NATURAL BALANCE

Orthopedic Massage

 The specific goal of orthopedic massage is to promote a physical change in the structure and function of the neuromuscular body to facilitate healing and recovery. Most often pain and disability in the body involves the muscle structure and function for this reason concise understanding of the dysfunction and injury. The goal of Orthopedic massage, is rehabilitation. 

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The techniques used in Orthopedic Massage are designed to manage medical diagnosis such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff and knee injuries.

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Orthopedic Massage dissolves adhesions, lengthens connective tissue and normalizes muscle function, and restore elasticity. 

 

Lomilomi Hawaiian Massage

I am honored to offer you Lomilomi from the Mana Lomi Lineage of Dr. Maka'ala Yates and Jeana Iwalani Naluai of Maui, Hawaii. As an advanced student of this formal lineage, I have been entrusted with the voices and teachings of Na Kupuna, Hawaiian Elders or Wisdom Keepers. 

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Lomilomi  utilizes long fluid strokes of forearms and hands, volcanic rocks, native plant leaves,  to activate the flow of mana, or life force energy, in the recipient’s body. Emphasizing a mind-body connection, lomilomi massage treatments affect the recipient on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Hawaiians believe the bones carry the genetic memory of our ancestors and carry the content of who you are. 

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Traditionally, prayer  follows treatment and an emphasis is placed on removal of any negative mental energy the recipient may have, as this is believed to effect physical health. Other health benefits of lomilomi massage include toxin cleansing and a strengthened sense of vitality.

 

"Lomilomi is the ability to communicate down and into the bones in a gentle, effective non-warrior way." Dr Maka'ala.  

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Benefits of Lomilomi are improved circulation and immune response, increased range of motion and flexibility, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, and improved posture and healing. 

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Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses primarily on the deeper layers of muscles and the fascia. This technique involves using firmer pressure in order to reach these key areas and get them to release.

 

Deep Tissue Massage is often recommended for people who are more

comfortable with a more intense touch and sustained pressure targeting the myofascial layer. The belief that deep pressure results in the desired good Pain. The benefits of deep tissue massage are beyond question.

 

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage:

• Treats Chronic Back Pain.

• Helps Lower High Blood Pressure.

• Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Muscle Tension.

• Breaks Up Scar Tissue.

• Improves Athletic Recovery and Performance.

• Can Help with Labor Pain and Delivery.

• Reduces Arthritis Symptoms.

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Shiatsu

 

Shiatsu is a form of massage that originated in Japan and traditional Chinese medicine, and has been widely practiced around the world since the 1970s. Shiatsu means “finger pressure,” which describes the technique.

 

In shiatsu therapy, pressure with thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet is applied to pressure points on the body. This form of massage also focuses on rotating and stretching limbs, joints, and pressure points, or meridians, as they’re called in traditional Chinese medicine.

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Shiatsu is based on the Ancient Chinese science of Qi. While there is no satisfactory translation of Qi, it can be described as the subtle, vibrational energy currents found within the body, based on biology, chemistry and physics of the body.

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The practice of Shiatsu as body work is related to acupressure in that it is the application of pressure on specific points throughout the body,  primarily

focused on affecting connective tissue. It is believed that tight painful areas of the body are due to the lack of sufficient hydration and that the sustained pressure on given points can restore muscular hydration through the bio-electric conductivity of the connective tissues. 

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Each Shiatsu session are tailored to suit the needs and presentation of the client. Clients with fibromyalgia have reported significant relief through Shiatsu. Some of the many benefits of Shiatsu are:

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• Restore and maintain the body’s energy, especially helpful to those suffering from fatigue and overall weakness

• Improves hydration and muscular elasticity

• Reduces stress and tension as well as anxiety and depression

• Relief from headaches

• Promotes healing from sprains and similar injuries

• Helps bring relief to arthritis sufferers

• Reduces problems with stiff neck and shoulders as well as backaches (including sciatica)

• Coughs, colds, and other sinus and respiratory problems

• Helps those dealing with insomnia

• Aids in treatment of such various things as digestive disorders, bowel trouble, morning sickness, and menstrual problems

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Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the entire nine months of the pregnancy. Several benefits include:

• Eases stress mothers often feel before & after the birth

• Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles

• Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body

• Strengthens the immune system

• Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.

• Helps relieve anxiety or depression

• Can be used during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable

• Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth

 Pregnancy massage can include anything from a full body Swedish massage to light massage work that might include other modalities such as circulatory work, reflexology or cranial sacral therapy.  Medical massage therapists are trained to work specifically with the pregnant mother and can offer a variety of other modalities as well.

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It is best to seek out a therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage because it is important to know and understand what is and is not safe for the mother and her baby as well as having knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman.

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Proper positioning of the mother changes as her pregnancy progresses; for example, after a woman is 22-weeks-pregnant it is no longer safe for her to lay on her back or her stomach. There are deep blood vessels that can be restricted due to the weight of the baby, causing decreased circulation for both the mother and her unborn child.

If you are having a high risk pregnancy it is best to discuss your condition with your healthcare provider before seeking a therapist. After doing so you may be able to receive massage work with a written release.