Find Holistic Massage Therapists near you

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FAQs:

What is Holistic Massage Therapy?

A holistic approach to massage therapy touches an individual’s whole being – physical, emotional, and mental. Holistic massage therapies hold the possibility of reintegration, are person-centered, and are guided by principles of awareness, sensitivity, and quality of touch. These attributes help us as holistic massage practitioners to work with clients, applying skills and techniques appropriately. As a form of healing, holistic massage therapy aims to achieve optimal health and body wellness. It aligns all your parts, including your body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Holistic massage therapies like Tuina and Shiatsu are part of holistic healing; others include reflexology, acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, and Reiki.

Why is Holistic Massage Important?

As a result of its comprehensive approach, holistic massages provide multiple benefits among which we can highlight the following: an increase in energy and mental clarity, heightened concentration, posture improvement and muscle tension relief, better circulation, an improvement in the elasticity of the skin ... This list of advantages, which could be endless, also includes a strengthening of the immune system, an improvement in self-esteem and a higher quality of sleep.

Is Holistic Massage Better Than Deep Tissue Massage?

All things considered, both holistic massage and deep tissue massage therapies offer distinct yet beneficial qualities for your varying soul healing needs. For overall natural health, stress relief and total body rejuvenation, go for holistic massage therapy. If, on the other hand, you want to be free of chronic pain and regain flexibility in your movements, then deep tissue massage may be right for you.

Who Can Benefit From Holistic Massage Therapy?

Virtually everybody can benefit from massage therapy, including people who have specific medical conditions that could benefit from massage. It’s also great for people who lead very active lifestyles, as they are likely to have wear and tear on their bodies. However, people who work in offices may also feel wear and tear on their spine or shoulders. Massages can help these body symptoms as well!

What is the Difference Between Holistic Massage Therapy and Massage Therapy?

The main difference between holistic massage therapy and massage therapy is the approach and philosophy behind each practice.

Massage therapy typically focuses on the physical manipulation of soft tissues to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. It is often used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Holistic massage therapy, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach, focusing on treating the whole person, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is based on the principle that the body is a holistic system, and that by treating the body as a whole, rather than just treating specific symptoms or conditions, it is possible to promote healing and improve overall health.

In addition to the physical manipulation of soft tissues, holistic massage therapy may also incorporate other techniques such as aromatherapy, energy work, or meditation. The aim is to promote balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit, and to enhance overall health and well-being.

Overall, while both massage therapy and holistic massage therapy involve the manipulation of soft tissues to promote physical and mental well-being, holistic massage therapy takes a more comprehensive and integrative approach, focusing on the whole person rather than just the physical body.

What is Massage Therapy Used For?

Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.

How Do Massages Make You Feel Better?

This is because your brain releases feel-good chemicals and pain diminishes. The therapist’s touch causes an immediate reaction in your brain. As soon as your skin’s nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high. As a result, stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss.

If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins will help diminish them by blocking pain signals from the brain. And if your muscles are sore after a rigorous workout, a good rubdown will actually help them heal faster. Researchers found that massage decreases the inflammation caused by exercise and increases the occurrence of cell repair.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

A massage is a great tool for relieving stress, improving mood, and increasing the overall quality of life and productivity. You’ll often feel better for a full week before you’ll start to notice the need for a return visit unless you are dealing with pain or injury. Your tension headaches will disappear, your energy will increase, and your mental health will improve. Is there such a thing as too many massages when you have benefits like this?

Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you’ll be able to determine the best frequency because your body’s response is a large part of this determination.

You should go at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. The longer you wait though, the more often you’ll start the process of loosening up your muscles because they tense up if you don’t go often enough. Try different techniques, such as deep tissue massage and stress massage depending on your needs.

When your body starts to feel stiff and sore, it’s telling you that it’s time for a massage again, but the type of massage you may need could vary depending on your body’s needs.

How Long Do The Benefits of Massage Last?

Everyone has a different body type making it difficult to predict how long the benefits of massage will last. However, there are some external factors that could help us determine how long the benefits will last. The benefits last differently for different people depending on the life they live and the type of massage they get.

For example, if you live a stressful and hectic life, then the benefits won’t last long as compared to someone who lives a relatively stress-free life.

On average, the benefits of massage can last up to a month or as little as 1 day. On average, most people notice the benefits for about a week. This is one of the reasons it’s recommended that you get a massage on a regular basis.

If you are trying to treat a medical condition through massage, then regular massage can go a long way. A study revealed that for patients with osteoarthritis, regular massages can not only reduce pain but also aid in its treatment.

How Much Does a Massage Cost?

Prices vary greatly for massages in the United States. A 60-minute massage is usually $60 to $150. Most therapists will expect a 15 to 20 percent tip on top of this. However, some places don’t accept gratuity.

