Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy also known as CST is a educated, specific and non-invasive light touch that supports your body’s innate ability to heal itself. This type of therapy is very subjective and a unique experience for most clients. It is a light touch with energy directed, and heals on many levels by addressing a person’s cranial sacral system – Literally addressing the fluid that flows inside the head and spinal cord.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy also known as CST is a educated, specific and non-invasive light touch that supports your body’s innate ability to heal itself. This type of therapy is very subjective and a unique experience for most clients. It is a light touch with energy directed, and heals on many levels by addressing a person’s cranial sacral system – Literally addressing the fluid that flows inside the head and spinal cord of our bodies. Gentle pressure focused on balancing the rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid releases restrictions from the sacrum to the cranial area.
Some problems relieved by this procedure include headaches, ADD, dyslexia, small stroke syndrome, morning sickness, low back pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, acute fever, acute pain, lazy eye, labor pain, autism, and numbness in hands or feet. It is a therapy that removes blockages, pressure points internally, and is effective for everything from persistent migraines, many types of physical injuries, and even emotional release from trauma. Pediatric therapy in this modality results in correction of birth trauma in newborns to healing toddlers and up with tone problems or learning disabilities. This is a therapy that can open up new avenues of healing for many people, and is performed at Bethesda Salt Cave.
Taking charge of our health and wellbeing does not necessarily have to come about due to illness or feelings of being unwell. Our body has a inner wisdom that just senses when something is out of wack. We know when that moment arises and our body tells us that something is not quite right. It is our decision to acknowledge it or to move on and ignore the issue. Often we think it will go away, and while our nervous system is pulsing away we only sit up and take notice when the matter becomes a sense of urgency. Pain, Discomfort, Feelings of Anxiety or Stress.
Innately our body senses stress in many different ways. It may be emotionally or physically and this stress can present itself as a panic attack, uncontrollable explosive and violent episodes, the inability to concentrate, recurrent nightmares, uncontrollable sweating or extreme and debilitating chronic physical pain.
You see pain does not only manifest itself from a physical injury. Our body acts as a sponge and when we experience emotions that cause stress we allow our physical body to absorb the intensity of the stress and this then eventually manifests itself as pain. The tissue that envelopes every muscle, bone, sinew and nerve can store what we call tissue memory that holds on to negative emotional discomfort. Combined with a physical injury this causes debilitating conditions that we just cannot understand or they just do not seem to resolve after hours of physical therapy or traditional massage.
Cerebral spinal fluid innervates and balances the entire body from the soles of our feet all the way up into and around the cranium. The pulse created by this fluid is very very similar to the manner in which lymph flows through our veins and in a similar manner it creates a rhythm that your therapist taps into to find blockages or imbalances. Imagine the fluid that cushions your brain flows around the brain, then pulses down into the dural tube innervating the nerves that connect. It then pulses to the nerve endings before returning back that same way it came. When the fluid reaches the brain on its return journey it will continue the process and fluid that is excess is drained through the back of the sinuses where it is excreted into the back of your throat. Now imagine that somewhere along the line of this flow a small bone is out of sorts, or there is injury to fascia and tissue is disrupting the flow. What happens is that a build up of fluid is caused, hindering the natural ebb and flow of fluid. Sometimes this can cause pressure or a sense of something not feeling quite right. a CST therapist will follow a protocol of points called still points to find out where the flow of cerebral spinal fluid is impeded and with a very light deft but educated touch they will assist in releasing and re-balancing points to assist in helping the bones and fluids to find their correct rhythm.
Deep tissue
A massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. DT aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes, and deep pressure on the contracted areas by either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Also known as Neuromuscular massage, this modality focuses on the treatment of trigger points. They are called trigger points because they refer pain to other parts of the body.
Reflexology
Well we all know that a amazing foot massage is something so delicious that it actually feels deliriously good when we combine it with wholesome essential oils, a foot cleansing foot bath ritual, then imagine soothing oils, creams, balms and lotions being massaged into dry and achy feet up to just below the knee. Now your feet are ready to be manually manipulated. Trigger points and reflexology points are massaged, activated, stretched, released and soothed so that your
Reflexology
Well we all know that a amazing foot massage is something so delicious that it actually feels deliriously good when we combine it with wholesome essential oils, a foot cleansing foot bath ritual, then imagine soothing oils, creams, balms and lotions being massaged into dry and achy feet up to just below the knee. Now your feet are ready to be manually manipulated. Trigger points and reflexology points are massaged, activated, stretched, released and soothed so that your feet feel light and energized. During the massage your therapist will manipulate fascia, tissue, fluid, lymph and lengthen and strengthen ligaments, muscles, sinews, spreading your toes and making space between the foot bones, while they re-balance, re-new and re-energize your being.
