Massage Health Information and Education by San Diego Massage and Day Spa in Santee San Diego 92071.

Health Info : Massage

Massage and Day Spa Services in Santee

BodyMind Connection concept of massage

The BodyMind style does not adhere to any one modality, but believes that each person as an individual will respond to their very own specific needs. You can change the Body to change the Mind or you can change the Mind to change to Body. We believe that it is the responsibility of the therapist to find the technique or techniques that best fits the needs of the client. Therefore each massage is designed for each client in a way that will meet their individual needs. The BodyMind style does not believe that the therapist should do anything to the client to bring about change (i.e. Physical Therapy), but does believe that the therapist should establish the environment, using the proper technique for that particular person, that will best allow them to make a decision that it is in their best interest to change and then responding by allowing the change to take place.

 

The BodyMind type of massage can be defined by two different styles of massage:

We are Nationally Certified Therapists providing massage excellence and expertise.

Different Types and Styles of Massage

Massage comes in many shapes, forms, and styles.

Massage has been around for 3 to 5 thousand years and consists of accessing the body in various ways. Massage can be as obscure as running the hands 1 to 3 inches from the body and addressing the field or auric energy surrounding the body as is done in Healing Touch. Many nurses have become Healing Touch Practitioners to assist patients prepare for pre and post surgery procedures. It has been shown that patients receiving Healing Touch prior to surgery have a much faster recovery period.

The opposite end of the massage spectrum is called Rolfing. Rolfing was developed by a doctor (PhD.), by the name of Ida Rolf. She believed that posture played an important role in our health. She developed a methodology (a series of sessions) to bring alignment back to the structure. To do this she utilized Elbows, Knuckles and Fists to go deep into the muscles, tearing away unwanted adhesions, and breaking up any unwanted scar tissue. It is considered the most painful type of massage and some clients come away black and blue, bruised and in pain.

Massage then includes everything within these two opposite ends of the spectrum. Some of the types are:

Circulatory or Swedish Massage

This is the most common type and uses three basic strokes to assist a person to relax. 1) Effleurage is a long soothing, gliding stroke and is used to enhance circulation and promote deep relaxation. 2) Petrissage is a kneading stroke. The skin is grasped by the thumb and fingers and rolled or squeezed gently. 3) Fanning is done using the thumbs alternatively putting pressure and using friction on the muscles and moving along the length of the muscle.

A Circulatory Massage is ideal for Type "A" individuals who desire a lowering of the adrenalin rush caused by their driven nature. A Swedish massage does not address chronic muscular tension problems but provides a great relaxation process.

Combination or Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue techniques are those that go deeper into the belly of the muscles and also work the connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, fascia, and ligaments). The practitioner should start at the outer layer of tension and follow it into the deeper layers of the soft tissue. In deep tissue a good practitioner will not go too deeply too fast, which can induce inflammation or bruising to occur. Deep tissue massage techniques are also employed in Sports Massage and Myofascial Release Work.

Sports Massage

For athletes or non-athletes, professionals or amateurs, anyone who over-works muscles or has strained connective tissue. Deep Tissue techniques are used to bring blood and circulation to areas of injury and stress. Restoring movement and flexibility to joints is a goal of any Sports Massage. A therapist can stretch the muscles and fascia surrounding the muscles. Re-establishing a full range of motion is extremely important because it helps reduce the automatic body response that puts the muscle in spasm after an injury. Deep tissue massage will also reduce the build up of scar tissue in and around the injured area. Myofascial Release can also be used the increase muscle elasticity.

Myofascial Release Massage - Fascia Release Massage

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds encapsulates every muscle in the body. It is found directly under the adipose layer and is very thin but extremely strong. The Fascia is what allows mankind to walk upright. Fascia runs from the tip of the toes to the top of the head and is essentially unbroken in that continuous sheath. When you bend over the fascia is the first thing to limit the amount that you can move. Fascia does have some contractibility and does also have the ability to stretch, however, like tendons, ligaments and cartilage it does have its limits. A massage that has Myofascial Release incorporated will feel like you are being stretched in many different ways.

Craniosacral Massage Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is based on the fact that there is a fluid extending from the base of the skull, running down the spine to the sacrum. In a full functioning healthy human that fluid expands and contracts and forms a pulsing that is separate from the breathing and the heartbeat. If any tension in the body inhibits or constricts that expansion and contraction the health, tone, and vibrancy of the body suffers. Craniosacral Massage Therapy is a process of finding and releasing the holding points or areas that restrict the flow.

