About Massage

For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally and physically healing. When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body.

These signals, in combination with the healing properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect.

Massage may also enhance well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of stress hormones.

Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

Joseph's Massage

Joseph was certified as a massage therapist in 1992 and has worked in a number of integrative centers since then. Although Joseph's initial training focused on Sweedish style massage, he gained expertise in Asian techniques while pursuing his Acupuncture Degree. His sessions seamlessly integrate both Western and Eastern training:

• Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.

• Shiatsu: Finger and hand pressure are applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain and enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body's energy pathways (called meridians).

• Tuina:Tui Na, which dates back to 1700 BC, is the parent of most modern Asian bodywork forms. Many of the techniques are similar to Sweedish -- gliding (known as Tui), kneading (Nie), percussion (Da), friction, pulling, rotation, rocking, vibration, and shaking. Despite the similarities, the intent of Tui Na is more specifically therapeutic than the simple relaxation of a Swedish-style massage.

• Sports massage: Often used on professional athletes and other active individuals, sports massage can enhance performance and prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

• Trigger point massage: Pressure is applied to "trigger points" (tender areas where the muscles have been damaged) to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.

• Integrative touch: A gentle form of massage therapy that uses gentle, noncirculatory techniques. It is designed to meet the needs of patients who are recovering from both physically and mentally traumatic events.

• Lymphatic massage: Light, rhythmic strokes are used to improve the flow of lymph (colorless fluid that helps fight infection and disease) throughout the body. One of the most popular forms of lymphatic massage, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), focuses on draining excess lymph. MLD is commonly used after surgery (such as a mastectomy for breast cancer) to reduce swelling.

• Polarity therapy: A form of energy healing, polarity therapy stimulates and balances the flow of energy within the body to enhance health and well-being.