Health, Spas, Fitness, Yoga, Wellness Information

March 30th, 2006

Holistic Massage

Holistic massage is an ancient discipline used to improve health and wellbeing by treating the mind, body and spirit as a harmonious union. Adverse effects on one also affect on the others, requiring treatment of the whole body.

Holistic massage maintains body optimal health and fitness, complements traditional medicine in the treatment of specific conditions and symptoms, and offers relaxation in individuals often chaotic lifestyles.

For people who are trying to heal a debilitating chronic illness, the use and eventual practice of one or more of the different styles and techniques, can be a very important part of a healing program.

Read more about:

Ayurveda
Cranio Sacral Therapy
Crystals and Drums
Deep Tissue
Neuromuscular Therapy
Lomi Lomi
Shiatsu
Soft Tissue
Sports Massage
Swedish
Tui Na-Chinese Massage
Massage in Spas

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March 28th, 2006

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle non-invasive yet powerful hands-on treatment. A technique of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the physiological body system -comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This therapy involves the manipulation of the skull bones (the cranium,) and the sacrum to relieve pain and a variety of other ailments.

Craniosacral therapy was developed by osteopath William G. Sutherland in the 1930s. He discovered natural movements of the bones in the head, revealing different rhythms in the body. Another osteopath, John Upledger, is the leading proponent of this treatment today. Like other holistic therapies, this one emphasizes concepts such as energy, harmony, balance, rhythm and flow.

Using a skilled touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, the therapist detect a craniosacral “thythm” in your body-mind system to release restrictions to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The balance and flow of this rhythm is considered essential to good health. The rhythm is measured by the therapist’s hands. Any needed or effected changes in rhythm are also detected only by the therapist’s hands.

During the treatment, the client is usually supine on a table. The therapist assesses the patterns of energy in the body through touch at several “listening stations” and then decides where to start that day and how to focus the treatment.

Craniosacral therapy complement the body’s natural healing process as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective to assess and treat a broad range of conditions such as:

  • Migraine Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Motor-Coordination Impairments
  • Colic and digestive problems
  • Sciatica
  • Autism
  • Central Nervous System Disorders
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Scoliosis
  • Infantile Disorders
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Emotional Difficulties
  • Stress and Tension-Related Problems
  • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-
  • Tissue Disorders
  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
  • Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Post-Surgical Dysfunction
  • It is also very effectively used for common infant problems such as colic, sleep problems, distressed crying or feeding issues.

    The craniosacral methods are based on:

  • The human brain makes rhythmic movements at a rate of 10 to 14 cycles per minute, a periodicity unrelated to breathing or heart rate.
  • Small cranial pulsations can be felt with the fingertips.
  • Restriction of movement of the cranial sutures (where the skull bones meet) interfere with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and cause disease.
  • Diseases can be diagnosed by detecting deviation in this rhythm.
  • Pain (especially of the jaw joint) and many other ailments can be remedied by pressing on the skull bones

    Craniosacral therapy helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only effecting structural change but also having wide implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting increased sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.

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