These types of massages may cost more than a basic massage:

- aromatherapy

- hot stone

- prenatal

- sports

- therapeutic, like craniosacral and myofascial release

You can check out a massage school in your area or find a massage therapist who works at home if you want to find massages at a more reasonable cost. Insurance sometimes covers massage therapy if you can show it’s being used to treat a medical condition. Sometimes, insurance companies will cover massage therapy if it’s part of chiropractic care.

What is a Massage?

Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is generally for the treatment of body stress or pain. In European countries, a person professionally trained to give massages is traditionally known as a masseur (male) or a masseuse (female). In the United States, these individuals are often referred to as massage therapists, because they must be certified and licensed as "licensed massage therapists". In some provinces of Canada, they are called “Registered massage therapists”, as they are regulated health professionals.

Massage for Treatment of Some Disorders

Research indicates that massage and myotherapy are effective in managing:

- subacute/chronic low back pain

- delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

- anxiety

- stress

- soft tissue injuries

- high blood pressure

- insomnia.

They can also be effectively used to support people with:

- a chronic disease

- a life-threatening illness such as cancer

Reasons to Seek Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is generally thought of as a way to pamper yourself and relax after a busy week. However, the scope of treatment that massage offers is much greater than just a luxury pampering session! There are numerous other benefits to massage therapy – here are a few of the top reasons people seek massage.

1. Relaxation

One of the most common reasons for massage is to relax; for most people who have a jam-packed, busy schedule, massage is a great way to take some time for themselves to de-stress and take a break. Not only is it the perfect way to unwind, but incorporating massage into your busy lifestyle is incredibly important for your overall mental and physical health.

2. Health and Structure

Many people book a massage appointment to treat injuries or aches and pains. Whether you are an athlete, a person who suffers from arthritis, or someone who has a stiff neck from working at a computer, massage is commonly sought after as treatment. There are specific massage techniques that can help a multitude of injuries and medical conditions. There are also clients who stick to a strictly healthy lifestyle that are in need of a way to detox and energize their bodies. The massage will allow blocked energy to flow freely through the body and stimulate the body into detoxifying toxins and wastes.

3. Recharge, Rejuvenate, and Re-energize

Another typical reason a person seeks a massage is that they are just exhausted. Mentally, physically, due to illness, stress, or just daily life, it doesn’t matter – they are completely drained of energy and are searching for a way to renew themselves. Massage allows the client to rebuild their natural energy and boost them back up to normal.

4. Connection and Reconnection

Massage offers a very personal and close experience with another human, which is what many people crave. In today’s world of technology, human connection is seriously lacking. Massage is all about touch, and touch is the fastest way to connect with others.

5. A New You

It is no secret that after a massage, you leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle anything. Many clients are seeking this sort of mental and physical change from treatment. Massage transforms the person’s physical being and mental state, which will spill over into a transformation for the rest of their life.

10 Benefits of Holistic Massage

Holistic massage therapy provides various physical, spiritual, and mental benefits.

Physical Benefits of Holistic Massage:

1. Holistic massage therapy improves sleeping patterns for many people. Because massage loose muscles and encourage better movement patterns.

2. It eases headaches and gives you the capability to think clearly.

3. When stiffness in muscles reduces, the blood flow will increase. The improved circulation results in many benefits that extend beyond physical health.

4. It helps reduce toxins in the muscle tissue, relieving muscular pain.

5. Massage’s physical and mental effects will reduce tension, making you feel more relaxed. It will shed tension you didn’t know you were holding on to.

Mental and Spiritual Benefits of Holistic Massage:

6. The therapeutic sensation of massage releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone.

7. It improves sleep and increases metabolism, which increases energy for daily activities.

8. Holistic massage therapy can help people who are suffering from depression.

9. Massage therapy combats anxiety by taming the fight or flight response and alleviating symptoms.

10. It also provides a space to distance yourself from the hectic rush of daily life. It can help you make better decisions in your personal and professional life by improving mental clarity.

Types of Holistic Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been known to alleviate pain, such as lower back pain, neck and joint pain, headaches, and more. Sore muscles, increased circulation, increased nerve flow, lower blood pressure, improved immune system, ease of depression and anxiety, increased flexibility and mobility, and reduced inflammation are a few other benefits that holistic massage therapy can provide. The following go into more detail about each type of holistic massage therapy:

1. Shiatsu – meaning “finger pressure” and an ancient technique from Japan, this method combines gentle stretches of the finger to find various pressure points on the client.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine – herbal medicine and acupuncture are a few techniques that fall under this category, and they have been known to help with headaches, nausea, and premenstrual syndrome.

