Keep Your Clothes On Relaxation

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A Different Approach

by Beth Feudale - Certified Massage Therapist

Avatar Spa, Marlboro NJ. 

You all know the amazing benefits therapeutic massage has on the body and the euphoria you feel at the end of a beautiful treatment. There really is no better way that I can think of to relieve stress while feeding the body and soul at the same time. What if I told you that you could still achieve the same level of relaxation and rejuvenation without even removing your clothes?

            Now that I have your attention I will let you in on the secret. This wonder is called CranioSacral Therapy. I know you are probably thinking “Cranio sacral what? Do I even have one of those,” and the answer is yes! CranioSacral Therapy or CST is a beautiful gentle approach in body work that is performed completely over your clothing. Like massage, CST boosts the immune system and enhances the body’s natural healing processes but its main focus is on the overall well-being and functioning of the physiological body system. This system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

 For this treatment the therapist uses no more than a nickels weight of pressure in a series of hand placements to facilitate the release of any restrictions within the body. Through the process the overall functioning of the central nervous system is being drastically improved while you are being transported into a completely relaxed alternate world. As a long-time practitioner I have seen the benefits of CST and I always recommend this treatment to those who suffer from chronic pain and illnesses.

So whether you are looking to try something new, treat chronic pain or maybe you just want to relax without taking your clothes off, CST would be a treasure of an addition to your bodywork routine.

The Cancer Massage: Touch Therapy

I have been a certified massage therapist and esthetician for over 20 years and not one week has gone by without being asked about cancer patients and massage. Massage therapy is very beneficial for all but concerns are magnified when cancer and holistic therapies are mentioned in the same breath.

While massage is not a cure for cancer no one should go untouched and if managed by a skilled therapist, massage will eliminate the enormous toxin load on the body that is synonymous with cancer treatments. Additionally, in each stage of cancer, massage can improve blood circulation, equalize blood pressure, and help with fatigue and nausea.

Lori Anderson is our certified massage therapist with additional certifications in massage therapy for cancer patients. She recommends consulting first with your doctor before beginning a touch treatment and then with your skilled therapist since the various stages of cancer will determine the type of massage you should receive. If for example a cancer patient is two to three months out from treatment then receiving bodywork that includes lymph drainage therapies, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, myotherapy and myofascial release, would be most beneficial.

For hospital or bed ridden patients, receiving a diligent and consistant regimin of cranialsacral and polarity therapy as well as reiki and therapeutic touch will prove to be a welcomed and releiving remedy to a very daunting and exhaustive process. It is never advised to receive deep tissue in any stage of cancer treatments.

To many of us are dealing with the effects of cancer either personally or through a loved one. Providing relief and healthy comfort is simply a touch away.

If you know someone that is going through cancer please share this blog with them. For more information or to consult with one of my certified therapists on massage therapy specifically for cancer patients please call Avatar Spa at 732-332-1102 or email avatarspa@yahoo.com.

Lisa Girandola is the owner of Avatar Spa in Marlboro, NJ. She is a certified massage therapist & Esthetician.