Frequently Asked Questions What is massage therapy? What is energy work? What is reflexology? I've had surgery. How long do I need to wait before massage? How can massage with reflexology help me? How can reflexology help me? What is a massage or reflexology session like? What do I wear? What do I do afterwards? I'm ticklish and I don't want anyone to touch my feet. What are essential oils? What is aromatherapy? Does it work? What if I am allergic to oils and fragrances? What is the value of natural and organic oils and lotions? What is massage therapy? Massage therapy is among the most ancient methods of healing known. There are hundreds of forms of massage around the world. The methods we use apply the hands to manipulate the muscles, fascia, and connective tissue in the body (soft tissue manipulation). The objective is to remove tension and improve blood and nerve supply, flexibility, and range of motion. The aim is to achieve, increase, or maintain health and wellness. Among the forms we practice are deep tissue, reflexology, relaxation, shiatsu, sports, therapeutic/medical. Services provides descriptions and prices. ~ top ~ What is energy work? Energy work as we define it is the body's bioelectrical field. The forms of energy work we practice are anatomically and scientifically based whose effectiveness has been demonstrated over time. The most prominent forms are reflexology, shiatsu, and therapeutic touch. ~ top ~ What is reflexology? Reflexology is the modern day term for an ancient practice of working the hands and feet to achieve healthful benefits. The reflexologist uses special techniques (mainly the thumb and fingers) to work the reflexes manually and skillfully to: release tension and blockages, improve blood and nerve supply, and help the body restore homeostasis (balance). Reflexology techniques differ from massage therapy techniques - and are not to be confused with foot massage. At The Stone Institute LLC we differentiate between therapeutic reflexology and relaxing reflexology. The purpose of therapeutic reflexology (reflexotherapy) is to locate tender spots (congestion) on the reflexes and work out congestion. This helps the body restore homeostasis and balance. The treatment does have a relaxing effect as tension lessened and flexibility and range of motion are improved. Relaxing reflexology employs specific reflexology techniques that release tension from tissue, improve flexibility and range of motion. No specific reflexes or congestion is identified and worked. ~ top ~ I've had surgery. How long do I need to wait before a reflexology session? Reflexology to improve blood and nerve supply throughout the body and the effected area can be performed immediately. Even following foot surgery, working the referral area speeds recovery. The research is in on therapeutic touch, a touchless technique that speeds healing by 30% or more, even with broken bones. "The sooner illness is detectable or occurs and countermeasures are taken, the more likely the body is to come into balance and health more quickly." Lok Durham ~ top ~ How can massage with reflexology help me? Working the reflex point for the target area releases tension in the target area, improves blood and nerve supply to that area, and begins the healing process. Reflexology can be performed on the reflex point or the referral area immediately following surgery. For example, working the referral area for the foot following foot surgery. Or working the stomach reflex point following stomach surgery. Physiological Effects of Massage on Circulatory Systems (blood and lymphatic systems) 1. Blood Stimulates circulation of blood through the muscles by an increase of three times faster than normal Decreases the workload of the heart Lowers blood pressure by assisting venous flow Increases red blood cell production Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, organs, glands, and brain Reduces edema when present Increases the elimination of waste 2. Lymphatic System Increases circulation of the blood increasing the number of white blood cells in circulation Increases circulation of lymph, which stimulates the immune system by circulating white blood cells Massage can increase the number of white blood cells by as much as 85% Empathetic touch enhances the immune system overall 3. Mechanical Effects Assists in the venous blood flow (circulatory system) Assists in the lymphatic flow (circulatory system) Reduces certain types of edema (circulatory system) Provides gentle stretching of tissue (integumentary, skeletal, muscular) Relieves subcutaneous scar tissue (i.e., adhesions) (integumentary, skeletal, muscular) 4. Psychological Effects "Massage is recognized as an effective tool for anxiety reduction by