3. Hand & Foot Reflexology – based on practices that have been used in various cultures for thousands of years, this method focuses on specific “reflex” points on the hands and feet that correspond to every part of the body for healing.

4. Acupressure – refers to the gentle pressure of the fingers on points that are located on major “meridians”, with the main goal of balancing the body’s energy

5. Energy work – the Chinese concept of “chi” refers to one’s life force energy, and energy work uses body electricity to balance out the person’s energy field

6. Rocking & Shaking – simple as it sounds, rocking and shaking, just as what may have comforted you as a child, has been shown to relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and bring the body to balance.

7. Thai Massage – often described as having someone “perform yoga on you”, this practice involves rhythmic pressure on your body, thumb pressure along certain lines, and stretches.

What Happens During a Massage

The therapist will leave the room and allow you to undress to your level of comfort and get snug underneath the cover, face down on the massage table. The therapist will always knock before they enter, and leave plenty of time for you to get comfortable and prepare for the massage, so try not to rush. Rushing will increase stress levels and your muscles will tense, so it is important to try to relax as much as possible before your massage.

The therapist will uncover the sections of your body they are massaging, leaving the rest covered, so you are warm and comfortable. A good massage therapist will never leave you feeling exposed. The therapist may ask you if the pressure of your massage is alright. Do not feel worried about telling the therapist that it is too much or too little pressure, as every person is different and a good massage therapist will not take offense and will try to get the massage perfect for you.

Most people like to close their eyes and relax, but if you prefer to chat or have any questions to ask then feel free to ask them. It’s all about your relaxation and you should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

What Happens After a Massage

Your massage therapist will let you know the massage is complete (or gently wake you if you were lucky enough to nod off!) and then leave the room to allow you to redress. Try not to sit or stand up too quickly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage, especially if the room is dark and warm. Sit up slowly, and take your time when you stand up and dress.

Make sure to drink lots of water after your massage as this should help with the dizziness if you have any, and flush out any toxins released during the massage.

Most people feel extremely relaxed. You may feel the freedom from long-term aches and pains and increased energy which may last for days afterward. If you have gone for a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly tender to start with, but after your muscles get used to the relaxed state, you should feel much better.

Contraindication for Massage

While massage has many benefits, some caution needs to be taken since there can be certain medical issues involved with giving a massage. First, vigorous massage strokes should be avoided when working with people who have a bleeding disorder or those who may be taking a blood thinner.

Second, a massage shouldn't be done in any area of the body where there may be blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, and healing from a recent surgery.

Third, although massage therapy is generally safe for cancer patients, it's best to have the patient consult with their oncologist prior to receiving a massage.

And fourth, pregnant women should also consult their healthcare provider prior to using massage therapy and then should seek a therapist who is specially trained in massage therapy during pregnancy.

A contraindication in a massage is a reason why a massage therapist or practitioner would not give a massage to a client because it may cause harm in some way. Contraindications in massage can be broken down into two categories. A local contraindication in a massage is when a massage can't be performed over a certain area. Oftentimes a massage can be done to the rest of the body, but not to the area that is contraindicated.

A total contraindication in a massage is when a massage shouldn't be performed under any circumstance.

Local Contraindication in Massage

Contraindications for a massage can be discovered when the massage therapist is doing his/her assessment and intake. Some examples of areas of local contraindications include:

- Varicose veins

- Lumps or bumps that are undiagnosed, or haven't been cleared by a medical profession

- Severe bruising

- Deep or open cuts

- Frostbite

- Sunburn

- Areas of recent local surgery

Total Contraindications in Massage

For those with certain medical conditions, massage should be entirely avoided. Some examples of total contraindications include:

- Having significant fever

- Contagious diseases such as the cold or the flu

- Recent operations or acute injuries

- Severe, unstable hypertension

- Local contagious or irritable skin conditions

What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy

Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrates your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.

2. Take A Shower Immediately

By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorbed your skin cells within an hour.

3. Taking a Hot Shower

After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.

4. Eating A Large Meal

After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.

5. Drinking Coffee

After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to take a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.

6. Drinking Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.

7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities

After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. It is best for your body and mind to relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.

8. Stressing Yourself Out

One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!

9. Forget to Stretch

You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.

10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist

If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.

How to Find a Massage Therapist

Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.

Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:

- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?

- What are your training and experience?

- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?

- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?

A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever

Sources:

Meridian Spa

Avalon Malibu

Seity

Wikipedia

Canyon Ranch

Alpha School of Massage

Loving Life

Healthline

Better Health

DIMS

Tay Medispa

Study

Evergreen

Mayo Clinic

Park Piolets

NIH

Easy Massage Chair

Pippa’s Movement Therapy

Holistic Vibrancy

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.