In addition to being soothing and relaxing, massage has been shown to relieve many symptoms and conditions - just a few are insomnia, tension headaches, muscle overuse, cramps, nervousness, inability to concentrate, sinus headache and various hand and foot problems.

Absolutely!

We all experience tension and stress in many different aspects of our lives, and most people react negatively when under constant pressure.
Sometimes we just forget how to relax!

Massage provides an opportunity to release tension and repair both physically and mentally. Therapeutic touch encourages the release of hormones that produce euphoria and calm while inhibiting release of those that produce the tense "fight or flight " response.

Also, pain is stress-inducing. Even the deep aches and soreness we become accustomed to and tolerate are stressful because the mind and body are inexorably connected.

Therefore, as we consciously push our discomfort aside to continue functioning at top speed, our brains are still aware of that pain on some level.
By relieving physical pain through touch and manipulation of soft tissue, massage releases stress.

How does massage lower blood pressure?

First, moving blood through the vascular system prohibits its pooling and adhering to the walls of veins and arteries, which creates an increase in pressure.

Continued high levels of stress increase blood pressure, so by relieving this stress blood pressure too may be affected.

There are physiological and psychological responses to therapeutic massage that enhance our abilities to adjust, cope and gain control over stimuli that would otherwise be overwhelming.

How does massage effect the immune response?

Prolonged stress also negatively affects the immune system. Therefore, developing ways to control stress will in turn cause the immune system to function more effectively.

The lymphatic system also works very hard all the time to rid the body of toxins, infection and debris such as dead cells.

The manual aspect of therapeutic touch serves to push toxins and debris out of muscle tissue and into the lymph system faster, thereby increasing its efficiency.

How often should I receive a massage?

Because of the various benefits that massage offers, it is unlikely a person could receive too much massage.

Therapeutic massage has a cumulative effect on both soft tissue repair and decreasing stress, therefore regular massage is highly recommended to achieve the best result.

Is all massage the same?

No.

Therapists use many different methods, and individual styles vary.
Therapists also have different levels of training and talent.

Massage is a very personal service and should be adjusted to suit each client's needs.
These needs may change subtly from one session to the next as what a person needs one week may differ from what he or she needs the next week.

A good therapist is a great listener, is intuitive and applies that knowledge to better serve the client.

When is massage not recommended?

People with a history of Thrombosis or Phlebitis should not receive massage due to blood clots breaking free resulting in possible heart attack or stroke.

The growth of some forms of cancer might be exacerbated by deep massage as it improves circulation and sends nutrients and oxygen to healthy cells as well as cancerous cells alike.

Severe injuries or surgery sites should not be manipulated directly for 48 to 72 hours as further damage to tissue may occur.
Please consult with your doctor to be certain.

Do I have to completely undress?

To derive the highest benefits of a massage, the client should be disrobed to allow the therapist to employ techniques without the disruption which clothing causes.

Many techniques are most effective when performed directly to the body.

Less clothing is usually preferable as the client will be less constricted and the therapist will not have to be concerned with lubricants staining clothes or massage strokes being shortened by waistbands, bra straps etc.

I will leave the room while you undress, get comfortable on the massage table and cover yourself with the sheet used to "drape" you during the massage. There is never exposure of 'privates' at any time.

However, if you are uncomfortable feel free to wear whatever you wish. I will work to give you the best massage possible, no matter what you are wearing.
You disrobe to the degree you decide for your massage.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, so that you can relax and enjoy your massage..

I will understand, so be comfortable and enjoy your massage wearing what you choose, if anything at all.