Infrared Heat Therapy for Pain Relief (Copy)

I am excited to add an new therapeutic tool to my therapeutic massage services - infrared heat for pain relief.  I upgraded my massage table warmer and invested in an infrared warmer that can also be used as a full body wrap.

Yes, I know it’s HOT already, but I used it on several clients and no one asked to have it turned off because . . . Far-infrared heat is radiant heat. This is the same type of heat you feel from the sun on a warm, sunny day. It is not visible and it is not ultraviolet. Unlike a traditional saunas or table warmers which heat the body with air or steam, far-infrared sauna heats from the inside out, not the outside in. Far-infrared heat raises the core body temperature faster than either traditional sauna or exercise penetrates deeper (1” to 2 ½”) into the body and it also produces a deeper sweat (2-3 times greater).

Because of the wavelength of the infrared, it pulls toxins out of the cells. Circulation is improved because it expands and dilates the peripheral blood vessels. As a result, it delivers oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. There is an abundance of research available on the use of far-infrared therapy to successfully treat the following conditions:

Infrared Heat Therapy Helps:

• Sciatica
• Backaches
• Arthritis
• Nervous tension
• Diabetes
• Varicose veins
• Fibromyalgia
• Bursitis
• Rheumatism
• Strained muscles
• Fatigue
• Stretch marks
• Menstrual cramps

I plan to use infrared heat in two ways: Therapeutic Massage Warmer and Therapeutic wrap. 

Therapeutic Massage Warmer: 

I am now offering infrared heat to my therapeutic clients during their sessions at NO extra charge as a table warmer (you will absorb the heat from below).  Ask me about it when you book your cosult and appointment.

Therapeutic and Weightloss Wrap:

In October, I will begin offer a wrap service which the heat is wrapped completely around your body for 20, 40 or 60 minutes.   The circulation, cellulite, and therapeutic benefits are even more profound. 

Please check back for a blog on weightloss benefits, and the wrap service. 

Be Well, Jesse

646 128 5160

Additional References
Therapeutic Heat and Cold (Rehabilitiation Medicine Library), Fourth Edition, Chapter 9, Justus Lehmann, M.D.

Clayton’s Electrotherapy, Ninth Edition, Angela Forster

Heating the Patient A Promising Approach? Oxford Journals Annals of Oncology, Volume 13, Issue 8, August 2002, pages 1173-1184, J. Van der Zee

Far-Infrared Sauna Therapy, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, November 2002, Lawrence Wilson, M.D.

Thirty Years of Cardiovascular Health, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, February/March 2006, Michael Gerber, MD, HMD, MD (H)

Non Thermal Effects of Far Infrared (FIR) on Human Hepatocellular Cancer Cells HepG2 and their Tumors, Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy, December 2009, Tatsuo Ishikawa, Jun Ishibashi, Kikuji Yamashita, Shine-Od Dalkhsuren, Kaori Sumida, Takahumi Masui and Seiichiro Kitamura

Inhibition by Whole-Body Hyperthermia (wbh) with Far Infrared Rays of the Growth of Spontaneous Mammary Tumors in Mice, Udagawa Y., Nagasawa H., Kiyokawa S., September/October 1999

 

Oceanfront Massage and Facial with Friends: Day Spa in Ensenada (Copy)

This service is no longer available with Shawn as she has moved.

We do offer mobile massage, so if you have an oceanfront rental, or amazing outdoor patio we can set up our massage tables there. Request here:

I am excited to partner with an LA trained esthetician, Shawn Blake, to offer massage and facial combinations. While one person receives an amazing massage, the other is getting an amazing facial all on a private oceanfront patio in Ensenada.  The picture above will be your view you listen to the waves and birds.   

This is an exclusive experience to relax while we heal your body and mind in front of the ocean.  We take groups of two to four; while two receive massage and facial, your friends can sunbathe, enjoy conversation, or a nap in the private ocean breeze.  Our friends love this service and keep coming back. You won't find it anywhere else.  

Pricing is just $89 for each client receiving a 60-minute massage and 60-minute facial treatment. 90 minute is an option too.  We can pick you up at your downtown hotel, Starbucks, or cruise boat. 

Be Well, Jesse

Relaxation Workshop for Couples and Family II (Copy)

After many requests, I am offering a massage workshop to my clients, on August 1,  4:30 in the afternoon.  

Bring your partner or come alone to spend an afternoon learning concepts and techniques to relax your friend and family. 

We all want greater connection, and touch is the best way to connect with your partner and family. My practice as a professional massage therapist has shown me many ideas and techniques that will help you offer a relaxing massage. 

