There are many types of massage and bodywork. All have a purpose and can be effective for different desired outcomes. Most people are familiar with Swedish massage and deep tissue for relaxation. When you choose a massage therapist you may get an entirely different experience with each one you encounter. While basic training may have similar foundations, the continuing education and focus are going to bring differing dimensions. Take into account the therapists own energy, too. Raport is also an important part of your experience. I have a really good friend who religiously goes for regular massage for maintenance, she’s an athlete, and she says she hates her massage therapist. Her insurance only pays for certain practitioners, and she knows the value of what she is receiving, but doesn’t enjoy the experience at all. That can happen. Nevertheless she needs it for her own muscle recovery and endures due to the cost effective nature, and the end result. Every massage therapist is different.Swedish massage is classified by the long gliding strokes and kneading techniques. It can be used for relaxation or also injury recovery and sports. There are modalities that focus on fascia, lymphatics, postural deviation, nervous system dysfunction, Chinese energy meridians, energy work, and so much more. It’s a fascinating field if the body intrigues you. And, most Fallonites know that it isn’t just limited to human bodies. Many of my clients have equine massage therapists and Feldenkrais practitioners for their horses. Some even have them for their dogs.Another option is Chinese Fire Cupping. This modality is useful for boosting the immune system by relieving phlegm, drawing out metabolic waste, and circulating lymph flow to help detox the body and fight colds and viruses. It also helps to open up breathing by creating negative space in the connective tissue and release tight chest muscles caused by coughing.I also work on children. Parents can stay in the treatment room if desired. Children are fascinated by massage and often jump onto my table or massage chair at events because they are curious. Parents usually seem embarrassed, but I encourage the experience even doing a mini session on the spot. Touch is what encourages cells to grow and regenerate and positive touch is therapeutic. I’ve even taught parents to perform baby massage on their own infants for bonding, and good health. Massage relaxes the baby's nervous system, encourages sleep, growth, and elimination. It’s wonderful for treating Colic. Often older children are brought to me for sports injuries, car accidents, horse accidents, tendonitis, hamstring strain, chronic illness, headaches, and even anxiety and depression. The neurotransmitters released during Craniosacral Therapy are especially effective for treating the latter. I have a sister who is well known for her work with CST and Autism. She has won awards and written a book called Coming Through The Fog. A qualified CST practitioner can also help with baby’s ability to latch on to nurse, and relieve birth trauma. When working with children it’s important to explain clearly what they will experience and what is expected ahead of time. Make sure they understand the instruction, are comfortable, and that they know they are always in control of the session. It is also important to ensure the session is as positive an experience as is possible, even ending early if they are no longer enjoying it. This experience will be responsible for leaving a lifelong lasting impression of what massage is, and how touch is received, and even impacting the impression of body autonomy. Body autonomy is said to be crucial in preventing certain types of abuse both early on and later in life by helping the children learn healthy boundaries. Having said all of that, younger clients often fall asleep during treatment, or as soon as they leave. One young athlete reported back to me that after his morning session with me he went home and slept six hours and actually missed his track meet. On occasion, a child might feel more energized, but that is a rarity. Working with children and families is rewarding on many different levels. I enjoy the bond I form with my clients, as I get to watch them grow into wonderful people with healthy outcomes.Never miss a meeting or community event – keep an eye on the community calendar at https://www.thefallonpost.org/events/If you like what we’re doing, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and contribute to The Fallon Post, your online news source for all things Fallon.
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