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Natural Vitality Center
225 East 64th Street
Suite 202
New York, NY 10021
TEL: (212) 888.9116
HOURS: Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
Massage Therapy
The Natural Vitality Center New York in Manhattan offers
Massage Therapy. Massage Therapy has been used in the restoration of health and well
being since ancient times. The Chinese, the Greeks and Romans all have a
long history of using massage as a therapeutic modality. The Swedish
system of massage was developed by professor P.H. Ling and introduced in
Stockholm in the year 1812. It was based on established principles of
anatomy and physiology. Professor Ling visited China where he studied
various disciplines of manipulation and Kung Fu with Taoist priests. From
these experiences Ling created Swedish Massage. Swedish massage consists
of five basic strokes/manipulations and includes a system of active and
passive exercises designed to affect and enhance the functioning of the
nervous and muscular system and the general circulation. These five
strokes are Effleurage (long, gliding strokes); Petrissage
(kneading/squeezing action); Friction (cross-fiber, deep strokes over
specific area); Vibration (used over joints); and trapotement (chopping
action).
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEDISH MASSAGE
* Relief of pain * Relaxation of muscular tension * Improves general
circulation * Enhances tissue nutrition and removal of toxins * Improves
joint and muscle mobility/range of motion * Assists in repair of
damaged/injured tissue * Creates increased sense of body awareness and
well being
Physiology of Massage
Effects on Muscle Tissue: * Aids in the removal of wastes products
from the tissues * Improves muscle tone * lessens muscle irritability *
Decreases muscular tension * Relieves pain
Effects on Circulatory System: * Accelerates venous and lymphatic
circulation * Decreases blood pressure without increasing heart action *
Increases presence of red and white blood cells
Effects on the Nervous System: * Stimulates nerve endings (sensory
and motor) * helps to relieve exhaustion * Can sedate or stimulate system
based on technique applied * Can directly affect nerve trunks
Contraindications of Massage Therapy (For Your Knowledge)
Although massage is a very safe and effective modality for enhancing your
health and well being, there are some conditions/situations in which it
should not be performed. Below are some contraindications. * Acute
inflammatory conditions * Any break or inflammation of the skin * Over
varicose veins (may be done around the area) * Persons with gastric or
duodenal ulcers should not receive abdominal massage * Cancerous growths,
cystic tumors, pus formations * During a considerate rise in body
temperature * During menstruation--it is best to wait for the body to
complete this cycle Always check with your physician or health
practitioner regarding any medical/health condition that you have before
getting a massage.
Basic Massage Therapy
Most massage sessions will last from 1/2 to 1 hour in length. An oil
massage lotion will be used on your skin to make the strokes easier to
apply. You will be draped by a sheet or towels for privacy and to keep you
warm during the session. Some therapist utilize music and/or aromatherapy
to create a relaxing and healing atmosphere. Special oils may be used for
certain conditions. When your session has concluded, it is beneficial to
rest for a few minutes before slowly getting off the massage table. Always
discuss any concerns/questions you may have with your therapist. Many
therapists require their clients to complete a brief medical/health
history form. This will aid your therapist in deciding the most
appropriate way to proceed and will bring out any contradictions to
receiving a massage. Many people from infants to the elderly can enjoy the
health enhancing benefits of Swedish Massage. Applied by a skillful and
knowledgeable therapists, it will leave you feeling relaxed and
rejuvenated.
If you are interested in having massage therapy please contact Elena Malchevsky,
Director of The Natural Vitality Center of New York, at her Manhattan, New
York office.
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