Also known as ancient Chinese wisdom points, reflexology has been known to be applied not only to feet but also the hands and ears.Reflexology uses pressure instead of needles to activate specific points using hands, thumbs, or finger techniques. It is a 4,000-year-old healing art that promotes better circulation, relieves existing pain and helps the bodily systems to work accordingly. When we consider what we know with Eastern medicine as well as Western medicine, we find that there are information parallels that really solidify the evidence that Reflexology works extremely well on our internal and external wellbeing.
Eastern medicine believes that our body is aligned with energy lines that run from our toes, all the way up through the legs, through major organs and up to either the head or the tips of our fingers. along the way these energy lines connect points in our feet, legs, hands, arms, ears, neck, shoulders and head to those organs connecting all the bodies 11 functioning systems.
It is believed that reflexology can instill a great sense of serenity & calmness, can relieve physical & emotional pain. That it is believed to be able to bring on child birth, purge toxins from our organs, enhance our mood, boost our immune system & stimulate the metabolism.
One of the benefits of reflexology is its ability to treat different types of aches and pains, such as neck pain, migraines, headaches, upper and lower backaches. It relieves tension in the muscles that may often lead to these conditions. Headaches occurring due to stress can also be alleviated with foot massages. According to a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health Medicine in 1999, 220 patients were treated by reflexologists. 81% of the patients have reported that their treatments helped or completely cured their headache issues after just three months. The massage treatment improved patients' general well-being, ability to understand the causes of headache, ability to interpret body signals, and increased energy levels.
Many of us spend long hours on our feet every day. Whether you work in a factory, an office, a field, a hospital or anything in between, you put a lot of weight and pressure on your feet daily. Getting a foot massage from your partner, family member or a professional is one of the best ways to relax your mind and body. Let us take a look at numerous benefits of reflexology.
Benefits of Reflexology
1) Benefits of Reflexology
2) Nerve Function
Reflexology has been known to stimulate more than 7,000 different nervous endings. As our bodies age, these nerve endings become less sensitive. Having a foot reflexology can improve the function and reactivity of nervous endings, especially in our lower extremities.
Reflexology also opens and cleans out neural pathways of various areas around the body. It is important to activate neural pathways to improve the manner of conveying information from the nervous system to the brain.
3) Fights Anxiety and Depression
Serotonin, a hormone released by neurons in the brain, promotes happiness. Low levels of this hormone may result in bad mood and depression. Massaging the top of your toes can enhance the production of serotonin. The adrenal, hypothalamic, pineal and pituitary glands also play a role in emotions, including depression. Stimulating these reflex points by massaging the feet for a few minutes three times a day may help in relieving the condition. It is also effective in alleviating anxiety and stress.
You can keep your feet healthier with reflexology. It stimulates the muscles, reduces pain in the ankles and heels, and alleviates stiffness. This is one of the easiest ways to keep your feet free from all types of foot problems, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, as well as toenail fungus.
A 5-minute foot massage every day can keep your ankles flexible and strong. This, in turn, will prevent unpleasant injuries. Massaging your feet with warm coconut or olive oil provides relief from inflammation and pain resulting from foot tendonitis. It is also an effective natural treatment for heel spurs.
After a long working day, particularly after a day of standing, walking and running around, the best way to relax is to have a foot massage. As mentioned before, reflexology can open neural pathways and results in a more relaxed condition in the body. This reduces stress levels, triggering a state of calm throughout your mind and body.
Foot massage before going to bed also induces sleep. Reflexology is commonly applied to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. Fortunately, applying pressure on certain points help the body and nerves relax while improving blood circulation.
