WHAT IS A MASSAGE THERAPIST?

A Professional Healthcare Practitioner who applies manual techniques and may use adjunctive therapies with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

BODY WORK TECHNIQUES USED

Therapeutic/Swedish/Integrated Massage

Manipulation of soft tissue using friction, kneading and long strokes to relieve tension, reduce stress, stimulate general relaxation, improve circulation and enhance removal of toxic waste products from muscles and connective tissue.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

A gentle, light touch technique is used to evaluate the Craniosacral system and for releasing restrictions to improve the functioning of the Central Nervous System. CST is used to treat numerous health problems including headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, TMJ dysunction, central nervous disorders and many others.

Myofascial Release

This massage style opens and releases the restrictions of fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that extends througout the entire body. Restrictions in the fascia can increase pressure to circulatory, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems.

Shiatsu and Accupressure

This oriental system of massage uses finger pressure to release blocked energy along meridians (channels of energy flow). Blocked energy causes physical discomfort; therefore releasing the blockage can rebalance the energy flow.

Chair Massage

Massage that is performed an a fully clothed person in a specially designed massage chair. It is used to relieve stress and generally focuses on the head, hands, arms, back, shoulder and neck areas. Can be performed on the job and at social events. Many employers are using massage as part of their regular employee benefits program.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A BODYWORK SESSION

The initial consultation begins with an evaluation including a written client health history intake form and a request for consent for the therapist to provide the bodywork.

Your Practitioner will discuss with you the desired outcome of your session. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck and shoulder. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. The average full-body massage/bodywork session lasts approximately 1 hour or longer. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

You should communicate immediately with your Therapist if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Drink plenty of water after the massage to help flush out toxins from your body.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

Massage is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. It taps into the energy systems in the body. Bodywork includes various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement and or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body. The purpose of Massage physically increases cell metabolism, hastens healing, increases range of motion and relieves pain. Psychologically massage may relieve fatigue, reduce anxiety and tension and promote relaxation.

Massage therapy is recommended as necessary for everyone’s wellness maintenance and well-being; routine massage—weekly or monthly is most effective.Today the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching; massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking, smoking cessation, depression and more. Massage also relieves the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to diseases and illnesses.

A massage treatment reaches the whole person, communicating a sense of  peace and tranquility and can also effect the person in many ways, such as:

• Improving circulation by assisting the flow of blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to organs and muscles.
• Facilitating the removal of toxins and metabolic by-products.
• Assisting in the flow of lymph, which is instrumental in fighting infection and developing immunity.
• Soothing the nerves, thus leading to a feeling of well-being and brings body and mind to equilibrium.
• Reducing blood pressure by calming the body.
• Assisting in relaxation and reduction of anxiety.
• Increasing blood flow to the skin.
• Promoting muscle relaxation, relieving muscle spasm and cramps, relieving muscular pain syndromes and improving athletic performance.
• Enhancing recovery and rehabilitation from injury.
• Promoting release of enkaphelins, serotonin and endorphins which interrupt pain-contraction cycles—leading to analgesic effects.

SURVEY FINDINGS

The 2005 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association(AMTA) shows that one in 5 US adults got a therapeutic massage in the previous year. The survey found that:

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST

Aba Eduayah, RN, CCM, LMT, Health Minister
MA43115
Is Nationally Certified and Florida Licensed Member of FSMTA, AMTA and The Healing Arts Alliance of Tampa
Graduate of Erwin Technical College, Tampa, Florida
Aba also has over 20 years experience as a Critical Care RN and is a Certified Case Manager. She is also trained as a Health Minister with Hallelujah Acres in a Natural Health Lifestyle program, through which she has eliminated her own multiple health conditions including Insulin dependent Type II Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertention, Liver dysfunction and High cholesterol level.

My background as a Christian provides Jesus, the Great Healer as my example; when Jesus healed the sick—he either touched them or spoke kind words to bring them comfort, care and healing for the body, mind and spirit. “It was His mission to bring complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character. In every city, every town, every village, through which He passed, He laid His hands upon the afflicted ones and healed them. Wherever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their heavenly Father’s love.”(The Ministry of Healing by E. G. White, pg 6).

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