The practitioner feels for a pulse that runs from the skull to the tail bone. A person doing Craniosacral Therapy is looking for anything that would impede the strength or rhythm of that pulse and uses mobilization techniques to bring it to full volume.

Acupressure Massage

Acupressure massage takes its name from its counterpart acupuncture. It is based on the same meridians and the same energy channels that are applicable to acupuncture but uses pressure from the thumb and fingers instead of needles. By opening up the energy channels and blockages in the body and allowing the subtle energy to flow you enhance the bodies ability to heal.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy uses pressure similar to that used in acupressure but the intent is to unlock specific points of adhesions. A person may not be experiencing any problems in the area of the Trigger Points but will normally have referral pain located somewhere else in the body. A trigger point is usually very painful when pressed upon and when asked; people will normally say it is one of those "hurt so good" spots. When the adhesion releases the referral pain will dissipate at the same time.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

Neuro-Muscular -- as the name implies, it is more than just the muscles that get worked to relieve the pain being created. Affected nerves are included in the analysis of the existing problem. Various aspects of the nervous system are considered as well. Impinged or entrapment of nerves can lead to problems such as Plantar Fasciitis (feet), Carpal Tunnel syndrome (wrist), Tennis Elbow, Shoulder Problems and Sciatic pain. Sciatic pain can be created by an overly tight piriformis muscle located underneath the gluteus muscles deep within the butt clamping down and putting pressure on the Sciatic nerve. The massage techniques and strokes used for Neuromuscular massage are more specific and are normally isolated to the muscle or muscles involved in pulling of the bone/s in such a way that they end up compressing the nerve. By releasing the specific tension created by the muscles, the pressure is release, the nerve freed and the pain dissipates.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy

This massage is defined literally as finger pressure. Can be self administered or done by a practitioner. The finger pressure is normally applied rhythmetically over the entire body allowing for tension to release.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching.

Passive Joint Massage Therapy

When utilizing Passive Joint techniques the therapist provides the movement of the limb or joint. An Active technique would be when you yourself cause the limb to move. This can happen when the therapist combines Passive Joint Massage and at some point asks the client to apply reverse pressure. This is called PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) Gentle loose, passive joint movements provide feedback to the person being worked on letting them become aware of the unconscious holding patterns they have established. Once awareness has been established a person can make the conscious decision to let the tension release. This is sometimes known as sensory repatterning, a training of the unconscious mind to respond instead of reacting to movement. A licensed physical therapist can assist in taking a joint through its full range of motion (ROM). A massage therapist using Passive Joint should not move beyond what the client is willing to happen.

Reflexology Massage Therapy

Reflexology works only on specific parts of the body. Reflexology will typically be done on the feet, the hands or the ears (normally the feet are the chosen body part). The toes reflect to the head and neck and the heel reflects to the pelvic region. If someone had a headache then the toes would be the area that would receive the most attention. The area just below the toes would address the lungs and below that would be the area that addresses indigestion and so on. It is said that all of the organs can be by pressing on different areas of the feet.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Pregnancy Massage can be conducted from conception throughout the pregnancy to enhance the emotional and physical health of the client. It utilizes the massage techniques outlined in the Circulatory or Swedish massage section, which are gentle relaxing strokes aimed and reducing anxiety, enhancing circulation, relieving joint pain as well as muscle aches, moving the lymphatic fluids to build the immune system and reduce swelling (edema) plus balancing the hormonal shifts that take place during pregnancy. BodyMind Connection utilizes a pregnancy pillow system which allows the client to lie on her stomach during the massage without any pressure on the abdominal area. Precautions are taken to avoid applying pressure to any pressure points on the wrists or ankles that may stimulate the pelvic muscles.

Aroma-Therapy Massage

Aroma-Therapy Massage is normally associated with the relaxation of a Circulatory or Swedish massage. In addition to the soothing strokes used, essential oils are blended into the lotion being applied. Essential oils provide healing aspects of their own that can have a profound effect on a person's immune system as well as their demeanor. Lavender oil is known to have a calming effect and Orange oil is known to be invigorating. Grapefruit oil can help to eliminate cellulite and Rosemary oil can help in reducing hormonal cramps.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Placing balsamic stones heated to a comfortable temperature on various parts of the body can lead to an opening of the energetic system enabling tight dense muscle to relax on a much deeper level than normally experienced. When used in conjunction with stone rolling techniques the massage experience can be profound.

Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique

These are considered functional integration procedures to bring the body into alignment using gentle movements and time to allow the process to happen.

Trager Therapy

A type of massage, which uses a shaking or rocking movement of the limbs. The rocking motion allows the muscles to relax.

