Balance Point. Therapeutic Massage in Santa Clarita
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage Therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. It is also an alternative health option to help alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes. It can also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning, if employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury. (Massage is not recommended for at least 2 weeks after an accident.)
Massage therapists work to improve the circulation of blood through the body and to speed the removal of metabolic waste products from muscles. Their skilled kneading increases the flexibility of muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Some people visit a massage therapist to relieve pain or to warm up before a sporting event. Others want to relax and reduce stress.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?
Enhances General relaxation
Improves circulation of blood and lymph
Reduces muscular tension and associated discomfort
Improves sleep
Reduces anxiety
Increase of energy flow
Increases feelings of well-being
Enhances tissue elasticity and flexibility
Increases range of motion in joints
Relaxes tight muscles
Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
Speed up recovery from exercise
Promoting well nourished - healthy skin
Improves immune system functioning
WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE SHOULD I HAVE?
Before you look at the list below we want you to know that most of the massage sessions at Balance Point Spa include more than one modality. If we limited your appointment to only one approach we would be doing you a disservice. There is usually more than one symptom or issue to be addressed and different massage techniques are better suited to different areas and issues. It is our responsibility to look for, detect and work on you in the best way for you, so that you leave Balance Point in better condition then when you came in. You are always welcome to request a particular type of massage, and it is important for us to hear your wishes and preferences.
Be aware that many issues which have taken weeks or years to develop, cannot be completely addressed with only one or two massages. Although you may feel much better even with only one session, you will get the best results when you use massage regularly. It is especially important for to come back before your body is in dire need.
TYPES OF MASSAGE
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax your muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to your heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to your heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Friction is reduced using oil or lotion.
The strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish massage is to speed venous blood return from the extremities. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load.
Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure applied to the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously. It focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also includes pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance and lessen chances of injury & reduce recovery time.
Craniosacral Therapy
Via a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on technique, this therapy encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your brain and spinal cord system to dissipate the negative effects of stress, promote good health, and enhance resistance to disease. This therapy increases the proper direction of your nervous systems signals to your body, clearing blockages and adjusting the flow of spinal fluid
Reiki
During Reiki, which means ”universal life-force energy”, the practitioner channels what is known as universal energy. The treatment follows a traditional pattern of hand positions resting on the body without pressure. Reiki is pure energy, and brings about deep relaxation and healing. This modality is extremely calming and meditative.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This healing technique has become a popular massage choice. It blends soothing, gentle, rhythmical, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. The lymph system is only pumped by the movements of your body; therefore manual assistance helps encourage a healthier immune system. Many women receive this modality for PMS relief. This technique can be a major assistance for post surgery, especially plastic surgery and joint replacements. Also a relief for edema and major bruising, assisting with the breakup of cellulite, and other issues.
Hot Stone Therapy
Stones are heated and then placed on strategic areas of the body to soften tissues, increase circulation and provide comfort and relaxation. Massage therapists also use the stones as extensions of their hands as they perform other massage techniques. This particular session tends to bring the client to inner reflection and focus because of the placement of the heat. The massage is gentle, and the session more meditative.
Chair Massage
A short (30 minute) massage of a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. Chair massage is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for conferences, workshops and social events.
Therapeutic Stretching
Therapeutic Stretching is an additional set of techniques that may be employed alone or in conjunction with other massage methods. The therapist uses specific stretching movements to loosen the muscles. This provides increased range of motion and flexibility, relieves over-tight muscles, and allows for improved movement and release of specific muscle tension issues. It is often used in conjunction with sports massage, and is usually done with clothing on.
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