Greenville Natural Health Center
1901 Laurens Road suite F Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 370-1140 info@greenvillenaturalhealth.com
Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
Here are at the Center we provide many different forms of therapeutic massage.
Below is a brief overview of each type of massage. Please call us directly if
you have any questions at (864) 370-1140.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy but with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion. How does aromatherapy massage work? The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin. Each essential oil has different healing properties, for example, some calm while others energize. After the consultation, one or more essential oils are selected based on what you need and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion. The subtle aroma of the essential oils fill the air around you during the massage. After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.") It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
Dry Brush Massage
If you want to improve your circulation, have healthier skin, and just plain feel great, try dry brush massage. Recommended for years in Europe by health care practioners it is still popular today. Our skin is referred to as "the third kidney" because one third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. Chemical analysis of sweat shows that it has almost the same constituents as urine. Uric acid, the main metabolic waste product and a normal component of urine, is found in large amounts in perspiration. If the skin becomes inactive and it's pores choked with millions of dead cells uric acid and other impurities will remain in the body. Then the other eliminative organs, mainly the liver and the kidneys will have to increase their labor because of the inactive skin. In addition to it's eliminative work, skin has many other vital functions. The body breathes through the skin, absorbing oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Certain nutrients are absorbed through the skin - minerals from water, Vitamin D from the sun. As you can see the skin is a vital living organ and it is important that we keep it healthy.
Some benefits of dry skin brushing: - removes dead layers of skin and other impurities - keeps pores open - - stimulates circulation in underlying tissues - stimulates nerve endings in skin - contributes to healthier muscle tone - rejuvenates complexion - looks younger - improves health generally - helps prevent premature aging.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release. Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. * The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.
Prenatal Massage
Also called pregnancy massage, prenatal massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are trained in prenatal massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Prenatal massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. It's a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one - it is also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most predominant example of traditional European massage and it is the most commonly used method in the United States. It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1830s and uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It usually goes in the direction of blood flow toward the heart because there is an emphasis on stimulating the circulation of the blood through the soft tissues of the body. Oil or cream is usually used, first warmed in the therapist's hands, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body, thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. Its active and passive movements of the joints promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is often given as a complete, full body technique where all the major muscle groups are covered, though sometimes only a part of the body is worked on.
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy but with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion. How does aromatherapy massage work? The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin. Each essential oil has different healing properties, for example, some calm while others energize. After the consultation, one or more essential oils are selected based on what you need and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion. The subtle aroma of the essential oils fill the air around you during the massage. After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.") It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
Dry Brush Massage
If you want to improve your circulation, have healthier skin, and just plain feel great, try dry brush massage. Recommended for years in Europe by health care practioners it is still popular today. Our skin is referred to as "the third kidney" because one third of all body impurities are excreted through the skin. Chemical analysis of sweat shows that it has almost the same constituents as urine. Uric acid, the main metabolic waste product and a normal component of urine, is found in large amounts in perspiration. If the skin becomes inactive and it's pores choked with millions of dead cells uric acid and other impurities will remain in the body. Then the other eliminative organs, mainly the liver and the kidneys will have to increase their labor because of the inactive skin. In addition to it's eliminative work, skin has many other vital functions. The body breathes through the skin, absorbing oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Certain nutrients are absorbed through the skin - minerals from water, Vitamin D from the sun. As you can see the skin is a vital living organ and it is important that we keep it healthy.
Some benefits of dry skin brushing: - removes dead layers of skin and other impurities - keeps pores open - - stimulates circulation in underlying tissues - stimulates nerve endings in skin - contributes to healthier muscle tone - rejuvenates complexion - looks younger - improves health generally - helps prevent premature aging.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release. Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. * The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.
Prenatal Massage
Also called pregnancy massage, prenatal massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are trained in prenatal massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Prenatal massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. It's a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one - it is also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most predominant example of traditional European massage and it is the most commonly used method in the United States. It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1830s and uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It usually goes in the direction of blood flow toward the heart because there is an emphasis on stimulating the circulation of the blood through the soft tissues of the body. Oil or cream is usually used, first warmed in the therapist's hands, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body, thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. Its active and passive movements of the joints promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is often given as a complete, full body technique where all the major muscle groups are covered, though sometimes only a part of the body is worked on.