FAQ

Body coaching is about assisting a client in closing the gap between where they are and where they want to be. It’s about working with someone who wants to achieve more for their body or in their life. Certainly about yourself and a sense of well-being. As your body coach I help you to bring your body back to its own natural flow by finding physical and emotional imbalances and in time help in restoring the body’s own natural healing abilities and intuitive balance.

How does Deep Tissue Massage work?:

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will Deep Tissue Massage hurt?:

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort or slight pain. It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

What is Reflexology?:

Reflexology or zone therapy is the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on primarily parts of the feet, but can also include hands face and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health and wellbeing.Understanding the benefits of reflexology may help you to be persuaded to try this complementary therapy for yourself. The benefits of reflexology are that you treat the body as an entire connected organism, as opposed to merely focusing on specific symptoms. By putting pressure on particular points in the foot, hand or ear, the supply of blood, as well as the functioning of the nervous system, can be improved.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?:

Reflexology cleanses your body and gets your natural energy flowing the way it should. These benefits of reflexology can normalizes the glands and reduce physical as well as emotional tension.

backache and pain
headache
muscular tension or stiffness
depression or anxiety
sports injuries
insomnia
exhaustion or fatigue
digestive problems
menstrual problems
high blood pressure
low immunity

What is a Relaxing Massage?:

(Please read also"What is a Swedish Massage?") A basic Relaxation Massage or Classic Massage is a variation on Swedish Massage which consists of a handful of basic strokes including, effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration.

Effleurage involves applying smooth, light strokes over large areas of the body.

Petrissage is a process of kneading the skin and muscles in manner similar to kneading dough.

Friction is a method of applying a slow glide using heavier pressure. It can be done using a fist or finger tips.

Tapotement is the act of rhythmically tapping, hacking, or gentle pounding (but never slapping).

Vibration is a fast shaking of the tissues done by vibrating the hand. The effect is similar to a vibrating massage device.

What is Shiatsu?:

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese hands-on or Manual Therapy based on anatomical and physiological theory and is regulated as a licensed medical therapy with the Ministry of Health & Welfare in Japan. It is a traditional Japanese healing art which stems from the same oriental roots as Acupuncture. In Shiatsu the practitioner uses hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to the meridian energy lines in the body. Stimulation of the acupressure points combined with stretches and rotations of the limbs helps to release blocked energy or areas of tension and strengthen and deeply relax the body.

What is an imbalance in Energy?:

An imbalance in a person’s energy may manifest as a backache, headache, depression, or in many other ways. By working with specific meridians and pressure points, balance and health to the whole body can be restored. Shiatsu encompasses the whole person by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a being. Shiatsu is primarily a preventative medicine which helps to maintain good health, vitality and stamina yet can be effective in helping with a wide range of disorders and chronic conditions. Shiatsu promotes health and well being usually leaving one feeling deeply relaxed, energized and more able to cope with stress.

What is Energy?:

Energy known also as Chi or Ki is your body's Life-Force.

What can I expect in a Shiatsu session?:

Use of hands, elbows, knees and sometimes feet to apply pressure to the meridian energy lines in the body. The session is given on a Japanese futon, massage table or massage chair. Stimulation of the acupressure points combined with stretches and rotations of the limbs helps to release blocked energy or areas of tension this strengthens and deeply relaxes the body. An imbalance in a person’s energy may manifest as a backache, headache, depression, or in other ways. By working with specific meridians and pressure points, balance and health to the whole body can be restored. Shiatsu treats the body as an entire connected organism, as opposed to merely focusing on specific symptoms.

What are the benefits of Shiatsu?:

Shiatsu offers an opportunity to become aware of the way in which we inhabit our bodies. Through listening and paying attention to breathing patterns, posture and mental attitude the practitioner and client may begin to uncover some root causes of dis-comfort, be it mental or physical. Shiatsu promotes a state of well being by alleviating tensions, stimulating the immune and circulatory systems. It has been known to be very effective with physical and emotional tension linked to stress. Shiatsu brings ease, relaxation and comfort. Used correctly, shiatsu is efficient as well for emotional as for physical problems.

Shiatsu and Massage has helped with a range of stress problems and chronic conditions:

What is a Hot Stone Massage?:

Hot Stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on.

How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?:

The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are also used because they are so smooth and retain heat - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current. The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Why Do People Get Hot Stone Massage?:

Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation.

What is Swedish Massage?:

(Please read also "what is a relaxing massage?") Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Getting a Swedish massage can be a relaxing and enjoyable adventure. A Swedish massage is one of the most commonly recognized forms of massage. It mainly consists of long, gliding strokes that induce a state of relaxation. The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. These are specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

What is the purpose of Swedish Massage?:

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

What are the benefits of Swedish Massage?:

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, lymphatic and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

How often should I frequent?:

Shiatsu and Massage are types of bodywork which involves manual manipulation of the tissue and muscles to release tension and strain. Many people enjoy massage because it is relaxing and pleasant, but it also has health benefits and promotes well being. Receiving massage at least once a month will result in acumulative health benefits for clients, but an even greater frequency will be much more effective. Ultimately, the decision of how often you receive massages is based on input from your body, your massage therapist, and, in some cases, a doctor.

Should I stop any primary health care help?:No

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds

Immediately after surgery unless recommended by your doctor

Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, please check with your doctor before having a massage

Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.

Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.