4) Improves Circulation
5) Makes Feet Healthier
One of the benefits of reflexology is an improvement in blood flow throughout the body. This means that blood and oxygen are transported through all areas more efficiently. Gently stroking the finger, hands, and feet will significantly enhance circulation to vital organs. The bodily systems function even better as more oxygen is cycled. This also increases metabolism and results in faster regrowth and healing of damaged cells. A foot reflexology massage before going to bed can enhance blood flow in lower extremities.
6) Relaxation and Better Sleep
7) Reduces PMS and Menopause Symptoms
Most women suffer from irritability, dysmenorrhea, bloating, headaches, fatigue, insomnia and mood swings during PMS or premenstrual syndrome. These symptoms can be alleviated with daily massage. Reflexology is also useful for reducing menopause symptoms like depression and hot flashes.
To treat the symptoms of PMS and menopause, the target point, known as Grandfather Grandson point, is located on the inner foot, where your big toe meets your foot. Apply gentle and firm pressure with warm oil for a few minutes to manage the symptoms.
8) Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension affects millions of people around the world and causes kidney disease, strokes and cardiovascular diseases. Reflexology has been found to lower systolic blood pressure and triglyceride effectively.
If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, massage the solar plexus reflex point. This point can be easily located by squeezing each side of the foot. The visible hallow that forms is where the reflex point is. Press this for a few seconds with your thumb. Follow this treatment twice a week to lower blood pressure, prevent anxiety and enhance mood.
Excessive processed foods, additives and pollution increases the levels of toxins in our bodies and impedes the proper functions of vital organs resulting in aches, fever, pains, and fatigue. One of the best ways to eliminate toxins from the body is reflexology.
It has been shown that reflexology can improve the function of the bladder, making it more efficient in eliminating toxins and other unwanted substances. This lowers the risk of urinary tract infections and other health diseases.
Note: Most people can benefit from reflexology and regular massage. However, avoid massage if there are open or healing wounds on the area, fractures, burns and chronic osteoporosis.
Amanda Roberts is a professional blogger and a podiatry student. She is an enthusiast who loves to write on several niches, particularly in foot health, including plantar fasciitis, toenail fungus, foot massage and reflexology.
9) Cancer Relief
10) Detoxification
While reflexology does not directly cure cancer, it can provide relief from the side effects of various cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Daily massage can also help patients to sleep better, lower the chances of vomiting and other digestive problem and reduce anxiety. Reflexology is also known to increase blood flow and clear neural pathways, which may help to stimulate antioxidant activity and slow the spread of cancer.
Myofascial Release
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapies. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
Myofascial Release
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapies. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapies. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
Each session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia
MyoFascial Release sessions are a safe and very effective hands-on technique
that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
It can help prepare athletes for more rigorous training. It can also provide pain relief for those with restricted flexibility and movement.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)
Trigger Point Therapy
Did you know that we are all born with specific points in our body where the fascia coating of your muscles intersect. These points turn to trigger points when the fascia becomes dehydrated and congested with stagnated lactic acid. Tension, stress and lack of movement add to the strain in this tight area within muscle tissue. It results in the fascia pulling from that specific point, running and pulling across the body to areas which we may feel is unrelated but in fact they
Trigger Point Therapy
Did you know that we are all born with specific points in our body where the fascia coating of your muscles intersect. These points turn to trigger points when the fascia becomes dehydrated and congested with stagnated lactic acid. Tension, stress and lack of movement add to the strain in this tight area within muscle tissue. It results in the fascia pulling from that specific point, running and pulling across the body to areas which we may feel is unrelated but in fact they are connected by the fascia. This causes pain in other parts of the body. Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage for trigger point therapy, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Our Signature Massage
Our Signature Massage combines a myriad of different massage applications. They include but are not limited to a combination of stretching, deep tissue, Swedish, reflexology, trigger point therapy, cranial sacral therapy, the use of hot/cold stones and lymphatic massage. Every massage starts with a warm towel compress to clean your feet. Your therapist will use warm towels and a Balancing essential oil ritual on your feet to help you ease into a deep state of relaxation.
Our Signature Massage
Swedish & Deep Tissue Combination
Our Signature Massage combines a myriad of different massage applications. They include but are not limited to a combination of stretching, deep tissue, Swedish, reflexology, trigger point therapy, cranial sacral therapy, the use of hot/cold stones and lymphatic massage. Every massage starts with a warm towel compress to clean your hands & face. Your therapist will use warm towels and a Balancing essential oil ritual on your feet to help you ease into a deep state of relaxation.
