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Show Volume I, Issue VII Page 13 The Ogden Valley News April 1999 “Isn’t That Just Pampering?” by Dawn E. Hansen, L.M.T. When I meet someone new and they find out I am a licensed massage therapist, I often get various questions. I’d like to share a few of these questions in an effort to help more people understand the benefits and styles of massage and bodywork. The most common question I get is, “Don’t your hands get tired?” or, “Do you have to have really strong hands to do massage?” No, I use more than my hands. I frequently use my forearms, elbows, and fists plus I also use my bodyweight to lean into the different massage strokes. I vary the stroke and emphasis depending on the client and the area that is being massaged. For example, the pressure behind a massage stroke on one’s leg is usually deeper than the massage strokes used on one’s hands. This is because the muscles are bigger on the leg compared to those on the hand. Proper technique, such as using bodyweight, will make anyone big or small an effective massage therapist. The second most common question I hear is, “How often should someone get a massage?” or, “Why would someone get a massage - isn’t that just pampering?” Granted, receiving a massage feels really great and may Candy Bars on Sale! be considered pampering by some, but research is finding more and more benefits related to massage. To name a few, massage helps improve circulation and can speed recovery from muscle injuries. Massage increases the ease and efficiency of movement as tight muscles become relaxed. Massage can bring relief from tension-related headaches; massage acts as a mechanical cleanser by hastening the elimination of wastes such as lactic acid in the muscle tissues; massage has been shown to increase disease-fighting white blood cells, in turn, improving immune system functioning, and massage therapy reduces stress and anxiety. The frequency of receiving a massage varies greatly with the desired goals of the client. If relaxation is the primary goal of the massage, then a weekly massage can be highly beneficial. If you are recovering from injury and your primary health care provider recommends massage in your recovery process, a massage twice a week may be common. There is no set answer for this question some people may only squeeze in time and the money for a massage once every few months, while others make it a weekly priority. It is an investment of your time and money, but as I share with others you only have one body - so make it a priority to take good care of yourself! Another common question I get is: “What is the difference between the types of massage?“ When most people hear of massage, they think of “Swedish” massage in which oil or lotion is used with long flowing strokes as the client lays on a table. Massage is traditionally defined as a practice where soft tissues are manipulated for therapeutic purposes using strokes such as gliding, tapping, friction, and vibration. A recent survey in The New England Journal of Medicine noted close to one hundred varieties of massage. Thus the term “bodywork” has become more popular to include the many approaches to massage. In my massage therapy practice, I emphasize Shiatsu, CranioSacral, reflexology, and seated massage in addition to therapeutic/Swedish massage. Shiatsu is based on finger pressure therapy were thumbs or fingers are used along specific points to restore the client’s energetic balance. CranioSacral uses a gentle touch to help release any restrictions within the bones of the skull to allow the smooth flow of cerebral-spinal fluid from the skull to the sacrum or tailbone and is especially beneficial for those suffering from head-related injuries. Reflexology is based on the theory that the feet and hands have reflex points related to the rest of the body. As areas of your feet or hands are worked or massaged, the corresponding portion of the body is relaxed. Seated massage was developed in the late 1980’s to bring massage into the workplace or any public place. A specially designed chair is used as the neck, arms, shoulders, and back are massaged. This is done fully clothed within 10 to 20 minutes by a licensed massage SINCLAIR’S OLD FARM MARKET therapist. Other types of massage and bodywork include sports massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, infant massage, acupressure, myofascial release, polarity therapy, Reiki, and the list goes on. Sports massage uses techniques to help athletes warmup for events, encourage post-event recovery through massage and can improve performance. Trigger point therapy is aimed at applying pressure to highly irritated points called trigger points, what we think of as “knots” to reduce the tension in the muscle. Deep tissue massage is a slow, deep pressure along the muscles designed to create structural changes in the deeper musculature. Infant massage uses a combination of massage strokes to fit the needs of an infant. Research has found infants who are massaged fall asleep faster, and premature infants massaged will gain weight more quickly. The various massage techniques are based on different premises, but all are aimed at encouraging the individual body to achieve a state of balance, health and wellness. If you or others you know are interested in learning more about the benefits of massage and want to learn some easy techniques to help family and friends, attend a free public lecture on “Massage Therapy Basics,” to be held at the Ogden Valley Branch, Weber County Library Conference Room Tuesday, April 20th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Keystone 1 2 pack $ 5 . 4 9 Coors and Coors Light 1 2 pack $ 6 . 9 9 2/$.79 Keystone Light 1 8 pack $ 7 . 9 9 5150 W. Old Hwy. Road Mt. Gre e n UT 84050 (801)876-3471 Buy a 20 oz C offe e ge t a P op Tart 2 p k FR EE |
