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Important Information

Massage and Bodywork

The concepts of massage and bodywork have gone through many transformations over past centuries. The main thing about bodywork is to recognize that intent is the primary aspect. The person receiving the bodywork, and the person giving the bodywork must have a meeting of the mind - must have the same intent – to achieve the best possible outcome.

It makes no difference whether you desire relaxation, or are in need of relief from physical pain. Your practitioner must equally meet your desire and need. Therefore, your first course of action is to express exactly what you feel you want to achieve by receiving whatever bodywork you choose to have.

Bodywork has become – for many practitioners today – an amalgamation of various training techniques, styles, forms, methods or modalities. These modalities can range from energy work using gemstones to medical massage - that is a rather large array - and the benefits are as varied as the modalities.

Energy work has tremendous results for those who meditate, do yoga and tai chi. Their way of thinking causes effective facilitation of mental clarity, and works ethereally on physical well-being. Classic Swedish massage facilitates improved circulation, muscle tone, and appearance. Therapeutic massage facilitates increased range of motion, and flexibility.

Benefits of bodywork are manifested in the following ways:

  • Decreased anxiety, stress, depression
  • Improved concentration
  • Enhanced sleep quality
  • Improved energy
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Improved blood, lymph, and oxygen flow
  • Superficial pain relief
  • Joint flexibility
  • Improved integument
  • Prevention of scar tissue 
  • Reduction of present scar tissue
  • Reduced spasms and cramping
  • Headache or migraine relief
  • Prevention of lactic acid build up
  • And, the number one reason and benefit is the release of endorphins! (Endogenous opioid neuropeptides - produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland.)

Contraindications

Contraindications are conditions under which you should not receive bodywork; contraindications are local or systemic. If you have any concerns about whether you should receive bodywork, or if you have a condition that you think may inhibit your ability to receive a treatment of any kind, please consult with your primary care doctor. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your practitioner when making an appointment and before your massage. Your practitioner may only need to use a different technique, or avoid a certain area. There may be cases when you need to obtain permission from your health care provider. When both parties are properly informed, it provides for a better treatment suited to your needs, and a comfortable, safer environment.

Conditions to consider:

  • Any skin condition (cellulites, staphylococcus, MERSA)
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Advanced diabetes
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Phlebitis (inflammation of vascular walls)
  • Thrombosis / DVT (coagulation or clotting of blood)
  • Hemophilia (lack of clotting ability)
  • Use of blood thinners
  • Unexplained swelling
  • Recent surgery, especially eye surgery

Ashiatsu Contraindications

Due to broad sustained compression during ashiatsu treatments, there are some unique contraindications.

  • Pregnancy (or possible pregnancy)
  • Implants (pace makers, breast implants)
  • Extreme frailty
  • Extreme osteoporosis
  • Severe varicose veins

Cupping Contraindications

Anyone with high fever, those who bleed easily, and cases of severe varicose veins are not suitable candidates for cupping. Pregnant women should not have cupping performed on their stomach or low back. Patients with inflamed skin, lesions, or cellulitis should have a doctor’s permission and treatments should be done in a sterile environment.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

When, where and how will I disrobe, will the practitioner be present?

Before your massage begins, your practitioner will conduct a brief interview from your intake form, answer questions you may have and give you a brief explanation regarding the massage table, the face rest, draping and whether you should begin face up or face down. The practitioner will leave the room allowing you privacy to get undressed and onto the table, covering yourself with the provided top sheet for draping, and a moment to begin relaxing.

What do I wear, and do I disrobe completely?

Some treatments, such as reiki, polarity, or thai, are done wearing very light clothing. Ask in advance if you need special attire. Most massage treatments that use oil or lotion as a lubricant are done without clothing. As far as undergarments are concerned, although a bra is generally in the way it can be worked around, and many people choose to leave underwear on. You will most probably find that the more you receive massage, and the more familiar you are with the routine, and the more you develop trust with your practitioner, the more comfortable you will become with shedding your clothes. However, you should always disrobe to your comfort level.

Will I be covered during the session?

Proper draping is employed at all times, and different treatments use different draping techniques. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you can request the practitioner to make adjustments, or you should always feel free to adjust the draping as needed, save for full on exposure. Let your practitioner know if you are too cold or too hot, as they may be able to provide a blanket or fan as needed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A classic Swedish massage can include scalp, face, neck, shoulder, arms, hands, legs, feet, back, buttocks, and abdomen. You can request an area be avoided. You can also specify special attention to areas you feel need extra time.

Guidelines on How to Receive a Massage

  • Relax as completely as possible
  • Allow your body to relax and sink into the table
  • Allow your breath to become slow and deep
  • Close your eyes
  • Turn your attention inward
  • Allow your mind to let go any thoughts that may come
  • Allow emotions that surface
  • Laugh with joy, sigh with relaxation, cry with sadness, hum with pleasure
  • Allow the practitioner to move your arms, legs, and head freely

Talking can be very distracting for a practitioner. A good massage requires good communication between you and the practitioner. A great massage results from a deep meditative connection between you and your practitioner. However, by all means, do communicate as necessary during your treatment.

  • Do ask for more or less pressure as needed
  • Do mention if a technique is uncomfortable or hurts
  • Do mention if you are hot or cold
  • Do mention if you feel ill at ease

Remember that this is your personal, private time, and the difference between a good treatment and a superior treatment is mutual understanding, respect, and intent.


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