Other Therapy

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

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The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

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A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

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Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

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While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

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While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

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During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Dr. Usui decided to add the Reiki Ideals to the practice of Reiki. The Ideals came in part from the five prinicples of the Meiji emperor of Japan whom Dr. Usui admired. The Ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.

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An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Deep Tissue Massage is a general term covering a range of strategies that deal with assisted muscle release at a deeper level. Other systems that include deep tissue massage are Rolfing, Soma bodywork and Sports Massage.

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Neuromuscular massage techniques are employed to detect muscle tissues that have become distressed. Effective manipulation of stiff or painful musculature using specific hand positions, strokes and specifically developed techniques, bring about relief from muscle tensions and increase flexibility. Treatment for low back and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, sciatica, headaches, knees and neck are amongst the common complaints that Deep Tissue specialists treat.

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Micro scarring is caused by injuries and often surgery. This ailment is commonly benefited from this type of therapy. Often the treatment and pressure begins gently and can gradually escalate to points of temporary discomfort. Treatment ranges from generally therapeutic to corrective in nature. Deep tissue massage can cause an increase in muscle strength and length appreciably and rapidly.

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Deep Tissue Massage therapy usually involves warming the skin and superficial soft tissue of your body prior to the therapist using greater pressure to access the deeper connected tissue underneath.

In the classical treatment this gentle technique of long strokes, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and kneading movements are used to release muscle tensions, remove the pain and improve blood circulation. Rubbing between bones and strokes generally are performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

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Swedish massage reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It also just simply feels good.

 

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit.

 

Swedish massage techniques include:

• Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingertips.

• Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body.

• Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping.

• Passive and Active Movements: Bending and stretching.

Typically, sports massage is utilized to alleviate and promote healing of specific complaints. Trained in Sports Massage, the Massage Therapist performs massage techniques based upon knowledge of anatomy, physiology and related massage therapy knowledgebase's relevant to human sports performance. It would be hard to imagine a professional team or program anywhere that does not employ the services of a qualified sports massage therapist.

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However, one does not need to have a serious physical complaint to greatly benefit from sports massage. To the contrary, it is now more common for athletes of all ages and level of play to seek the services of a trained sports massage therapist. There are typically five time periods when sports massage is appropriate:

• Pre-event

• Inter-event

• Post event

• Rehabilitation

• Maintenance

Specific sports are known to habitually affect particular muscles or groups of muscles, tendons and ligaments that are used excessively. By concentrating on the specific muscle groups most used in a given sport, a massage therapist can help an athlete increase mobility, range of motion, oxygen supply, blood flow and help maintain higher performance.

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How is Sports Massage Different?

A trained Sports Massage differs from Relaxation Massage such as Swedish Massage because the client's relaxation is not the primary objective. Accordingly, the sports massage therapist may employ a number of massage modalities including Swedish Massage strokes, Trigger Point Therapy, Acupressure, Deep-Tissue Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Hydrotherapy and others.

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What Does the Process Involve?

As in most massage therapy you will fill out a medical history form complete with disclosure of any conditions or complications that have arisen as a result of sporting activities or other causes. Together, you and your therapist will discuss your sports activity agenda and what you wish to get out of your massage therapy. An effective treatment plan will be devised that deals effectively with your condition. The frequency of your visits will vary according to your needs. Your therapist may also recommend specific exercises to be performed at home.

Why You Receive Prenatal Massage

The expanding popularity of prenatal massage is a result of the modern tendency to increase levels of well-being, education and opportunity. You're growing and changing shape is one of nature's most incredible occurrences. Knowledgeable pregnancy massage therapists can help you gain the most from this specialized treatment.

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Importantly, the prenatal period can be a very stressful physical and emotional time for a mother-to-be. Proper management of stress itself is of great consequence. Clearly documented evidence exists to suggest that very high levels of stress may increase the probability of pre-term labor and lower birth weight of the newborn.

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Prenatal massage by a professional offers numerous benefits including but not limited to:

• Creates a positive environment of wonderful relaxation and soothing stress relief

• Promotes proper postural maintenance to ease physical stress

• Provides relief from musculoskeletal strain, aches and pains, muscle spasms and cramps

• Increases circulation of the blood & lymph

• Reduces edema and blood pressure through promoting better blood circulation

• Increases blood and lymph circulation for increased toxins elimination and immune system functioning

• Affords welcome release from chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back, abdomen and thighs

• Eases childbirth by preparing the muscles used in childbirth

• Actively aids in reducing fluid retention, swelling in hands and feet, headaches and sinus problems as well as digestive irregularities

• Helps you to sleep better while reducing fatigue and discomfort caused by physical and emotional stresses. Energy levels and mental alertness increase.
   

Why is Back Pain so Prevalent?

• As your pregnancy advances, several common conditions usually occur.

• You will gain weight. Weight gain is normal and good for your baby, however, it can sorely stress your back muscles.

• The structures that support your pelvic organs will become more pliant due to hormonal changes, which are naturally intended to prepare your body to give birth. You may experience considerable discomfort in either side of your back as a result.

• At the same time, your body's centre of gravity is shifting forward. Your natural tendency is to adjust your posture and the way you move about in everyday activity. Back strain is often the result of this natural change in posture.

• As your body adjusts to the tremendous physical and emotional changes taking place in your routine, everyday tasks can lead to incorrect lifting or awkward muscle stretches, which can themselves, become minor injuries and part of back, neck and shoulder pain.
   

The Prenatal Massage Process

As in most massage therapy, you will fill out a medical history form complete with disclosure of any conditions or complications, which have arisen in the past or as a result of the pregnancy. Together, you and the therapist will execute a treatment strategy that will effectively deal with the conditions you request relief from or help with. This could include exercises you can perform while at home. Your treatment plan will vary according to which trimester you are in.

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In general, your pregnancy massage will involve sitting in a slightly reclined position or lying comfortably on your side; the use of pillows to increases your relaxation and comfort and sometimes, special equipment including a reclining chair that allows you to move comfortably from side to side. Our goal is always to customize your therapy to conditions you wish to alleviate or promote.

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The type and amount of clothing you wear during massage is your personal choice. Your comfort is paramount. Your body will always be draped or covered other than only that part being gently massaged at the moment. Be comfortable-relax-and enjoy!

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Visit our Appointment page to book a session with us.

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Related Massage Therapy - Postpartum Massage

It is time for your body to heal itself, restore most organs and musculature to pre-pregnancy status and recover from the birth process in general. Almost universally practiced and accepted in most cultures in the world, is the practice of massage to aid in post pregnancy recovery and relaxation. Postpartum massage therapy benefits may include:

• Wonderful relief from aches, pains and muscle soreness

• Helps shrink the uterus and speed recovery through abdominal massage

• Soothing comfort and clearing of unhealthy tensions, stress and symptoms of postpartum blues

• Provides a 'quiet time' with healing hands specifically trained to relax and invigorate your recovery process

• Instruction on appropriate exercises designed to return your body to pre-pregnancy condition
   

Questions?

We invite you to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.