Using a intuitive and compassionate approach our therapists focus on addressing the clients needs, concerns and requests. It is important to share your objectives with your therapist at the start of every session.
Every clients needs are so different that we have to take into account the clients body type, their perception relative to pain & perceived depth of pressure not to forget the ultimate objective in receiving bodywork. It is important to make it very clear to your therapist what your massage objectives are.
Swedish massage is the application of long soothing strokes, with some gentle soft tissue manipulation. It is a great alternative for clients who are concerned with deep pressure, or maybe they bruise easily. There are many reasons why many clients prefer the idea of a softer soothing touch, especially if they find that their muscles can relax easier without having to work through their session regulating their breathing and helping muscles to assist with tension release.
Stretch Therapy
We practice a number of different stretch therapies. Thai Stretch and Active Isolated Stretching. We believe that stretching can benefit your health tremendously by improving mobility, balance and flexibility. Stretching also assists you with recovering quicker after intense work outs or rehabilitation from injuries that have inhibited your range of motion.
Stretch Therapy
We practice a number of different stretch therapies. Thai Stretch and Active Isolated Stretching. We believe that stretching can benefit your health tremendously by improving mobility, balance and flexibility. Stretching also assists you with recovering quicker after intense work outs or rehabilitation from injuries that have inhibited your range of motion. By improving your posture, you improve lung and heart function. Anyone walking stooped over will quickly tell you it impedes their breathing and what aches and pains they suffer from. Athletes who train seriously stretch to improve their exercise and sporting performance ability. Stretching correctly can also boost your metabolism and enhance deep restful sleep patterns.
Hot Lave / Salt Stone Massage
Enter a state of deep relaxation as your therapist uses heated smooth lava rock and Himalayan salt stones to gently manipulate your muscles into submission. Feel as the tension releases, muscles relax, and your mind allows your body to release tension you did not even know you had. This relaxing technique is only available in a 90 minute massage session.
Hot Lave / Salt Stone Massage
Enter a state of deep relaxation as your therapist uses heated smooth lava rock and Himalayan salt stones to gently manipulate your muscles into submission. Feel as the tension releases, muscles relax, and your mind allows your body to release tension you did not even know you had. This relaxing technique is only available in a 90 minute massage session.
Our hot stone massage therapy helps to melt away tension, easing muscles stiffness, aches and pains. The heat of the stone increases circulation as well as the metabolism by helping to expand blood vessels, which encourage blood flow throughout the body. Ask your therapist should you be interested in coupling cold stone therapy with your session. Alternating hot and cold stones help to flush toxins in areas where lactic acid has built up in the muscles. This in turn expedites recovery from extreme activity or injury. Cold stones also assist in calming blood vessels and soothing the skin.
Studies show that a hot stone massage may be a helpful way to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease pain and muscle tension. It may be helpful for a variety of conditions and circumstances.
To make sure you have a positive hot stone massage experience know that you shouldn’t feel pain. If you are uncomfortable or experience pain during your massage, let your massage therapist know right away.
Risks and warnings
When performed by a trained therapist, a hot stone massage is generally safe. There are some circumstances where it should be avoided. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have:
• a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• burns on your skin
• open wounds
• a history of blood clots
• had surgery in the last 6 weeks
• a fracture or severe osteoporosis
• a lot platelet count also known as thrombocytopenia.
• diabetes
A prenatal massage may help relieve stress and ease uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Still, we will not use hot stones on pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, you should only get a massage with your doctor’s approval.
Who may benefit from a hot stone massage?
Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor to see if a hot stone massage is a good option for you.
PreNatal Massage
A Prenatal massage is a nurturing massage that focuses on the special needs of a mother to be during her pregnancy. Using safe and effective rental techniques, this massage is fantastic for soothing dehydrated skin, alleviating lower back pain and exhaustion, while at the same time addressing puffy hands and feet. We allow for positioning with pillows, cushions and will enhance support to ensure that we decrease pressure in areas where the new mom to be is experiencing discomfort.
