What are the benefits of massage?

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression, to name just a few. Here’s why: Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs

• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer

• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles

• Reducing spasms and cramping

• Increasing joint flexibility

• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level

• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorpora

ted into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain

• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.

• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.

• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.

• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

• Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.

What to do before your Body Wrap?

*Take a warm shower right before you come

*Avoid lotions or oils (You want your skin to be clean & dry before starting)

*If a woman shaves her legs, it should be done the day or evening prior to the wrap to prevent her skin from feeling sensitive during the body wrap

*You may wear a cotton bathing suit or undergarment during your wrap

*Avoid eating a heavy meal

*A light, healthy snack and a glass of water is acceptable

*You may want to bring an extra pair of underwear to change into after the wrap

For dramatic results, it is recommended that you schedule a series of 3 to 6 body wrap treatments.