A Brief History of Massage: Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man. Records dating back as far as 3,000 years were made by the Chinese documenting its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments. Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven a benefit to many chronic conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living.

Taking Care of Yourself: Care of your body should be your top priority. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies can play an important role in your life.

Can Massage, Bodywork, or Somatic Therapies Benefit Me? Massage provides relief to people from all walks of life — the weekend or competitive athlete, the home gardener, the over-stressed executive struggling to keep pace in today’s economy. Secretaries, laborers, waitresses — anyone can feel a need for massage at some point in time. The older population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard. There are some conditions where massage is not recommended. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services. Therapeutic massage applications bring awareness to the body’s own healing and curative powers. These intended effects are accomplished through the physiologic energetic and Mind/Body/Spirit connections in a safe environment that respects the client’s self-determined outcome for the session.

Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place? Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork? Your session will be conducted by a certified professional who has received proper training, in a variety of techniques. Massage and bodywork practitioner are licensed by the state. Mary Tamblin has also received her national certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request certain techniques or modality.

Must I Be Completely Undressed? Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort.

Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe? The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

Will I Be Covered During the Session? You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged? You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, buttocks, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders.

Will Lubricant Be Used? A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed.

What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like? It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. Above all, relax and enjoy.

How Will I Feel After the Massage or Bodywork Session? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended that your drink plenty of water following your massage.