I will offer my suggestions and guided practice so you can learn how to touch safely, relaxing your partner and creating a deeper connection. These concepts and techniques are geared toward a simple, clothes on massage.

I will keep this course small, at 8 participants so each has guided practice. Participants will receive a printed page with list of techniques and ideas. 

$25USD per person

Contact me directly for more details and to reserve your spot. 646 128 5160

Por qué yo uso aceite esencial de romero mas que otros ? (Copy)

Los aceites de esencias están poderosamente concentrados de aceite proveniente de flores y hierbas.    A menudo son utilizadas en aroma terapia y masaje. Yo uso aceite esencial por el aroma, aunque no se aplica comúnmente directo a la piel.    Yo uso romero mas comúnmente porque esto ayuda a mis clientes a llegar al estrés y reducir el dolor - dos impresiones buenas de la terapia de masaje.

Yo uso distintos aceites de esencia, pero el romero es el mas consistente para empezar mi sesión de trabajo de cuerpo. Por qué? Porque sus beneficios han sido  demostrados en pruebas clínicas.

    Los beneficios que me conciernen a mi y a mis cliente son: 

1) Alivio de estrés: Cinco minutos de inhalación del aceite de romero reduce los niveles de cortisona (la hormona del estrés) en tu saliva.  Mis clientes huelen algunas gotas por 20 minutos al inicio del masaje, mientras están boca abajo. Este es el principal beneficio al que me apego.

 2) Alivio de dolor: El romero reduce la inflamación, que esta asociada con el dolor bajo, Como petición, yo aplico romero directo al dolor de manos, dejándolo que se absorba a través de la piel mas que por el sistema olfativo. Este es el menor beneficio, pero cualquier cosa ayuda - y cuando se combina con las  7 dopaminas y con los efectos de la seretonina del masaje (tomar nota de mi otro blog), la reducción del dolor es tangible.

 3) Estímulos del sistema inmune: El mismo estudio que identifico los bajos niveles de cortisona resultado de la inhalación del aceite esencial de romero también encontró que la actividad de sangre comiendo los horibles 'free radicals'. 

También uso lavander, menta, y hierba de limón. hierba de limón y menta son muy útil para despertar clientes después de sus relajación profunda - para que pueden entrar el mundo real otra vez.  Sin embargo, romero es el mas útil para mis terapias y clientes con objetivos de reducir estrés en el cuerpo y aliviar dolor.  Lo uso como una de mis esfuerza para hacer todo que puedo para apoyar la salud de mis clientes.  Si se interesa en los efectos de masaje en estrés aun sin aceites, puedes leer mi post:  http://bit.ly/stressmassage.

Jesse Atkinson, MA

Reference: http://www.psy-journal.com/article/S0165-1781(06)00011-4/abstract

Why do I use rosemary essential oil most? (Copy)

Essential oils are powerful concentrations of oils from flowers and herbs.  Often they are used in aromatherapy and massage.  I use essential oils for the aroma, but do not apply directly to the skin commonly.  I use rosemary most because it helps my clients achieve stress and pain reduction – two common goals of massage therapy.  I use several essential oils, but rosemary is the most consistent to open my sessions of bodywork.  Why? Because it benefits have been demonstrated in some decent studies. 

The benefits that concern me and my clients are:

1)      Stress Relief:  Five minutes of inhalation of rosemary oil reduces the level of cortisol (your stress hormone) in your saliva.  My clients smell a few drops for about 20 minutes at the beginning of the massage, while face down.  This is the main benefit that I whole heartedly embrace.

2)      Pain Relief: Rosemary reduces inflammation, which is associated with lower pain.  On request, I will apply rosemary directly to sore hands, allowing it to absorb through the skin rather than the olfactory system.  This is a minor benefit, but anything helps - and when combined with the dopamine and seratonin effect of massage (see: http://bit.ly/stressmassage), pain reduction is tangible. 

3)      Immune System Boost:  That same study that identified lower cortisol levels resulting from inhalation of rosemary essential oil also found that the free radical-scavenging activity in the subjects’ bodies also significantly increased.  Free-radicals contribute to inflammation and aging, generally called oxidative stress.  I beleive this because of the study.  It is pretty hard to feel an immune system boost.  

I also use lavender, lemongrass, and mint. Lemon grass and mint are especially helpful to end a massage, so the client comes back to reality from ‘lala land’.  However, I find rosemary the most useful for my clients.  This is part of my effort to give my clients the best massage therapy experience possible.   If you are interested in the stress effects of massage even without the use of essential oils, see: http://bit.ly/stressmassage.

Jesse Atkinson, MA

Reference:

http://www.psy-journal.com/article/S0165-1781(06)00011-4/abstract