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Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 7:59 AM
Most people have heard that massage relieves the symptoms of stress - but how? First, let’s define stress. A stressor is a situation orevent which upsets your balance and triggers a biochemical reaction called the“flight or fight” or stress response. The stress response helps you either flee from a stressor or stand up and fight. Signs of the stress response includei ncreased perspiration, muscle tension, and heart rate; rapid and shallow breathing, rerouting of blood away from internal organs resulting in slowed digestion. |
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Posted on Monday, September 26, 2011 9:34 AM
Too much talking during a massage is one of the most commonly cited reasons that clients change therapists, especially when the therapist natters on about their own life and problems. Not relaxing! I do my best to avoid chit-chat with my clients, especially when one of their goals for the massage is to relax and relieve stress. Quiet gives you a place to relax, focus on your body, and unwind. And it helps me focus on the massage, not on what you’re talking about. With that said, during any massage, I will ask questions about pressure, encourage you to breath deeply, and check in on your comfort. |
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Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 10:55 AM
In short, NO! Absolutely not! Many massage therapists have a question on their intake form that asks if you want to avoid specific areas during the massage. Some women check pectoral muscles (aka pecs) because they worry that it involves breast massage, and they don’t see the benefit of massage to these muscles. While the pectoral (major and minor) muscles do extend under the tissue of the breasts, they also connect to your collar bone, shoulder blade, sternum,and upper arm. Pectoral muscle massage involves those portions of the pectoral muscles that are not under breast tissue. |
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Posted on Monday, May 23, 2011 8:14 PM
Many clients, even those that have been getting massage for years, are unsure exactly how much they should disrobe for their massage. As with so many things, the answer is that it depends. The most important thing is for you to be comfortable and able to relax. It’s also important to remember that no matter you how much you disrobe, during a professional massage, you’ll always be draped with a sheet or towel so only the area being worked on is uncovered. You can also request that certain areas are avoided during massage. |
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Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 12:58 PM
Should you be embarrassed if you sleep, snore, or drool while on the massage table? Never! Do any of these bother me as a therapist? No, not usually! If the goals for your massage are to relax, unwind, and leave stress behind – then it’s a compliment. If you’re seeing me for a therapeutic massage, then sleeping may mean we’ve missed our mark. Typically, a massage to address an acute muscular condition, chronic pain, or chronic muscle tension is more intense and requires your participation and feedback. |
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