Neuromuscular Re-Education

This is a term often used in the massage arena. It is said that what is in the sub-conscious is also scattered throughout the musculature. (BodyMind connection - What is in the Mind is in the Body and what is in the Body is in the Mind - they are inseparable.) When we have a holding pattern (chronic muscle tension) in the body, something in the mind sets up that condition (habit) to protect us. In order to overcome or get past that condition we must retrain the mind (develop a new habit). This can be accomplished by using various massage techniques combined with a breathing exercise. By the same token, very often, when the muscles are manipulated, old memories or emotions are often recalled. By getting in touch with those old forgotten memories it often allows the subconscious to reevaluate / change its perception and therefore gives it the ability to change old beliefs.

How to Receive a Massage and What to Expect

Because massage is not a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people feel uneasy about receiving their first massage. Here are a few guidelines to help you feel at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage therapy session.

Tell the therapist about areas of your body which are injured, tense or sore. Also mention any medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, a heart problem, chronic headaches, varicose veins or recent surgery.

Close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep and even.

When the therapist's hands locate areas of pain or tension in the body, consciously try to relax those areas. As you inhale deeply, visualize the breath flowing to the tense area and relaxing it. As you fully exhale, visualize the tension leaving the body with the breath.

Conversation can be distracting to you and the therapist. Good massage requires concentration on the part of the therapist. Please confine your conversation to feedback about the massage.

Allow the therapist to move your limbs into various positions. Be limp, like a rag doll, and do not try to help move your arms, legs or head. The therapist is a trained professional who will not do anything to hurt you. However, feel free to speak up if anything the therapist does is too painful or ticklish, or uncomfortable in any way.

The best way to receive a massage is with the body completely unclothed. The therapist is sensitive to the need for privacy and will keep your body covered with a sheet or blanket, except for the area being massaged. If this arrangement is not comfortable for you, you may wear underwear or a swimsuit.

Contrary to a common notion in our society about massage, it is an ancient healing art and not a sexual service. The body might become aroused as you experience the pleasure of total relaxation and this is acceptable. However, the massage is meant to be sensual but not sexual. If you interpret any move or stroke the therapist makes as sexual or uncomfortable, please inform the therapist immediately. Sexual behavior during a massage is inappropriate and will result in termination of the session.

Very often, as the body releases tension during a massage, the mind will release emotion. If you suddenly feel sad, angry or joyful, do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by crying or laughing. At the very least, feel free to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure.

Many people fall asleep during a massage, an indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. The therapist will gently wake you when it is time to turn over or end the massage.

We want your massage to be both enjoyable and beneficial, and that the experience will be the beginning of a lifelong practice to assist you in enjoying the best possible health and relaxation.

What Massage Can Do for You

Therapeutic Massage

Far beyond simply "feeling good," massage has an impressive range of therapeutic effects and benefits, many of which have been documented in research studies conducted in the United States, Europe and Asia.

With a variety of hands-on methods, a skilled massage practitioner not only stretches and loosens muscles and connective tissue, but also greatly improves blood flow to the heart and the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.

The massage practitioner's hands speed the removal of metabolic waste products resulting from exercise or inactivity, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells and tissue. Sensory receptors in the skin and muscles "wake up," bringing new awareness to areas that have felt "cut off" by chronic tension patterns.

The release of muscular tension also helps to unblock and balance the overall flow of life energy throughout the body (known in different cultures as vital force, bio-energy, chi, prana, ki, etc.) In addition, massage can stimulate the release of endorphins ( the body's natural pain killers) into the brain and nervous system.

All of this translates into an amazing number of possible tangible results:

PHYSICAL LEVEL
MENTAL LEVEL
EMOTIONAL LEVEL
BODY CENTERED THERAPY

Research has shown that our bodies and minds are reflections of each other. The emotions and experiences that formed our personalities have also affected the formation of our muscles and body structure, as well as our breathing patterns. Every illness is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Self Care Techniques

Some added benefits of massage can be the creation of awareness that allows you to learn ways to release your own tension or help heal your injuries. You will learn breathing techniques for relaxation, and gentle exercises that will increase your flexibility and teach your muscles more efficient movements. The body reflects the mind and the mind reflects the body. Any awareness that we develop will assist us in furthering our progress towards health. This is sometimes referred to as neuro-muscular re-education.

What do we mean by Holistic Health?

Holistic Health is the process by which we assume responsibility for our health and well being.

 

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Get your massage, facial, body wrap, Infrared Sauna Detox and Rinse while in San Diego by the licenced and certified professionals at BodyMind Connection, located in Santee, CA 92071.