Therapeutic Massage
Welcome to Asklepios Sacred Healing Therapy, massage therapy page, where Michele offers a range of techniques including reflexology, deep tissue, myofascial release, Swedish massage, and aromatherapy to help you release physical tension and achieve optimal relaxation. Michele's massages are tailored to your individual needs and can be combined to achieve maximum results, bringing harmony to your body.
Relaxing, light to medium touch massage will help improve blood flow, reduce stress/anxiety, relieve muscle tension, increase joint flexibility, and improve overall health.
Swedish Massage
A soft tissue manipulation consisting of relaxing effleurage (stroking/sliding), petrissage (kneading/compression), tapotement (percussion), friction, and vibration techniques used to balance the body's immune system and all system (Benjamin & Tappan, 2005).
Retrieved from :
Benjamin, P. J. & Tappan, F. M. (2005). Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, holistic, and emerging methods (4th ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
A slow and light technique that addresses the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. Fascia is a web of irregular connective tissue made of collagen fibers, gel substance, and elastin that covers, supports, and connects the muscles, organs, and runs throughout the body (Benjamin & Tappan, 2005).
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release techniques include skin rolling (works top fascia layer), pulling the arms and legs for full body stretching, cross handed stretches that help to release local restricted spots, and fingertips can be used to stretch the tissue within local spots (Benjamin & Tappan, 2005).
Retrieved from :
Benjamin, P. J. & Tappan, F. M. (2005). Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, holistic, and emerging methods (4th ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
A deeper massage that uses various techniques found in the swedish massage style, but focuses locally on specific areas to release the muscle tension for chronic aches, pains, stiffness, and knots. Deep tissue can reduce stress hormones , lower the heart rate while releasing oxytocin and serotonin. (Fremont University, n.d.).
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage utilizes the same techniques as swedish, but focuses deeper into the muscle and like myofascial massage works with the connective fascia tissue to help release the tight muscles, loosening the joint pressure, and improving circulation. In addition, deep tissue massage helps to improve range of motion, break up scar tissue, and adhesions. Deep tissue can be uncomfortable, but never extend beyond your pain intolerance level, and it may leave bruising or soreness for a few days. The level of pressure is individualized, lighter pressure does not mean deep tissue will not work, it simply means it will take longer to release, and will result in the same as a more intense pressure. Warming up the muscles is always first, then stripping the muscles or friction can help to release the knots (Fremont University, n.d.).
Retrieved from:
Fremont University. (n.d.).What is deep tissue massage. https://fremont.edu/deep-tissue-massage/
Reflexology
Benefits include: relaxing & therapeutic release of endorphins as the therapist stimulates the nerves. Constipation peristalsis release. Sinus drainage. Lung mucus drainage. Urinary support with kidney, bladder, and urethra stimulations to reduce swelling.
Ancestors worldwide have regarded the use of stimulating the feet in order to heal the body. Indigenous cultures believe in the connection between the vital force energy of mother earth to that of the feet. In 1582, Dr. Adamus wrote a book on Zone therapy, an early version of reflexology with 10 zones energetically connecting the hands and feet to the body systems. In 1879-1974, Eunice Ingham, became known as the Grandmother of reflexology. She expanded the zone therapies and detailed the reflex points on the feet.
Retrieved from Miller, C. M. (2009). Integrative Reflexology. Chapel Hill, NC: Claire Marie Miller Seminars, Inc.
Aromatherapy
The esssential oils are extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, heartwood, bark, resin, flower petals, seeds, or fruit of the selected plant kingdom. Large quantities of the chosen plants creates small volumes of the essential oils. Their are about 3,000 essential oils worldwide, but only around 300 are in general use. Essential oils work as the volatile aromas either through inhalation or absorption through the skin, blood stream or floating to the nasal olfactory bulbs. Essential oils eliminate the body through perspiration, feces, urine, and breath. Blending oils creates a synergy, or greater effect used to enchance the essential oils potential abilities (Worwood, S. & Worwood V. A., 1995). Retrieved from: Worwood, S., & Worwood, V. A. (1995). Essential aromatherapy: A pocket guide to essential oils & aromatherapy. Novato, CA: New World Library.
Aromatherapy helps with the body, mind, and spirit. The benefits include improving blood flow, lymph drainage, and support the nerves by soothing anxiety and stress tension. Additionally, aromatherapy increases Qi vital energy (Mojay, 1997).
Aromatherapy
Essential oils work the the alchemy of synergy forms from the plant and sun to that of the physical body expressed with mind and spirit connections. Oriental medicine, Qi energy effect the vital substances in the body such as blood, fluids, and help to balance the Qi energy (Mojay, 1997).
Retrieved from:
Mojay, G. (1997). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit. Rochester, VT; Healing ARts Press.