Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when i disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
How is MyoFascial Release (MFR) different than regular massage? Massage works on the surface of the skin and MFR gently reaches down into the matrix of fascia that holds your body in place. Relaxing into the moment, opening up and releasing (the felt process of melting) the restriction.
What is Fascia? It is connective tissue that attaches, surrounds, and is within all the internal body structures from bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, organs, down to the cells. It works as a transportation means for vital fluids and they have discovered the fascia also holds memories.
What is a restriction? A restriction is an area in which you have a limitation. Many times this results in tension or pain.
Is MyoFascial Release like the deep gouging techniques? No it is a gentle technique of sustained pressure with stretching and holding. It is slower than regular massage and deeper in a gentle way.
What is Rebounding? Rebounding it a MFR technique of moving the water inside of our bodies. We are 70% water so this method has a tremendous effect of rebalancing our bodies and showing where the restrictions are. It is a very soothing technique and can very from small to large moves depending on what is called for at the moment.
What is Unwinding? Unwinding is a process that the body may go through to release restrictions and stress -physical and emotional.. The therapist when working on the client may feel movement under their hands and will go wiith it or help facilitate more movement. It is a very healing process that allows stuck emotions to be released.
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.Earth Touch Therapies,LLC works in both Columbia, Ashland. and Booneville.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.For Energy work you will not undress. For MyoFascial Release you may wear a pair of jogging shorts and a sports bra or a tank top.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress or change, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. With MyoFascial Release you will be clothed so that if your body goes through an unwinding process you will remain covered.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Earth Touch Therapies utilizes a whole body approach when working on clients, although for general massage you may specify if you have a particular area that you want addressed.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
MyoFascial Release feels different than massage.yet can still be relaxing. It is deeper and slower than massage. The therapist sinks down into the fascia, and waits for the restrictions to release. You may feel a restriction and then feel it melt like butter. The tissues can also "unwind" releasing emotions that have been stored in the tissues. MFR has the ability to affect postural concerns.
Energy work is very subtle and relaxing. The therapist may have hands on you or directly above an area that she is working on. You may feel warmth in that area. Many times when the therapist has moved to another area you still feel as if her hands were in the original spot. At the end of the session clients have expressed feeling a deep relaxation throughout their whole body and a sense of peace.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. Earth Touch Therapies,LLC's main modalities of on hands bodywork are MyoFascial Release, Energy Work, and Postural Exercises.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
At Earth Touch Therapies we ask the client to go into his/her body and feel what they are experiencing. The MFR work is very subtle and the most benefit can be gained from letting go and just feeling. Throughout our lives many of us suppress our feelings rather than allowing ourselves to experience them. It truly can be rewarding.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.Massage affects more of the surface area of the body while MyoFascial Release affects the deeper structural areas.
Upon occassion, after receiving a MFR treatment a client may experience within 24 to 48 hours a "healing crisis" because of postural readjustments. Suddenly muscles that have not had to work are working. This has been compared to how one would feel after a workout. You may feel somewhat sore and it may last up to 48 hours. The results afterward are usually a greater feedom of movement and increased energy levels
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.