Massage: Which Service Do I choose?
By Melissa Satterly, LMT

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European Massage  vs   Swedish Massage, :   ‘Swedish’ refers to the most basic of massage strokes that manipulate the circulatory system.  The routine of Swedish massage focuses on bringing blood, lymph and other fluids back to the core of the body to be re-circulated or expelled.  These most basic of techniques may sedate spastic muscles (Relaxation) or excite/tonify muscles that are too lax or underdeveloped, depending on the pressure and speed used.  “European Massage” takes Swedish to the next level.  ‘European’ is a level of western-medical training 600-800 college-level hours beyond just the basics.  This style is  performed by therapists who have a degree in Massage Therapy from NYCHP  with training (1200+ hr) in the detection and specific treatment (as directed by law) of “pathologies”  (ex. muscular/joint dysfunction, physical trauma, etc).  It is a much more thorough and active massage than just  the basic Swedish massage. There is a reason for every stroke and they may vary from session to session depending on the outcome you want to have that day/week/month.  European Massage is considered Medical Massage when a doctors prescription is followed.

What if you just want a RELAXING massage?  The treatment will be at a slower pace with longer strokes and a less specific focus. Aromatherapy, heat, rocking motion, breathing, and relaxing music are used for intense relaxation.

What if I need DEEP WORK? The term “deep tissue” does not necessarily mean deep pressure. “Deep Tissue” is a set of specific techniques that are used to break up chronic pain patterns in soft tissue/joints and often begins gently as the therapist works with repetitive techniques that increase in intensity.  Tenderness is often experienced & expected for up to 48 hours after this type of massage due to inflammation that is caused therapeutically.  Home icing instructions will be given.  This is the safest and most responsible way to perform deep tissue.  I will not do deep tissue on you until I know your body, usually after the first one or two European treatments.  Often my medium-pressure European massage does the job of what most people consider “deep tissue” and we need to see how you handle that first.  Pain is not an indicator of a good massage.

Hot Stone Massage:  Has been used since the dawn of time by pretty much every culture with a written history.  Most Massage Therapists and Spas use volcanic stones (shiny & black) called basalt stones that are warmed and oiled to deeply penetrate the muscles as they are pressed into and laid upon the body.  Unfortunately these stones become cold quickly.  This is simply because they are only about 65 million years old and don't contain enough concentrated iron ore.  Metamorphic stones are 400-600 million years old and can stay warm up to 40 minutes.  These are the stones Melissa chooses to use for her clients.  This is a truly unique body treatment that will melt away any stressor that your body can dish out to you.

4-Handed Massage: A very special Swedish Massage brought to you from my practice at Naturopathica in East Hampton, New York.  It is performed by two Massage Therapists working in synch on your body to overload your senses and force you into deep relaxation.  A very thorough full body can be accomplished in thirty minutes.　

Hand and Foot Massage  vs. Reflexology?  KY State law governing Massage Therapy on the public only began in 2003 and as for now it is still legal for un-licensed people to perform foot, hand and ear massage (aka “Reflexology”). That is unfortunate because I believe that it is just as dangerous as an un-licensed massage therapist working on any other body part .  Most states have outlawed this and it is my hope that KY will eventually.  Be safe; use a Licensed Massage Therapist for all your Hand and Foot Massages.                               

Exfoliating Salt & Sugar Scrubs     These products clean skin like no soap or cleanser can by rubbing away dead cells that leave the skin dull.  The various grain shapes clean every pore and allow skin to breath easier.  With no garbage in the way, future skin layers are allowed to be regenerated properly for a firmer and more even complexion.   Sugar  Scrubs kick it up to a whole other level with naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (Glycolic acid- found in sugar cane).  These acids dissolve the dead cells on top of the skin and inside the pores thus causing them to slough off more easily.  By decreasing the thickness of dead cells on the surface, a new layer of skin with a smoother texture and a more uniform color can be revealed.

Detoxifying Mud/Clay Wraps:  You loose minerals everyday when you sweat, get stressed, take medication, etc.  Clays are mineral-rich compositions of finely ground earth and marine sediments that draw out impurities and toxins(dirt) from the skin while re-mineralizing the tissue.  This product is used directly after the skin has been exfoliated with a sugar/salt scrub. 

Aromatherapy Steam Wraps:  You choose the essential oils (lavender, lemon, etc) that will be added to your oil (sesame, safflower, grapeseed, etc).  This oil will be heated and applied to the body and then you will be tightly wrapped in hot moist towels to allow the oils to steam into your pours. Oh, so relaxing and nourishing!

Custom or Exclusive Wraps:  Are proprietary blends of exotic butters (shea, brazillian nut, almond, etc) that are combined with other , skin loving ingredients (mineral and essential oils). Often a natural exfoliating ingredient such as cloves are added to loosen dead skin cells so that new skin is nourished and glows.

Amma Therapy: This is a form of massage performed while the patient is wearing loose clothing and no oil is used.  It is based on the 5000-year-old Chinese medical model in which massage is performed and acupressure points are pressed along the body’s twelve main meridians. Dysfunctions within the body are thought to be based on “Qi” or energy blockages.

             “I personally have experienced this type of massage and it’s counter part, acupuncture, and found them to be incredibly relaxing and helped me to remove significant pain.  I am not aware of any scientific proof of their validity at this time but am aware of many practitioners making outrageous health claims to promote them.  I believe this to be quackery.  My offering of this type of Massage is strictly for the purposes of giving my clients an option to the whole do-I-have-to-take-my-clothes-off question. I believe that all hands-on body work should keep to scientifically provable outcomes as to be responsible to the public

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