R. Erin Vaughan, LMT
MASSAGE MENU:
DEEP TISSUE Intelligent, explorative, and strong work to assist clients in their healing process. Experienced therapist Erin Vaughan, LMBT offers sessions for chronic pain patterns including neck, shoulder, TMJ, SIJ, postural imbalances, and trauma recovery..
TRIGGER POINT, or pressure point massage was developed by Dr Janet Travell, the personal doctor of President Kennedy. It is very similar to the ancient systems such as Shiatsu. Trigger Points are small areas of muscle tissue that have contracted forming "knots" that can range in size from a pea to and egg. These knots can be painful themselves, or refer pain to other areas of the body. Headaches, low back pain, neck tension, shoulder pain, jaw pain, foot pain, hand and wrist pain, even abdominal pain, can be caused by trigger points. A knowledgeable therapist can help locate and release these points and demonstrate effective self-treatment techniques.
POSTURAL BALANCING - Deep work focusing around the sacrum, pelvis and psoas muscle. [See figure to right]
DEEP NECK RELEASE - A full session spent on the neck, head, and upper shoulders, especially the small muscles at the base of the skull. This addresses deep rooted tension and can benefit those who suffer from stiff neck, headaches, blurry vision, and/or anxiety.
ABDOMINAL MASSAGE - Gentle clock wise kneading assists in waste removal and stimulation of the natural intestinal movements. Greatly aids in the elimination of bloating and constipation.
TMJ ( JAW) RELEASE - A short session usually performed at the beginning of a longer session. The therapist will use a gloved hand to apply pressure to small muscles inside the mouth.
DEEP FOOT RELEASE/REFLEXOLOGY - A full session spent on the feet and lower legs. This session can benefit the whole body, the posture, and digestion. Most people enjoy a bit of foot work at the beginning or end of every session
How Does Massage Work?
The whole person can be positively impacted by professional massage. Massage can cause your body to release natural painkillers. It is in itself an enjoyable and healthy activity.
Circulation: Skillful manipulation of the muscles increases circulation of the blood and lymphatic fluids. Massage increases the amount of blood pumped to the heart due to the expansion of the capillaries. This causes a temporary reduction in systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, as well as a slight increase in the heart rate.
Joints: Massage can soothe joint pain caused by injury, inflammation, and every day exertion by promoting increased blood flows to the affected areas and relieving muscle tension surrounding the joint.
Lungs: Breathing can be greatly improved through massage of the chest, shoulders, and back. Reducing tension in these areas can assist in the removal of congestion from the lungs, aiding respiratory conditions and increasing the overall sense of well-being.
Skin: Massage stimulates circulation to the skin renewing its natural glow. It aids in removal of excess fluids and puffiness thereby removing additional toxins from the body. It is important to drink extra water before and after your massage.
Nervous System: The nervous system regulates all other systems of the body. Through massage the nervous system is calmed, allowing better communication with the organs, helping them to operate more effectively.
Digestive System: Stress and poor eating habits can prohibit this system from working efficiently, resulting in indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Massage can improve the functions of the digestive system and relieve these symptoms by stimulating peristalsis, the natural movements of the intestines. Abdominal massage is especially helpful in removing waste and toxins from the body.
Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a part of the body which helps fight infection and remove toxins from the body. It plays a vital role in overall health. Massage eases congestion in the lymphatic system and has been shown to stimulate the immune system.
Muscles: Massage releases built up tension from tight muscles, enabling them to once again work efficiently. Many athletes rely on massage to speed recovery after exertion and to improve performance.
Emotions: The negative emotions we sometimes store inside can lead to tension in the muscles, which can be alleviated through the movements of massage. The counter-pressure on the muscles dissipates tension, freeing it to be converted into energy. Massage is commonly used to encourage recovery in patients following trauma such as cardiac arrest. It can be a helpful and enjoyable addition to any weight loss program.
Scientific Studies Have Shown:
• Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
• Pain. Pain was decreased in studies of people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgeries. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required. Results will vary depending on individual circumstances.
• Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles and help block pain.
• Infant growth. Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
• Children with diabetes. Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
• Sports-related soreness. Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
• Alcohol withdrawal. Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.
• Immune system. People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
• Cancer treatment. People with cancer who received regularly-scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.
• Self-esteem. Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities
Never Had a Massage? Here’s what to expect.
Be sure to let your therapist know if you have any of the following conditions:
• Burns or open wounds on the area to be massaged
• Had a recent heart attack
• Cancer — you'll want to avoid direct pressure on the tumor area
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Unhealed fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged
• Severe osteoporosis
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications such as Blood Thinners that cause you to bruise easily.
