high grades, $24,000 tuition fees, and inherent skill required to achieve licencing and registration. Traditionally used to relieve the effects of stress, massage is now
widely accepted in the treatment of sports and accident injuries and for manual lymph drainage.
When an injury occurs, the brain releases chemicals that stimulate nerve endings into perceiving pain. Muscles contract to
protect the area. Emotions induce the release of chemical peptides or hormones such as adrenalin. These chemicals work
to facilitate immediate response to a situation, but afterward remain within the soft tissue as toxic waste materials. Weakness, pain, or stiffness result.
Massage facilitates the release of these residual traumas by relaxing contracting muscles, restoring circulation, and inducing endorphins which are natural pain relievers. It often produces results much faster than physiotherapy.
Many chiropractors employ massage as a complimentary therapy since it increases and normalizes circulation, tones muscular and nervous systems, regulates the digestive tract, and encourages structural re-alignment and inter-dependant functioning of various levels of the body. And, it is covered by many extended health care plans and auto insurance when referred by a doctor. So request it!
Massage can benefit people of all ages from babies to pregnant women and especially the elderly. In addition to relaxation and muscular benefits, it can relieve constipation, headaches, depression and menstrual discomfort, expel toxins, lessen the strain of repetative work or inactivity, and increase athletic performance. More importantly it can reduce doctor's appointments!
Over 2/3 of medical office visits are attributed on some level to stress. Cardio-vascular disease, cancer, respiratory disorders, accidental injuries, family violence, peptic ulcers, hyper-tension, drug abuse, alcoholism and depression are recognizable symptoms, but many other health problems are aggravated by stress. Massage dilates blood vessels to decrease pressure and increase flow. It relaxes muscle tension and stimulates the lymphatic system into removing toxic build-up that depresses the immune system and causes emotional imbalance.
Following discussion of your medical history, an assessment of posture and movement is made. Most massage therapists will explain the prescribed treatment before beginning. Depending on your requirements and the training of the practitioner, often complimentary therapies will be used in conjunction. Using the palpatory skills of the hands, the practitioner will then determine skin tone, temperature patterns, muscle tone and areas of pain. You must at least partially disrobe, but are kept warm and covered during the treatment, which lasts from 1/2 to 1 1/4 hour.
Oils are applied by kneading and stroking the skin and muscles. Massage can be light, as in lymphatic drainage, or very deep and strong. While basically pain-free, there may be some discomfort with certain techniques and manipulation. However, pressure can be adjusted to your comfort level.
Following the treatment, you will feel relaxed, rejuvenated and more in balance. Your skin may feel warm or tingly. Recommendations will be made for a program of self-care. If toxins or lactic acid have been lifted to the surface, there may be some stiffness or tenderness, such as one would experience with a new exercise. Taking a hot shower or epsom salts bath will help. These symptoms subside with further treatments as the muscles are re-toned and the body becomes balanced.
Costs for a full hour treatment run from $45-$70 depending on the city. For chronic conditions, weekly or twice weekly sessions are advised. There are many types of massage offered, but Swedish Massage is the most common. On-site massages and facials can be performed while sitting fully clothed. They are of shorter duration and generally cost less. ~
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