Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:

Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.

Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.

Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.

The benefits of massage include:
- Improve joint range of motion and flexibility
- Stimulate circulation and lymph flow
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
- Help prepare athletes for competition or recover from strenuous exercise
- Improve skin integrity
- Help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks
- Help to decrease muscle spasms and cramping
- Help to reduce stress
- Release endorphins for pain relief
- Relieve migraine pain
- Help relax and ease muscle tension of expectant mothers

A Powerful Ally
Experts estimate that upwards of 90% of disease is stress related.  Perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress.  While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates to:
- Less anxiety
- Better sleep quality
- Greater energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue

Stress is known to be relaxed to acute and chronic disease states. Massage can help manage stress.

Profound Effects
The body's response to massage causes a cascade of chemical and physiological change.
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Pre-term infants have improved weight gain.

Massage can be a very effective adjuvant therapy to other therapies. It is not just a luxurious treat, but a powerful ally in your health care regimen.  Frequency of visits depends upon the individual recommendations of your practitioner and personal preferences.

We offer several types of massage, such as:

Out calls are also available- Rates vary by location.