THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Healing for Every Body

This page is a general introduction to massage therapy and the massage services available at our office. Benefits of Massage Reduces Stress Relaxes Muscle Spasms Supports Immune System Function Increases Circulation of Blood & Lymph Improves Skin Tone Helps remove Nerve Interference Can help decrease or eliminate Chronic Pain Supports Structural Integrity Can calm & relax Anxiety & Depression Promotes better sleep Can improve athletic performance Lowers Blood Pressure

Many people experience that massage provides a feeling of Well Being. Massage is a way of relaxing, reviving and healing the body, mind and spirit.

Modern Massage Therapy is comprised of many hands-on healing techniques. The most popular is Swedish Massage, in which the muscles are stroked, kneaded, rubbed, and the joints are stretched to increase range of motion and circulation. This is the classic massage that most people think of when they think of massage. This type of massage is both therapeutic and feels good.

Other types of massage therapy include Acupressure, a type of oriental massage, in which the palms, thumbs, elbows and forearm are used to release trigger points and muscle spasms. Shiatsu, a Japanese form of Acupressure, has many of the benefits of Acupuncture, since both free up energy blockages. Sports Massage is an range of hands-on techniques that supports athlete's needs pre-event, post-event, during training and for sports injuries. Pregnancy Massage is adjunctive therapy that reduces the typical strains of pregnancy on the hips, low back, neck & shoulders, in addition to stabilizing hormonal levels, reducing leg cramps, reducing varicose veins, increasing red blood cell count, and preparing the mother for delivery. Deep Tissue Therapy is a whole body approach to stress, tension and pain in which the deep structural muscles of the body are released and balanced. There are many more kinds of massage & hands-on healing techniques including:

Reflexology-reflex points on the hands and feet are massaged for healing effect.

Polarity Therapy-a hands-on energy balancing method that promotes wellness

Neuromuscular Therapy-very effective deep muscle work for pain & dysfunction

Myofascial Release-stretches fascia or connective tissue to increase range of motion

Energy Healing-non-touch healing that balances the energy field of the body

Craniosacral Balancing-balances the cranial bones & cerebrospinal fluid

Lymphatic Massage-helps reduce infections, colds, flus, and lymph stagnation

Please tour our website to read more information on these techniques also known as Massage Therapy modalities. We are trained in and practice all of the techniques mentioned on this page. You can also click here to go back to the webpage describing our Services.

Types of Conditions that Massage has been shown to help:

Arthritis Asthma & bronchitis Acute injuries Car accidents & whiplash Carpal tunnel syndrome Chronic Pain Circulatory problems Depression Digestive disorders Fibromyalgia Headaches Insomnia Low back pain Myofascial strain Numbness & radiating pain Pregnancy/postpartum RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) Sciatica Sinusitis Sports injuries Stroke TMJ Dysfunction (jaw pain)

During the massage session, the client is appropriately draped and covered. Some massage techniques, like Shiatsu or Polarity Therapy, may be done with the client fully clothed.

Many insurance companies will reimburse for massage therapy with a doctor's prescription.

Most people can be safely massaged but there are a few conditions like inflammation of the veins, infectious diseases, some skin conditions and some heart problems that may be contraindicated. You may wish to consult with your physician before treatment.

You can find more information on different massage therapy and hands-on healing techniques on our website. The websites of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Touch Research Institute also have more information and research.You can also click here to go back to the webpage describing our Services.

Laurence Layne, LMT, Herbalist

Laurence is certified in numerous massage and bodywork techniques and is a Florida State licensed massage therapist, Lic. #MA0010746. He also has professional training as an herbalist. He began his study of natural healing in the late 1970s with yoga, vegetarianism, Reflexology, energy healing, and spirituality. He is a 1989 graduate from the Atlanta School of Massage, Atlanta, Georgia, where he received training in Sports Massage, Polarity, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Massage and Deep Tissue Therapy (also known as The Integrated Deep Tissue Therapy System) He has performed massage and hands-on healing on a range of clients aging from a few months old to mid-nineties. He has worked with a variety of acute and chronic conditions and is comfortable with challenging circumstances. Laurence is available to speak to groups on Massage Therapy as wellas wholistic health, herbs, and energy medicine.

© Copyright 2000, 2009 Healing Waters Clinic & Laurence Layne
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