A Brief History of Massage

Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and health practice. It was found in all major civilizations past and present.  The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians used different  forms of  massage for  ailments, and Hippocrates  wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has  proven beneficial  to a variety of chronic conditions such as low-back pain, migraine headaches, arthritis,  bursitis, etc. Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living, bringing your body  systems back into  balance.

 

 Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. It helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue.

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Hot Stone Therapy is a healing and relaxing massage which combines water heated basalt (lava) stones, therapeutic techniques, aromatherapy and warm massage oils treatment to calm and invigorate, release stress, creating a feeling of well being, balance and a sense of wholeness. Attention can be focused on areas of tension/pain; the stones retain heat and release it into the tissues, melting the stress away. Not recommended for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure.

Sports Massage is for athletes.  Sports massage techniques can be utilized at all stages:  before an event, post-event, during training, and to expedite rehabilitation after injury.

Swedish and Russian styles are most common and contain the familiar long strokes, kneading, vibration, friction, and precussion techniques. It can be applied effectively for general relaxation, general health enhancement, and many other purposes.

 The Polarity technique balances the energetic systems of the body.
 

Massage and bodywork forms of Asian origins include Acupressure, and Shiatsu. These  styles are generally focused on energy flow according to the Chinese medical model.  In acupressure and Shiatsu the characteristic technique is finger pressure on individual points.

Thai Massage- An interactive bodywork treatment using passive stretching, along with gentle pressure along chi energy lines.  Practitioners apply pressure along meridian lines using their thumbs, hands & feet to stimulate the flow of energy in the body, and in addition, move and stretch clients to free muscular and joint tension.  Designed to be both relaxing & stimulating, Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs and balances the body's energy system.  Discover increased flexibility by getting Thai'd into a knot!

*  Anyone, especially you!!

*  Caregivers- for those who care for others, for example: mothers and fathers, teachers, recreation leaders, daycare workers, nurses, and health care workers of all kinds.

*  Physical Workers- for those who stress their bodies in their work or trade, for example: construction workers, domestic and custodial personnel, truck drivers, postal workers, plumbers, electricians, painters, professional athletes, dancers, and musicians.

*  Desk Workers- for those whose work involves long hours sitting at a desk using a computer, or talking on the telephone; or at a bench assembling parts, fixing things, or creating works of art.

*  Travelers- for those spending long hours sitting in an automobile, train or airplane, for example: commuters, sales people, business travelers, and vacationers.

 

Keep in mind that the main goal of massage therapy at Spa Adagio is to bring your body into balance, in order to heal itself. Go ahead, relax and enjoy!