The Healing Power

Massage FAQ

What conditions are helped by a massage?
Is massage therapy a luxury?
What should I expect during my first massage session?
Where will my massage session take place?
What do I wear during the massage?
What do I do during a massage therapy session?
How does massage feel?
Will the oil used during massage make me break-out?
Is a massage always appropriate?
How long massage session lasts?
How will I feel after a massage session?

Reiki FAQ

What is Reiki?
Is Reiki religion practice?
How does Reiki works?
Does Reiki only heal physical problems?
Can Reiki cause harm?
What is Reiki session?
Is Reiki compatible with standard medical treatment?
How does Reiki heal?
How often should I receive Reiki?

1. WHAT CONDITIONS ARE HELPED BY A MASSAGE?
Therapeutic massage can provide dramatic healing results for many conditions, including: Arthritis, Asthma, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Chronic and acute pain, Circulatory conditions, Gastrointestinal disorders, Headache, Insomnia, Myofascial pain, Sports injuries, Stress and/or tension, Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), Fibromyalgia.

2. IS MASSAGE THERAPY A LUXURY?
This is a mistaken perception which is rapidly changing as massage therapy becomes increasingly accepted as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, according to one media characterization, "massage is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car. It provides a physical boost to the weary, sore and stressed."

3. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST MASSAGE SESSION?
Your massage therapist will ask you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any complaints.

4. WHERE WILL MY MASSAGE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

5. WHAT DO I WEAR DURING THE MASSAGE?
Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket all times except the area being worked on. Your dignity will be always preserved throughout the session.

6. WHAT DO I DO DURING A MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move as needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

7. HOW DOES MASSAGE FEEL?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

8. WILL THE OIL USED DURING MASSAGE MAKE ME BREAK-OUT?
Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.

9. IS A MASSAGE ALWAYS APPROPRIATE?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

10. HOW LONG MASSAGE SESSION LASTS?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

11. HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER A MASAGE SESSION?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that stimulates the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

Benefits of Massage Therapy   

Many of today's health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems.

The benefits of massage are extensive. Massage therapy treatments will have a therapeutic affect and improve health by acting directly on the Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Lymphatic & Immune systems.

MASSAGE TREATMENTS AIM TO:

• Develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function.

• Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain.

• Relax tight and tense muscles.

• Improve circulation, recovery time and immune system function.

• Reduce overall stress.

• Massage therapy is also effective in the control of chronic or acute pain, in stress reduction, and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being

• People have been enjoying the benefits of massage for thousands of years. Records indicate that it was used in several ancient societies for a variety of health reasons. Today, massage still provides benefits to all systems of the body, and we now have scientific studies to prove it. Listed below are just a few of the benefits.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

• Increases circulation and lowers blood pressure

• Relieves muscular restrictions, tightness, stiffness, and spasms

• Increases muscle length and flexibility

• Decreases pain by releasing endorphins and other natural pain reducing neurochemicals

• Strengthens the immune system

• Improves mobility and posture by freeing fascial restrictions what does it mean

• Improves condition, texture, color, and tone of the skin

• Improves sleep patterns

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS:

• Reduces the level of stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol

• Decreases stress and depression by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels

• Promotes a feeling of well being and improved quality of life

• Increases the awareness of the mind, body, and spirit connection

• In general, massage therapy will help you feel better, look younger and live longer!

1. WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki is universal life-force energy and is often referred to as “vital energy” or “ki”. The Reiki Master or practitioner acts as a conduit for this energy and passes it to others through the palms of his/her hands. This subtle, yet very effective, form of energy healing is practiced in every country of the world. It is being used in many settings including hospitals and hospice care as well as in private practice and self-care.

2. IS REIKI A RELIGIOUS PRACTICE?
No, Reiki is not a religion or system of belief. Reiki is often called “spiritual healing” because it is not guided by the practitioner. The energy has its own innate wisdom to go where it is needed and do what is necessary to bring stabilization and healing. Likewise, Reiki is not "faith healing" because belief is not necessary for Reiki to be effective.

3. HOW DOES REIKI WORKS?
We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body.

The life force is responsive to thoughts and feelings. It becomes disrupted when we accept, either consciously or unconsciously, negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves. These negative thoughts and feelings attach themselves to the energy field and cause a disruption in the flow of life force. This diminishes the vital function of the organs and cells of the physical body.

Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.

4. DOES REIKI ONLY HEAL PHYSICAL PROBLEMS?
No. Reiki heals balances and harmonizes the body, mind and spirit. It is not uncommon for a person receiving Reiki for a physical ailment to experience a release and healing of unrelated spiritual, emotional or psychological concerns. Reiki heals on all levels.

5. CAN REIKI CAUSE HARM?
Because Reiki is guided by the God-consciousness, it can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create the effect that is appropriate for them. One never needs worry about whether to give Reiki or not. It is always helpful.

6. WHAT IS REIKI SESSION?
It is relaxing, joyful and peaceful time for you. Reiki is a gentle hands-on procedure in a sequence o hands positions which cover the whole body. The benefits of the receiver is an overall feeling of deep relaxation, warmth, joy as he/she lays down on a table fully clothed and listens to a soft music and bathes in a candle light.

7. IS REIKI COMPATIBLE WITH STANDARD MEDICAL TREATMENT?
Yes, Reiki compliments and enhances standard medical treatment. In my experience, Reiki can act as a catalyst to healing when the healing process of the individual is bogged down or at a standstill.

8. HOW REIKI HEAL?
Reiki heals by opening the subtle energy channels of the body by removing energy blockages so that the natural healing capabilities of the body are allowed to work unrestrained. On the emotional and spiritual levels, Reiki can often bring new awareness that allows the receiver to leave life-limiting pain and beliefs behind. It is up to the person being treated whether or not they accept the energy being given.
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9. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE REIKI?
Any Reiki is better than none at all. You will feel the benefits of even a single session. You can't be overloaded with Reiki energy. The energy is intelligent. It knows where to go and just how much your body needs.

Benefits of Reiki Therapy

•  Helps to reduce stress, headaches, colds, cuts, burns, fatigue, stomach upsets, strains, sprains and other complaints of day-to-day living

• Promotes accelerated recovery from surgery, illness, and broken bones.

• Helps to minimize the side effects of cancer treatments and assist in gaining remission of the disease

• Eases the pain and discomfort of chronic diseases.

• Reduces the incidence of illness and injury.

• Aids in withdrawal from addictive drugs.

• Helps to overcome fear and anxiety.

• Increases the effectiveness of therapeutic medicines.

• Brings greater mental clarity and focus and aids in improving performance on all levels.

• Reiki also helps to strengthen and stabilize the immune system and brings auto-immune problems under control