MASSAGE

Body Balance Institute Blog

Therapeutic touch combined with the natural healing processes of the body is a restorative and preventative treatment effectively countering the wear and tear of day-to-day activities.

Whether it’s strenuous exercise, on the job injury, a sprain or strain, or maybe you just need a stress-relieving break, massage therapy helps the body heal, recover, detoxify, and de-stress.

Massage Modalities Offered at BBI:

Swedish Massage

This soothing and stress relieving style of massage is a gentle way to release tension, improve flexibility and promote circulation. Pressure can range from light to strong depending on your preference and can focus on the entire body or a specific area. Swedish massage will flush toxins out of your body and keep your muscles, ligaments and tendons soft and supple.

Deep Tissue Massage

Also called Connective Tissue massage, Deep Tissue massage feels great and is extremely beneficial to your health. This is a corrective and therapeutic style of massage that focuses on realigning the deep layers of fascia, tendons and muscle that can be associated with chronically tense areas of the body. Some of the same strokes are used in Swedish massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue from old and recent injuries, and with regular maintenance, can help prevent injuries as it loosens muscle tissue, releases toxins, and gets blood and oxygen circulating through your body. As with any massage therapy and bodywork, make sure to drink plenty of water after your session.

Ashiatsu Massage

Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique using deep gliding pressure over your body. Bars overhead are used by the therapist during the massage session for balance and support. Combining gravitational force with centripetal and centrifugal movements, Ashiatsu techniques are used to create a structural change in chronically tight muscles and soft tissues. This translates to a deeper relaxation with “pain-free” gliding strokes that stimulates the lymphatic system, creating a full-body calmness and well-being. Sweeping deep compressions are used to relieve chronic pain, improve posture, reduce swelling and inflammation of the spine, and of course create relaxation.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage combines a series of therapeutic techniques that help prevent sports related injuries or treat existing injuries. This type of massage is effective before, during, and after an event, and can enhance performance. Sessions focus on specific areas of the body the client wishes to target and have the most beneficial effect with regular maintenance.

Pregnancy Massage

Used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress and relieve muscle tension, therapeutic massage offers incredible benefits to women who are pregnant. Studies show that massage performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, help skin elasticity, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Typically, clients are in a side-lying position, which offers a wonderfully comforting and safe experience. As with any new therapy during pregnancy, consult your midwife or obstetrician before scheduling your first appointment.

Tui Na

A Chinese therapeutic modality that uses massage techniques and joint manipulations to address patterns of disharmony within the human system. Tui Na helps to relieve blockages and correct imbalances.

Swe-Thai

This form of massage combines techniques from Thai and Swedish massage styles and is preformed on the table to create a deeply relaxing experience. Swe-Thai is a specific modality created by Margie Meshew after years of study in Thailand.

Lymph Drainage Therapy

This technique involves the application of light, rhythmic strokes to help alleviate various conditions related to the body’s lymph system. Among other things, the lymph system is responsible for flushing out toxins and draining fluid, which supports a healthy immune system. When lymph circulation stagnates, however, fluid can build up and cause physical problems, such as inflammation, edemas and and neuropathies. LDT enables practitioners to restore proper lymph flow by using a “mapping” system to assess congested areas in the body, then apply gentle, pressure using the fingers and hands on these areas to reactivate proper circulation.