168    BATTERY  STREET,     BURLINGTON,  VERMONT    -    (802) 999.6993    -    barb@vermontwellnessmassage.com

is a "hands on" , noninvasive, holistic health-promoting art that assists the body and mind into a state of deep relaxation and feeling of well being

relaxes muscles by increasing blood circulation to the tissues thereby releasing toxins (knots) and spasm (tightness)

gives the receiver a sense of body awareness and wholeness through deep relaxation

can help reduce mental stress and fatigue can ease the pain of muscle aches from overuse, strain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, tension headaches and stress.

Trigger points (T.P) are areas found on muscle tissue that contain a build up of waste products that excite the spinal cord and cause referred pain. Often felt as 'knots', these waste products interfere with circulation of blood and oxygen through the muscle and also may restrict muscle movement.

• muscle injury
• over use
• stress, chronic and acute
• poor nutrition
• postural distortions
• hormonal imbalances

Pioneered by Janet Travell MD in the 1970's-her team found that these specific T.P's in muscles create a specific referred pattern of pain, to an area distant from the actual point.

Incorporating deep tissue Trigger Point work with massage helps bring blood circulation to the muscle, releases the muscle and removes the waste products that have developed over time.

For some bodies it will take several massage sessions to decrease the pain and tight muscles, for some, instant relief will be noted. Each body is unique.

Massage can help create an awareness of how your body is used during the day and how emotions and stress affect the body. This awareness and release of tension can bring on a feeling of rest, peace and relief.

Refers to a holistic style of massage that is free-flowing, intuitively based and unique to each body.

Long, sweeping strokes towards the heart are combined with gentle stretches that assist the body to open, creating space and encouraging muscle relaxation.

Specific muscle tensions can be released with focused deeper work incorporated into the massage.

The goal for Swedish/Relaxation wellness massage however is overall deep relaxation, body awareness and feeling of being a whole, complete body from head to toe

Myofascial Release Massage addresses the quality of muscle and fascia through the body. Fascia lies under the skin, covering the entire body structure, including organs. Fascia essentially gives our body shape.

When there is tension in the body, the fascial system can become overloaded, creating pulls and restrictions that affect the entire system.

Through myofascial massage, restrictions are released, structure restored. This release contributes to relief of pain, easier movement and less tension.

For severe long-standing restrictions myofascial massage is most effective when used in conjunction with chiropractic and physical therapy.

Pregnancy is a wonderful and changing time for a woman as she adjusts to becoming a mother and the physical changes of her body. Massage is a nourishing gift to give to oneself during this time as it provides rest and comfort for the mother. Massage can also ease the physical discomforts that arise as the body grows, specifically at the mid, low back, buttocks and neck.

In my practice I work with women in their second and third trimesters as their body changes. I use a combination of long, sweeping strokes to relax and firm kneading to release tensions, always to the mother's comforts.
 
 

During pregnancy, there are times when it is best to avoid receiving massage. It is always a good idea to talk with your midwife/doctor to be sure that massage is appropriate. The following is a list of reasons when massage is contraindicated.

• morning sickness, nausea, vomit
• vaginal bleeding
• fever
• decreased fetal movements in 24 hours
• pain in abdomen or elsewhere
• new or excessive swelling in arms or legs
• varicose veins/blood clots