The healing aspects of touch have been acknowledged for centuries by many cultures.  To touch another, to make contact with another's essence through the art of therapeutic touch is to be present to that person in Body, in Mind, and in Spirit.

Therapeutic Massage helps to produce overall wellness by reducing pain and muscle tightness through increasing the flow of blood, lymph, and energy throughout the body.  This improves flexibility, reduces stress and fatigue, helps provide relaxation, and promotes healing.  Therapeutic Massage improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, and promotes better sleep.  In addition, massage promotes the healing of soft-tissue injuries.

The room is clean, and bright, and freshly laundered sheets are used for every client.  The client's utmost privacy is always respected.  Therapeutic Massage is generally performed with the client unclothed but fully draped on a massage table, for warmth and comfort.  If desired, clients may keep some or all of their clothing on.  The practitioner always leaves the room while a client is undressing or dressing.  The client is given the choice of either massage oil or lotion, which is used directly on the skin.  Aromatherapy can also be used in the massage oil or lotion.  Quiet music is played during the session.  Hand washing is always performed before and after each session by the practitioner, a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Generally, a massage session begins with long, smooth strokes to warm the muscles and calm the nervous system.  As the session evolves and the client relaxes more, the pressure may be gradually increased to further relieve muscular tension. A good therapist will ask about the level of pressure, and a client should tell her/him immediately if there's any discomfort.  Occasionally, clients may experience some pain during bodywork but if it "hurts good," this is a sign that the body is releasing tension and the massage is effective.  Too much pain would cause the body to resist, and this would defeat the therapeutic effectiveness of the massage.

Upon the first visit, the client is asked to fill out a simple health questionnaire.  Those comments and a discussion with the practitioner help to determine if there are any conditions where massage may not be appropriate.  If the condition for which the client is seeking massage therapy worsens or does not improve, the therapist will refer him/her to the appropriate healthcare practitioner.

There are many types of massage.  At Acupuncture & Bodyworks, Janine employs many types of bodywork techniques and uses a varied approach depending on the needs of the client.  Besides basic Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Janine uses Acupressure, Trigger Point, Craniosacral, and Reflexology.

Massage may be very beneficial for pregnant women, with her doctor's approval.  At Acupuncture & Bodyworks, Janine is trained in Pre-Natal Massage.

Full-body massage includes the back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders only.  Full-body sessions last about one hour.   At Acupuncture & Bodyworks, 60- or 90-minute sessions are available.  Relaxation time before and after the session is optimal.  After receiving massage, most clients experience relaxation, greater flexibility, and, often, relief from long-term aches and pains.  In addition, because toxins are released from soft tissue during massage, it is recommended the client drink plenty of water following the session.   After a Therapeutic Massage session, many clients will likely enjoy increased energy, heightened awareness, and a better attitude toward life.

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