Massage and other bodywork are among the most natural means of restoring and maintaining health and well-being. An integral part of health care in many cultures since antiquity, bodywork promotes numerous well-documented benefits.
Massage therapy has proved beneficial for a variety of health conditions, most prominently stress-related tension. Experts believe this single factor contributes to 80 to 90 percent of all disease in modern society. Massage is an effective complementary therapy in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression. Massage and other bodywork offer a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself.
How does the body respond to massage?
Among its many physiological effects, massage…
- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense against toxic invaders;
for example, in breast cancer patients, massage has increased the cells that
fight cancer
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility
- Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts, eliminating subsequent pain for any level of athlete
- Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller; thus, massage is often incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury, and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema, while reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing occurs
- Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low
back pain
Psychological benefits
- Helps reduce tension, anxiety, and fatigue
- Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, your "relaxation" hormones
- Fosters a sense of relaxation and renewed energy
- Promotes body awareness
How do you prepare for a massage?
Come as you are! You will want to avoid eating heavily before your appointment. Drink plenty of water before and after your session to stay well hydrated and help your body release and flush toxins. As with any form of bodywork, it is considerate to observe good personal hygiene.
Is it necessary to completely undress?
Massage, with some exceptions, is traditionally received disrobed. This enables the therapist to reach and work targeted muscles. The client is comfortably and conservatively draped, with only the area being worked exposed. If you prefer not to completely undress, you are encouraged to disrobe only to your level of comfort.
Zero Balancing is received fully clothed.
Getting the most out of your session
Massage is a collaborative process: During your session Kate will check in with you to gauge your comfort and response to the work. If at any time something makes you uncomfortable, please speak up so the appropriate changes can be made.
At your first massage…
- Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment so that you have ample time to complete your intake
- You'll be asked about your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, and areas where you experience discomfort
Post-treatment guidelines
- Take your time! Rest for a moment on the table before getting up. When you
are ready, sit up gently, as it is natural to experience slight disorientation or
even dizziness.
- Try not to schedule other appointments immediately following your session so
you won't feel hurried; your body will continue to integrate the work after the
session is over.
- Drink plenty of water! The body naturally releases toxins during massage that can be flushed from the system. Removing these toxins helps minimize any post-massage stiffness or soreness. Pure water, rather than juice, soda, or sports drinks, is recommended.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for the rest of the day.
- Some post-massage soreness is not uncommon; however, any lingering tenderness shouldn't last for more than 24 hours. If you are sore for longer than 24 hours, please contact Kate or advise her at your next appointment.
How often should you receive massage?
The number and frequency of your visits depend on your goals and expectations for the work. Injury recovery is typically more successful with an intensive approach: frequent, regularly-spaced appointments over a shorter period of time. Relaxation and stress reduction are more successfully achieved and maintained by spacing less-frequent visits over a longer timeframe.
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