Do You Need a Massage?

As part of Wikipedia's extensive information on the history and types of Massage,  it is defined as" enhancing muscle function and promoting relaxation and well-being."

We all strive  to lead healthy, vibrant lifestyles, with as little stress as possible. Our goals to reach for the top, often push us over the edge, causing emotional and physical tension, that can lead to muscle tightness, soreness, nervous angst, and fatigue.

Anyone shaking their head's in agreement, and saying to themselves "that's me"... needs a Massage! But, for some, everyday stress and tension, is minimal, and they have Massage because they want to. They enjoy the feeling, and the communication. Sadly, some often feel 'guilty' for going for, or wanting Massage. Don't ever let anyone tell you it's wrong to have a Massage, simply because you like it.

I encourage those who have Massage because they want to, as much as I do those because they need to!

If you've never had a Massage before, here are few tips to get you on the right track.

• If you've had an injury, and are going on the advice of your health care provider, try to get referred to someone (or a clinic) that they are familiar with. 
• Maybe you're going because you've heard great things, and, you'd like to try it. If so, talk to friends, etc, who might see someone they are very *comfortable*, and happy with. Massage is a personal thing, and, some like to keep it that way, and not share the fact that they go, or their Therapists either! In this case, a high profile Sport's Med clinic is a good place to go into, ask questions, even talk to a Therapist before hand about your needs, and concerns. If they're not open to this... you're in the wrong place.

*Earlier I used the word, comfortable. Remember, this is your Massage, and it should be a stress free experience. Do not hesitate to get up from the table at any time, if you are not being listened to by the Therapist, or feel compromised in any way.

Reflexology for Warmth and Relaxation

While giving Massage the other day, many of my clients told me their bodies are tight, and tensed - up as they brace themselves against this lingering chill and wind we're experiencing. They just can't seem to warm up!


With over 7,000 nerves in our feet, it's no wonder people love having their feet rubbed! *Foot Reflexology is a seemingly subtle approach to total body health. By working our feet, our bodies' tap into our natural healing abilities, which in turn, help to build a strong and vibrant constitution, and, it feels great! The foot is a map of the body. In Reflexology, reflex points on the feet correspond to all parts of the body, including the muscles, glands, and, organs. The Reflexology Practitioners'  techniques stimulate these reflex points, to encourage healthy blood flow, (amongst other things). This often creates a sense of warmth and calm throughout the whole body, at the time of the session. The increased blood flow can help us to enjoy better sleeps, looser muscles, and keep us more relaxed and warm as we get through the tail end of this Spring thaw.
"Needless to say, we added it in to our Massage Treatments, that day!




*Just touching the feet can create a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the whole body. It is, however, important to note, that, for those with certain medical conditions, and/or requiring medication, it's always a good idea to get the approval of your primary care giver before going to a session.
To build a strong foundation towards stress relief, start with your feet, and work your way up!

Yes, there is such a thing as an 'emergency' Massage!

Here is another brief story to add to my long list of rewarding experiences during my career as a Massage Therapist.

I received a call this morning from a client... "Hello, Shelly? As you remember me telling you, this is a very important day for me. I woke up this morning... and I CAN'T MOVE MY NECK!!"
Remembering the importance of this day for her, I wasn't too surprised to hear her news.

She only had time for a short visit. We talked, did some Reflexology , concentrated on upper body and neck work during the Massage, with some serious deep breathing on her part. Working together, we got the job done, and, happily, she got through her day with flying colours.

My artform... the magic of Massage.

"Massage Moves In" brings Relaxation to Your Work Place and Special Events

"Many people tend to look on Massage as a luxury found only in upscale health clubs. But massage is a great tool, a combination of art and science, it can have a major impact on tension, insomnia, and headaches." Says DOCTOR GIFFORD-JONES's article in the Toronto Sun Dec.16/07.

He adds, "research shows Massage fosters a positive emotional reaction.

But there's more to massage than the touch of well-trained hands. Massage decreases stress hormones, enhances the production of endorphins, (the body's natural painkillers), and improves circulation."

Besides, all this, it makes you feel good! And, Massage Moves In, can bring it to your office or special event, with professional, experienced practitioners.

Putting a Spring in Your Step

If indeed Spring has finally sprung, we're all more than anxious to get out, walking, jogging, running... getting back on track with our outdoor exercise routines.

Not all of us have kept up our steady workouts over the winter as avidly as we had hoped to. For us, the progression, of walking, to jogging, to running, might be a route to consider to prevent injury, and to ensure a safe re-entry into our outdoor work-out routines.

Getting Massage is one great way to help your body to prepare, and continue, to safeguard yourself against injury.

Remember, Massage is something you can do, for yourself (or treat friends and family) all year long, to enhance your feel-good, fitness regime.

msn Lifestyle "Massages are more than just indulgences"

Massage has become more recognized as preventative in it's use to ward off the onset of muscle tension and discomfort. With a little bit of knowledge, comes the need to educate as to some of the most common situations in which Massage can be used to enhance healing and well being.

"Massages are more than just indulgences, they're proven health and mood treatments"
Here, in their article "Fix It With Massage" msn, fills us in on some of the benefits Massage has when used for:

• Depression
• Back Pain
• Stress

Chair Massage and Hypertension

A couple of nights ago, I gave Chair Massage to a small group of caregivers. They were attending stress -reducing seminars to help them deal with their ever- growing patient load.

They were also having their blood pressure taken, as part of the evening's activities. I asked to try an experiment. BP was taken before and after Chair Massage. Some participants lowered as many as 5 points after Chair Massage. I went further to check pressure of people just watching the process... even their's had lowered.

Of course, we know that Massage is not for everyone with certain medical conditions, but, some research has been done. Studies show, it works! *A study conducted at Bowling Green State University "elevated the effectiveness of a 15- minute on-site Chair Massage on reducing stress as indicated by blood pressure." Fifty-two participants were given a 15-minute massage; their blood pressures were measured before and after the massage. After receiving the massage, analysis showed a "significant reduction" in their blood pressure.


*"As always, any chronic or acute medical condition should be brought to the attention of the practitioner. That way, they'll know the best way to relax you, and to make your experience...well... just what the Dr. ordered!"
*Cady, S. H. and G. E. Jones. “Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress.” Perceptual & Motor Skills 84.1 (Feb. 1997): 157-8.

Reiki is Welcomed by the Corporate World

Reiki is a gentle, hands on, Healing Therapy. It balances the body physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Although not very well known in the 'corporate' world, it is being found more, as Employers are beginning to realize (in Europe & American cities especially), the relaxing benefits of this Therapy for their employees.

Reiki has become much more mainstream. It is used in hospitals all over the world as a complement to conventional medicine. Many Health Spas and Fitness Centres offer it to their clients to relax and rejuvenate .

Reiki can be added to Massage, to enhance the tension-release and relaxation experience.

Over clothing or not, Reiki can be done on a Massage Table, Chair, virtually.... anywhere.

One Quote from Prevention Magazine.

"The mainstream medical community has stopped sneering, too: About 60 percent of the hospitals included in the U.S. News & World Report America's Best Hospitals list offer some kind of Reiki program, if only informally, reports the International Association of Reiki Professionals. Some studies have shown Reiki to effectively reduce anxiety and high blood pressure in otherwise healthy people"