Stars of Life
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
937-667-1562
THE EFFECTS OF STRESS
You are subjected to stress everyday,
whether it is deadlines at work, emotional baggage, or financial troubles. The fact
is, stress manifests itself in your muscles where it is stored as a memory in the
form of toxins and causes pain or tenderness until it is released through massage
or other bodywork therapy. If these toxins are not released, they can become dis-ease
or other illnesses and may never completely go away, resulting in chronic pain.
Massage
and other forms of bodywork therapy can help release the toxins and assist in the
natural healing process. Additionally, this will assist in the removal of aches,
pains and stress, leaving you relaxed and energized.
Other benefits of massage
may include:
Improved
circulation
Increased
flexibility
Stress
reduction
Reduced
fatigue
Increased
energy
Toxin
release
Many,
many more!!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your massage therapist will have
you fill out a client information form so that they can learn about any conditions
you might have that need attention or should be avoided.
Your therapist will
then ask you to disrobe and position yourself on the massage table (they will leave
the room for this).
Throughout your massage, ONLY the area which is
being massaged will be exposed. The rest of your body will be covered with a sheet
and a blanket.
YOUR MASSAGE
Depending on areas that need attention,
the general areas of massage include your back, legs, feet, arms, neck and shoulders.
Optional areas are your face, scalp, stomach and buttocks.
Once your massage
begins, you will feel a series of slow, gentle strokes. Gradually deeper strokes
that assist in the release of toxins will be used. This pressure should never cause
pain.
Your massage therapist will probably use a massage oil or lotion that
is hypo-allergenic and fragrance free. However, scented essential oils with aromatherapy
healing properties can be added and used in the massage oil. If you have a favorite
oil you would like your therapist to use, feel free to bring it.
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR MASSAGE
Make sure you feel comfortable and at
ease on the table. You will have to do very little physical movement. If you would
like your therapist to perform stretches, resisting (pressing or extending) your
muscles may be necessary.
Once comfortable, just listen to the music, close
your eyes and relax. Let the music guide you away from the everyday worries, and
for once, let someone else do the work!
WHAT YOU CAN DO...
BREATHE. Deep breathing helps to relax your body and mind.
VISUALIZE. Imagine pictures in your mind of the pain being removed.
LET GO. Let the therapist do the work. If you help by turning your
head
or lifting your limbs, this is "hanging on".
STOP THINKING, START BEING. Focus on the sensations you are
experimenting
and think of nothing else.
NO PAIN,NO GAIN, NO WAY! You should not experience pain AT
ALL. You WILL experience
firm, deep pressure.
LISTEN TO YOUR EMOTIONS. Memories and feelings are stored in
your muscles,
during the massage they are released. Relax and let all
the emotions pour
out.
HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY! You may feel the need to laugh for no
reason. This
is natural, live the moment.
YOU ARE THE BOSS! If you are uncomfortable in any way; the
music, temperature,
pressure; make it known. You are the boss!
BE GRATEFUL! Be grateful that you are able to experience the
massage and share
your feelings with your therapist.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF. For the rest of the day, relax and be good
to yourself.
Don't let the stress back in!
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