PreNatal Massage
A Prenatal massage is a nurturing massage that focuses on the special needs of a mother to be during her pregnancy. Using safe and effective rental techniques, this massage is fantastic for soothing dehydrated skin, alleviating lower back pain and exhaustion, while at the same time addressing puffy hands and feet. We allow for positioning with pillows, cushions and will enhance support to ensure that we decrease pressure in areas where the new mom to be is experiencing discomfort.
No one can truly understand the value of a pregnancy massage until their loved one is suffering with swollen feet, aching backs, tight muscles, head aches, nausea and many of the other side affects that new moms to be have to endure during their pregnancy.
We understand that this is a very trying time. Please know that we will do our very best to make this an absolutely fantastic experience for you. However, it is important to know that we do not do pregnancy massages in the first trimester without specific permission and instruction from your doctor. Read our article below regarding first trimester massages. [Taken from “Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy - by Leslie Stager]
We also highly recommend doing the 80 min session and really taking the time to relax into a deep state of well being. Both the mom and baby will benefit from a prenatal massage.
Dispelling the Myth of Avoiding First Trimester Massage:
Some massage therapists are taught to avoid massaging a pregnant client during the first trimester because it is believed to be dangerous. There are thoughts that massage could be disruptive to the baby's development, concerns that it could harm the placenta, or that women experiencing fatigue, nausea, or ambivalence about their pregnancy will find massage uncomfortable in some way.
Many are concerned about causing or being associated with a miscarriage that might occur, since the first trimester is known to be the time of greatest risk for miscarriage. All of these concerns are unfounded.
The first trimester is a time of great changes on many levels, all the more reason for receiving nurturing touch to help a mother integrate the changes that are occurring. There is no research that indicates that massage has caused toxic overload in a pregnant person thereby miscarriage. Therapists are aware that massage can stimulate circulation and help flush metabolic waste into the circulatory system. Acknowledging this effect, many therapists are trained to work less intensely, encourage clients to drink water and inform about soreness.
Miscarriage is extremely common during the 1st trimester, yet it occurs whether women are massaged or not. Massage has never been clearly implicated legally or scientifically as a cause of miscarriage. In the majority of cases, miscarriage occurs because the fetus is nonviable. Touch to the abdomen , unless intentionally harmful, does not hurt the baby or the mother. The uterus during the first trimester is low in the pelvis and is not palpable without deep abdominal pressure which is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. Instead, nurturing touch to the abdomen can be extremely relaxing for the mother, and most women feel that the baby is responding in a positive manner if she or he wakes up and starts moving during a belly rub.
While miscarriages do occur frequently in the first trimester, it is rarely a reason to avoid massage. It is appropriate to use precautions if a mother has a history of 3 or more consecutive miscarriages in the first trimester or is currently having miscarriage risks. In this case, while a full body (Type 1) deep massage might be contraindicated, nurturing energy work and soothing, gentle massage can still be beneficial. A medical release is highly recommended for clients with this type of history.
Massage to the legs, feet and belly during the first trimester does not cause miscarriage. There are acupressure points in the lower legs and feet that are contraindicated for acupressure and acupuncture, but general massage to these acupressure points areas will not stimulate them similarly.
The first trimester is a time when a woman often experiences enormous fatigue, confusing emotions and a flood of new sensations as her body surges with hormones. Massage can actually be a wonderful tool to help your client feel more unified and grounded in her experience of pregnancy. Acupressure points, energy work and massage can help decrease a woman’s nausea and increase her sense of grounding and vitality. Massage can support the woman’s physiology, improving hormonal function and supporting the healthy development of placenta and baby. Bodywork is not a cause of placental dysfunctions or fetal anomalies.
Massage in the first trimester should not generally be exceptionally deep and stimulating if it is a first time. It should not be avoided due to nausea as many studies indicate massage can help to reduce nausea. Usually, massage during the first trimester can help decrease anxiety and help a woman relax, have focused time to process the fact that she is pregnant, and offer her a wonderful way to enter into her new pregnancy.
First trimester bodywork has some other considerations to keep in mind. A health history is always important to obtain. Deep abdominal work is contraindicated. But for the majority of women, nurturing touch and manual therapy during the first trimester can offer wonderful musculoskeletal and circulatory benefits as well as comfort, reassurance, and relaxation that should not be missed.
[Taken from “Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy – A Practical Guide to Bodywork for the Perinatal Cycle” by Leslie Stager]