anyone who has ever received one . . . Increasing attention is being given to this potential application of massage therapy, particularly for cancer patients, psychiatric patients, the mentally handicapped, and the elderly." ~ Dr. Yates, Physicians Guide to Therapeutic Massage ~ top ~ How can reflexology help me? Reflexology works the reflexes of the feet and hands. Relaxing and stretching techniques thoroughly work the muscles, ligaments and tendons improving flexibility and range of motion. Working the reflexes is known to: Relax unhealthy tension in target muscles, tissue, and other parts of the body Improve blood and nerve supply Normalize body functions Help the body achieve homeostasis (balanced function) People say that tension and pain melts away leaving them feeling refreshed and relaxed. "My feet felt so tired before I came. Now they are a light as a feather." "My feet haven't felt this good in years." "My [reflexology] treatments keep me painfree." "I didn't know I could feel so good and relaxed." Physiological Effects of Massage on the Muscular System Increases tone Increases flexibility Prevents atrophy resulting from inactivity Relieves fatigue from overexertion Promotes rapid disposal of metabolic wastes Replenishes nutritive elements Reduces spasm, tension Interrupts the tension-spasm-pain cycle Physiological Effects of Massage on the Integumentary System (skin, hair, nails) Helps exfoliate the skin, which assists its function as the largest organ of elimination and respiration Makes more supple, smoother, finer, and better nourished Lessens over-sensitivity Enhances the activity of sweat and oil glands Improves the trophic state of the skin ~ top ~ What is a reflexology session like? What do I wear? What do I do afterwards? Foot reflexology - come prepared to slip off your shoes and socks and allow us to work up to the knee. Hand reflexology - we work the bare hands up to the elbow Sports or athletic massage - bring gym shorts, if possible. ~ top ~ I'm ticklish and I don't want anyone to touch my feet. Reflexology is not foot massage. The therapist uses specific techniques using the fingers and hands to apply firm pressure to stretch the feet and work the reflexes in the feet. At Soft Touch we have worked with people claiming to be ticklish and skeptical before the treatment. So far, not one person has found the treatment ticklish. Most find it extremely relaxing and beneficial. ~ top ~ What are essential oils? What is aromatherapy? Does it work? Essential oils are the aromatic oils distilled from plants. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy ("therapy using aroma or scent"). Aromatherapy is at least 5,000 years old with time-honored traditions in medical and cosmetic applications in China, Egypt, Indian, and Persia. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of certain essential oils for relaxation, inflammation, and pain relief. This is how it works: Aroma or scent is comprised of airborne particles that plants and other materials emit. We inhale these particles into the nose (olfactory system) where the olfactory nerves process the odors in the brain. As such, pure and natural scents (such as a blossom) or an essential oil extracted from that blossom affect the body and mind in predictable ways. The mints (peppermint and spearmint) are stimulating. Lavender is calming. And so forth. In our country, we are most familiar with the cosmetic applications, and the majority of products employ artificial chemicals that emulate scents. These lack the specific and complex constituents that give the scent its therapeutic effect. We use 100% natural and pure essential oils. No artificial ingredients. These are mixed into the massage oils and lotions. A diffuser disperses the aroma into the air. ~ top ~ What if I am allergic to oils and fragrances? Tell us and we'll jointly select a product. We do not use peanut oil, for example, on people allergic to peanuts. Over the years, I've found that many people allergic to the artificial chemical scents have no adverse reaction to the natural essential oils. ~ top ~ What is the value of natural and organic oils and lotions? The skin is the largest organ of the body. Whatever is placed on the skin is absorbed into the body. We like to think of it this way: Only place on your skin what you are willing to eat. We use the purest ingredients available in aromatherapy and to create our massage oils, lotions and blends. We diligently search the market to locate 100% organic products and use these whenever possible. Our products contain 100% natural and pure essential oils, organic and non-hydrogenated oils, and wholesome ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients to nourish the skin. ~ top ~