TESTIMONIAL"I have been receiving massage therapy from Tina for about two years. She worked miracles with my severe lower back pain and kept it away ever since. More recently, I developed degenerative disks in my neck and the therapy is the only relief I currently enjoy. She has a thorough understanding of the structure of the human body and her fingers recognize problems in their exact location and source. She also possesses what I believe is a spiritual healing touch and a calming presence. Her massage pacing is better than any I have experienced. Most of the time Tina knows what I need better than I do! I am a runner and do pilates and weights. I am always hurting somewhere. I can count on Tina to address my problems.
Tina is also very knowledgeable about nutrition and healthy eating/living on many levels. Her recipes are fun. She encourages health in every life she touches.
I can confidently recommend Tina to anyone seeking massage therapy or any health programs she offers. She has a true gift."
Mary, Hayden ID
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Benefits of Massage Therapy
Next time you think about popping that pain pill, make an appointment for a massage instead. Soreness and stiffness result when overworked muscles produce waste products like lactic acid, and massage can help by improving the circulation to muscles to flush these out. Tense muscles can also compress blood vessels and nerves, and massage leads to a gradual release that eases the pain. Just be sure to let Tina know if your pain is caused by stress, injury and/or surgery.
Prolonged periods of stress can negatively affect many systems of the body.Stress has been shown to aggravate, or even cause, such problems as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss and decreased immune function. But it doesn’t just contribute to physical ailments. Stress can sap joy from your life, cause seemingly inexplicable fatigue, and leave you less able to enjoy your relationships and leisure activities.
Loved ones can become unfortunate victims of stress in your life. You will find yourself less patient and less able to mentally engage with the people you care about.Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. We know this is true on an intuitive level. If even the untrained hands of a friend or partner can soothe aches and pains, and diminish anxiety, then imagine the effect of a therapeutic massage by a trained practitioner. Even the rituals of massage come as a welcome break from our hurried lives: dimmed lights, soothing music, the pleasant fragrance of a mild oil or candle - even without massage, these might help you relax. But coupled with the right techniques, you’ll actually feel the stress leaving.
Massage boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues.Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. Knots in your muscles can inhibit your ability to perform regular, daily tasks. As other parts of your body try to compensate for the ache of a tight muscle, they also start to become tight and uncomfortable. Before long, an injury that began in your neck can trace to your shoulder, down your arm and into your wrist. The reaction chain can take innumerable forms, but none of them are pleasant.
In short, with a therapeutic massage, stress can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, will increase energy, improve your outlook on life, and in the process boost your immune system function. Coupled with modest changes in nutrition and activity levels, massage can be the start of a profound change for the better in your health and well-being.
- For the Healthcare Provider
Working long, sometimes exhausting work schedules as a health care provider can leave your mind and body completely out of balance. Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when your job requires your absolute best when giving care to your patients. In studies, when healthcare providers received massage therapy, results showed significant declines in anxiety, depression, general physical and emotional fatigue.
Traditional healthcare systems throughout the world recognize that therapeutic massage can play an important role in treating illness or chronic ailments, and contribute to a higher sense of general well-being.
And with ever-expanding research on the beneficial effects of massage, more professionals are advising patients to include therapeutic massage in their health care treatment plans. Physicians, chiropractors and physiotherapists are recommending more patients receive massages for certain health conditions..
Lymph is the milky-white fluid that drains waste from the cells. The pumping effect of muscle contraction moves lymph through the body, and massage (as well as exercise) can facilitate the process. The pressure of massage also increases blood flow that can help reduce swelling after surgery.
The manual pressure of massage increases blood flow to the treated areas. The increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles to help repair and revitalize the body.
- Balance the Nervous System
Stress revs up the nervous system, leading to restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety, muscle tension, cardiovascular stress and even abdominal problems. Massage helps reduce stress and the body's reaction to it, bringing your nervous system back into harmony.
Muscles that are too tight or too slack can throw off your posture. To compensate, your body will utilize other muscles, which can eventually become accepted by your body and lead to permanent imbalance and chronic muscle pain.
Massage helps the skin by stimulating the sebaceous and sweat glands. Increased blood flow also has a positive effect on the skin by supplying the cells with nutrients and oxygen. More blood at the skin's surface also leads to a rosy, healthy glow.
- Massage Therapy and Physical Activity
Integrating massage therapy and physical activity can have a profound effect in helping to achieve a stronger, more relaxed and balanced body. Physical activity and massage therapy offer similar benefits. Both promote better circulation; feeding muscles, bones and internal organs with the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Like massage, physical activity can promote greater flexibility and range of motion, and reduce muscle tension and stiffness. Having stronger, more flexible muscles also improves balance and helps put the body in its proper alignment. Learning how to use your body during physical activity and receiving massage therapy can help eliminate chronic pain and tension in your muscles and joints. Physical activity can strengthen the weak muscles and massage therapy releases tension in the areas that are tight. Therefore, massage can make your choice of physical activity more effective.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own — you may have seasonal affective disorder. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and massage. Addressing the problem can help you keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
