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The myriad benefits and healing powers of touch have been recognized for centuries. Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing, restoring optimal health and function to the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other vital body systems. Massage is also an effective preventative treatment, reducing stress and tension to improve one’s overall health and sense of wellbeing.
Massage therapists utilize a variety of specified techniques to manipulate the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. Techniques include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading, and compression using primarily their hands, but also other areas of their body such as their forearms, elbows, or feet. Beyond the physical benefits, massage therapy promotes wellness of mind and spirit.
Our Little Lakes team of healing professionals uses unique essential oils and healing salves created exclusively at Little Lakes to further enhance your bodywork session.
Swedish Massage is probably the most popular form of massage practiced today. If you have never before experienced bodywork, a Swedish-style massage is a wonderful introduction. The goal of this style of massage is to relax the entire body through the rubbing and stroking of the muscles using carrying degrees of pressure. It can be slow and gentle or vigorous and bracing, depending on the client’s preferences. Practitioners of Swedish massage may also incorporate kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending, and stretching during a bodywork session. Oils and lotions are used to help lubricate and stimulate the skin while also reducing friction.
Swedish massage therapy is very effective at increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, improving circulation, easing muscle tension, increasing flexibility. It also helps the body move out toxins.
For those who prefer more intensive pressure, a deep tissue massage is terrific option. Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, though the practitioner is more specifically focused on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints). Please be aware that the more intense techniques, such as deep finger pressure, may be slightly uncomfortable during the session and cause a few days of post-massage soreness before the desired effects of relaxation and pain relief are realized. However, deep tissue massage is one of the most effective methods to dissipate knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include the reduction of inflammation and the breaking down of scar tissue.
Often used to enhance the benefits of Swedish massage. Placed upon key points of the body, smooth, heated stones help to relieve tension, ease muscle stiffness, and increase circulation and metabolism. This technique results in a deeper release of the muscles, while simultaneously offering a warm, soothing, and incredibly relaxing massage experience. Reported benefits include relief from muscle tension and pain, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, poor circulation, stress and anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
A style of massage that focuses solely on the hands and feet, Reflexology targets specific points on the body’s extremities to send signals to the brain and balance the overall nervous system. The practitioner uses a variety of techniques which may include stretching and moving the hands and feet, and applying varying degrees of pressure to specific points that correspond to certain organs and other parts of the body. During the process, endorphins are released throughout the entire body, reducing stress and returning the body to a state of equilibrium. Tangible benefits and results include relief from tension headaches, arthritis, digestive issues, and back pain.
Gentle massage is a safe and effective form of complimentary prenatal care, reducing stress and increasing the overall well-being of a mother-to-be. Prenatal massage stimulates the lymphatic system, thereby increasing immunity and encouraging the removal of bodily toxins. It also helps stabilize hormone levels, the fluctuation of which can cause depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help to relieve many common discomforts women experience during pregnancy: muscle and ligament strain, backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, and edema. In addition, it often aids in improving sleep, as it alleviates the stress and tension caused by the physical demands of carrying a baby.