Resources
Why Lymphatic Massage?
The lymphatic system is an intregal part of the immune system. Proper nutrition (free of hydrogenated foods), exercise, deep breathing and lymphatic drainage all help to keep the cells environment clean of metabolic waste thus promoting optimal health.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in inflammatory and auto immune disorders, such as arthritis, systemic lupus and fibromyalgia. Known as the "garbage disposal system" of the body, the lymphatic system has disease fighting functions in that it transports metabolic wastes. Lymphatic circulation depends upon mechanical forces such as pressure exerted in the walls of the lymphatic vessels (e.g. muscular contraction and resperation).
A sluggish lymph system caused by trauma, lack of exercise, aging, surgery, poor diet, and stress all contribute to waste accumulation that sets the body up for dis-ease. The lymph system also transports fats, vitamins, lost proteins, and cellular debris in addition to filtering the lymph and combating disease with its own immune system.
Manual lymphatic drainage and Light Emission Therapy restore lymphatic circulation throughout the body.
Barbara is a Certified Light Emission Therapist
"Massage has the power to repair the complicated machine known as the human body."
M. Rawlins, author of A Textbook of Massage; For Nurses & Beginners, 1930
Swedish Massage
Massage dates back thousands of years. Some cave paintings dated back 15,000 BC depicted a use of therapeutic touch. Ayurvedic texts talk of therapeutic massage from 300 BC. Hippocrates, the father of modern western medicine followed the science of exercise and use of gymnastics ( 460 BC). There are over 75 different massage and bodywork therapies, swedish being the most widely recognized in the US. Pehr Ling (a Swede), father of physical therapy and father of swedish massage, developed massage that promoted general relaxation, improved circulation of the body and range of motion by relieving muscle tension. His massage was a form of passive gymnastics done " on" the body. Swedish massage has five basic movements: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, and friction. In addition to the standard five strokes for Swedish massage, modified techniques have evolved which are colled ancillary movements. Those include; touch, nerve strokes, compression, trigger point work, stretching and Swedish gymnastics. A highly trained massage therapist will tailor your massage based on your needs taking into consideration adjusting pressure, speed, duration. Some of the benefits of massage are:
- Helps to relieve stress by relaxing the sympathetic nervous system.
- Helps body heal faster by restoring balance in system.
- Removes metabolic waste, excess water, toxins.
- Increases circulation thus reducing ischemia related pain.
- Interrrupts the pain cycle by relaxing muscle spasms.
So you can see why Swedish massage is Therapeutic Massage.
Barbara shares the Brevard Therapeutic Massage Office at 294 S. Caldwell Street with two other therapists. Learn more about her affiliates:
