Name: Massage Therapy & Spa Services
Address: 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4, Lansing, MI, 48911-6912, US
Telephone: (517) 898-2899

Bamboo Fusion Massage: A Great Technique for Deep Tissue Work

Bilky Joda-Miller On December 4, 2017 / Massage Therapy / 3 Comments

What is Bamboo Fusion Massage?

Bamboo fusion massage, sometimes referred to hot bamboo massage, is a fairly new type of massage therapy made popular by Nathalie Cecilia.

The technique uses warm bamboo sticks for deep tissue massage work. The bamboo tool allows the massage therapist to use more strength and stamina for deeper pressure. The smooth sticks allowed for more penetrating maneuvers and make deep-tissue work easier.

Bamboo fusion massage is at the forefront of the massage industry, becoming the new treatment at top spas and resorts around the country. All Body Kneads is one of the first massage therapy locations in Lansing to bring this technique to the area.

This wonderful technique promotes a deep sense of well-being and delicious relaxation. Many clients report that the positive effects of the bamboo tools seem even longer lasting than deep tissue massage without the bamboo sticks.

Who “Kneads” Bamboo Fusion?

Anyone who enjoys massage therapy or requires it for healing can benefit from bamboo fusion massage. The method allows the message therapist to apply more pressure in an even manner over a large area, so patients who like deep-tissue work and harder massage pressure may prefer bamboo fusion massage.

How is the bamboo used?

Bamboo fusion massage uses different lengths and diameters of bamboo sticks and stones. The smooth bamboo is warmed and then used as part of the massage therapy, much like hot stones are. However, bamboo holds heat longer than stones do.

The bamboo sticks are wrapped in a heating pad to warm them. The bamboo is easily cleaned and sanitized with antibacterial wipes.

During the massage the bamboo sticks serve as an extension of the hands and the therapist can easily palpate, find tension, and dissolve knots and trigger points. They are also used to knead and stretch muscle and fascia in all directions. The pressure can be as light or as deep as necessary.

Massage lotion or oil is used with the bamboo. A twelve inch bamboo stick is used for large areas to knead the muscles and also uses a crisscross technique to stretch fascia. The shorter tools are used for small areas and deeper work. The warmth brings relaxation in a shorter time as it quickly penetrates to relax the muscles.

Schedule a Bamboo Fusion Massage today and experience a deeper sense of calm and healing.

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Bilky Joda-Miller On November 21, 2017 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, you already know that your body is undergoing tremendous changes. Some of the changes can be uncomfortable, and pre-natal massage can help!

If you do everything you can now to prepare your body for birth, the process will go much smoother and your recovery postpartum with be much quicker. Right now, the focus should be on you and your body. Once your bundle of joy arrives, everyone’s attention shifts to the baby. Don’t forget to take care of you!

The overall goals of pregnancy massage, or prenatal massage, are to:

minimize stress
promote relaxation
prepare the muscles for childbirth
relieve lower back pain
reduce swelling of hands and feet
eliminate headaches
relieve calf cramps
promote good sleep
relieve sciatic pain
relieve sinus congestion

Related: A birth doula will use massage techniques before, during, and after birth.

How Pregnancy Massage Helps

The act of massage, including manipulation of soft tissues, stroking and stretching of muscle, tendons and ligaments achieves the following:

increase of blood circulation
more oxygen and nutrients are available to the tissues
removal of metabolic waste products that have built up in the muscles
improved muscle pliability
improved joint flexibility
decrease muscle tension
calming nervous irritability

All of these things sound amazing, right?

Precautions for Pregnancy Massage

In most cases, pregnancy massage by a trained professional massage therapist, specifically someone who has experience with prenatal massage, is safe for all stages of pregnancy.

However, there are certain instances where it may not be good to receive pregnancy massage or precautions your pregnancy massage therapist should take.

The following are circumstances in which your primary health care provider advice is important and should be in the loop for you to continue massage during your pregnancy:

Heavy vaginal discharge (watery or bloody)
Preeclampsia
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Contagious Illness
Morning sickness
Fever
Abdominal pain
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Any malignant conditions
Unusual pain

Please consult with your primary care physician & OBGYN when you decide to get prenatal massages.

What To Expect During a Pregnancy Massage

You can wear as much or as little clothing as you feel comfortable wearing during your massage. Often times the massage therapist will position you on your back, side, or on your belly with a special pregnancy massage table that allows for your growing baby.

Be sure to let the massage therapist know if you:

are uncomfortable
are hot or cold
would like more or less pressure
if you have to go to the bathroom

Post-partum and Infant Massage

Massage, after you give birth, is extremely beneficial to the healing process as well as the stresses of new parenthood. Learning how to massage your baby will increase bonding and provide relaxation and better sleep for your baby.

Check out our pregnancy massage services today!

Masseuse or Masseur vs Massage Therapist

Bilky Joda-Miller On April 19, 2017 / Massage Therapy

These words are big for the massage industry, so how do we correct and not offend clients that call you a Masseuse (woman) or a Masseur (man) when referred to as a masseuse or masseur. The words mean to knead or Rub muscles. To understand the reasons these terms are unsavory it calls for a bit of a history lesson and an explanation these terms. The terms Masseuse or a Masseur came about in France in the late 1800’s and they remained popular in this country through most of the 20th century, however the word/terms were hijacked by prostitution industry.

The original term referred to and described men and women who made a living by providing massage and were paid for their work, it did not mean happy endings. This was not meant as a derogatory term it was a legitimate business and treated as such. People have been providing and receiving massage therapy for centuries, for over 2000 years. Massage has its origins in African, Chinese, Greek, Hawaiian, Japanese, Indian among other cultures. Massage has been used as more than just a treat or luxury but as a healthy therapy.

Between the 1930’s and 1950’s the terms Masseuse and Masseur got hijacked by the prostitution industry in order to advertise and promote their business prostitution under the guise of a legitimate massage business. So, while both these terms are not wrong when used in the pure sense, it’s still looks at by most the population as unsavory and associated with happy endings. Hence the dilemma for trained massage therapist.

In today’s world, unfortunately there are still people out there that think massage therapist do happy endings, and this might put a massage therapist working alone in an unsafe situation. A massage therapist might find herself having to defend herself from a client that is either overly eager, aggressive, or just one that doesn’t realize that what they are looking for is not something a massage therapist offer or provide. Most of these clients usually don’t retaliate once a therapist explains it to them, they don’t provide that kind of service and asks them to pay and leave but some do not respond kindly.

In today’s world, if you listen or watch T.V. you still find that even legal entities snicker and giggle at the mention of Masseuse or Massage Therapists. Massage therapist have worked really hard to move past this unsavory reputation. Massage Therapists meet licensing and educational requirements, which has allowed for the protection on the Term Massage Therapist and the term Massage Therapist can no longer be used by just anyone, you must be educated and licensed to use the term.

The term most Massage Therapists in the industry today prefer is Massage Therapist because a legal license protects that title to practice. The license tells everyone that the therapist has credentials to back them up, that the therapist has been to school and graduated from a massage school or program. The massage therapist has passed a licensing exam and paid for a license to practice and participate in obtaining continuing education units. These Massage Therapists also follow standardized rules and ethics approved by a licensing board. Most Massage Therapist also have liability insurance as well as follow a strict code of conduct. A therapist that doesn’t and are found working outside the scope of their practice or outside the law will risk losing their license and have their privileges revoked by the state or governing body.

Most Massage Therapist understands that the public isn’t using the term maliciously and the just need to be educated when it comes to these terms. Most massage therapist would rather not be referred to as a Masseuse or a Masseur at the same time they don’t make a huge deal about it. We know this is not meant as an insult or meant to be derogatory, 99% of the time and we gently correct the client or person. Using the term might elicit a humorous explanation of the correct term or by referring to ourselves as Massage Therapists.

National Healthy Skin Month (Skin Care Tips)

All Body Kneads On November 1, 2013 / General / Leave a comment

Healthy Skin Care Tips

With the Fall season in full swing, welcome to not only November but National Healthy Skin Month! The health and conditions of your skin are at risk all year long, not just tanning and bikini season. So here are some skin care tips and general advice to help keep your face as beautiful as possible.

Facials

One way that can make a world of difference is treating yourself to a facial. Facials have been proven to:

reduce the impact of sun exposure, smoking and many other types of environmental hazards.
reduce stress which in tandem prevents premature aging signs.
help your general skin condition including the fact that they can help treat and prevent zits and other blemishes.

In fact, specialists agree most people should seek a minimum of 4 facials a year, basically as a rejuvenation process for every season with different conditions and temperatures.

National Healthy Skin Month

Dermatologists started National Healthy Skin Month as a way to inform people of the benefits of not only facials but skin care and moisturizes in general. You and your skin go through a lot every day and you both deserve a treat for yourself. So much can do gained from simply giving yourself a few minutes of rest, relaxation and treatment. Here are a few more tips to follow while receiving a facial:

Moisturize as much as you can. Fall and winter air is dryer than you think.
Apply sunscreen when being outside for prolonged periods of time. You heard me, the sun doesn’t leave during the other 6 months of the year.
Protect your hands. Wear gloves so your hands don”t get exposed to too much.
Pug in a humidifier. Again, winter air is dry as can be. Your skin will thank you later.
Don’t take super hot baths. Seriously.

Call us for a facial today! 517-898-2899

The Benefits of Massage for Cancer Patients

All Body Kneads On October 1, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Massage for Cancer Patients Helps the Healing Process

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month upon us, now is a good time to reflect on the helpful attributes associated with breast cancer treatment and massage for cancer patients. Many health care professionals have often noted massage as a great complimentary treatment coupled with conventional medical treatment.

Many kinds of massage therapy are known for reducing anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain and stress in patients. Reducing these ailments in patients can be beneficial since medical treatment can often be very hard on the patient’s body and mental state. Massage therapy can be a very good and beneficial factor to boosting your energy and mood while receiving cancer treatment.

Often, cancer patients experience drops in their mood, energy and physical dexterity. With massage as a supportive treatment, most of these debilitating ailments can be lessened for the patients.

Does Massage for Cancer Patients Have Any Direct Effects?

In 2011, UK medical staff looked specifically at trials involving massage for women with breast cancer.

The following health benefits were discovered:

Increased mobility
The breaking up of scar tissue
Loosening of mucus in the lungs
Sinus drainage
And relief of pain, arthritis, constipation, colds and fatigue

There was also a study in Germany in 2009 where they observed the health and general moods of 80 female patients with breast cancer. Half of the women were receiving the normal breast cancer treatment, while the other half were receiving massage therapy along side of the medical treatment. The women who were receiving the massage therapy consistently reported less loss of energy, better moods, less pain and feeling less fatigued.

The Cause

As you can see, massage therapy can be a great benefit to cancer patients and is certainly something to look into. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying massage therapy if you: are very weak, have bone fractures, have heart problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to spread the word for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I”d like to remind you about our special offers. Breast cancer survivors get a 25% discount. Survivors of other cancers get a 20% discount.

Caregivers get $5.00 off plus a free add-on service.

Please share this article with a cancer patient in your life.

Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care

All Body Kneads On September 9, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

How Does Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients Help?

Massage, therapeutic touch, and calm physical presence have been noted as viable alternatives for Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments since 1990.

Past and current studies involving therapeutic touch indicate “non-pharmacological interventions showing the most consistency and promise involve sensory.”

These therapies include:

massage/touch therapies
music
light
pet therapy

Why don’t more Alzheimer’s Patients Get Massage Therapy?

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s patients are an under-served segment for massage and bodywork modalities. Some family members and caretakers associate massage with the deep tissue massages they have received and fear a massage would be hard on elderly loved ones. Massage for Alzheimer’s patients and massage for the elderly is more often a soothing combination of touch, massage, and ‘deep listening’.

Massage therapists concentrate on shoulders, head, neck, and face with gentle rotations and fingertip friction. If the response is positive with the massage for an Alzheimer’s patient, lower back, hips, and feet are included to help with range of motion and age-related joint stiffness.

Does Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients Target Specific Symptoms?

Restlessness and disruptive vocalization are two of the most concerning behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. Results from a 2005 trial by Diana Lynn Woods; The Effect of Therapeutic Touch on Behavioral Symptoms of Persons with Dementia. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed a decrease in both restlessness and disruptive vocalization.

Results of the trial indicated:

Manual manipulation (restlessness) and vocalization showed a significant decrease in the Therapeutic Touch group as compared to controls and placebo
Behavioral symptoms also showed a significant change from pre- to post-intervention for Therapeutic Touch as compared to placebo and control groups.
Observations from staff (even those unaware of the study) commented on they observed decreased patient agitation and a more calm environment

Why Perform Massage For Alzheimer Patients?

For patients who are living in a state of confusion, a calming massage can relax, reassure, and comfort. Caretakers and patients benefit from the relaxing, meditative results from the calming touch and grounded state provided by a massage.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia patients get a momentary respite from the racing thoughts, discomfort, and bewilderment they live with day-to-day. As a non-pharmacologic approach, massage can be a low-cost, effective strategy for dealing with behavioral symptoms such as wandering and restlessness that can endanger a patient.

A massage helps bring Alzheimer’s patients back to the present and returns them to their bodies to deeply relax and relish human contact. For those who are separated from family and friends, this caring, gentle touch can ease the fear and loneliness often associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

All Body Kneads is honored to work with your family member, friend, or patient who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We use a specially formulated lotion to address the thinning skin of elderly patients and we make sure the space is always warm, serene, and welcoming.

And remember… All caregivers get $5.00 off a massage service plus a free add-on service. “

The reality is the caregiver—whether he or she is a spouse, adult child, relative, or friend—is the single most challenged, misunderstood, and ignored participant in the care and treatment of a person with Alzheimer’s disease.” ~ Porter Shimer

Call today to schedule an appointment for a patient or for yourself. 517-898-2899

Hand and Foot Massage Services

All Body Kneads On August 1, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Hand and Foot Massage Provide Just the Right Amount of Pampering

Although full-body massages are among the most frequently requested massage services, hand and foot massage treatments are popular as well. Often, hand massages and foot spa services provide just the right amount of pampering without requiring huge blocks of time.

“Pick-Me-Up” Hand and Foot Massage

If you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up between your regular massage sessions, consider quick treatments that focus exclusively on your hands or feet. Perhaps you’re having a very busy period at work, or are dealing with a particularly stressful time at home.

“Just Hands” or “Just Feet” Massages are very effective for stress relief when you need to relax and refocus, but don’t have the time to schedule a full session. They’re also great after a particularly strenuous exercise or athletic event, like a marathon.

Each hand or foot massage lasts 20 minutes each. During a “Just Hands” Massage, your massage therapist will work with your fingers, wrists and forearms.

For a “Just Feet” Massage, the focus is on toes, ankles and calves. If you want to do both hands and feet, these sessions last 40 minutes total.

Hand and Foot Massage for Arthritis Relief

Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, that affect the joints are often felt first in the hands and feet. They cause localized swelling, lack of flexibility, and often, pain in sufferers. At the very least, they are inconvenient, preventing full enjoyment of daily activities. At worst, they are debilitating conditions that affect quality of life.

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in dealing with the symptoms of arthritis. Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help arthritis sufferers.

Paraffin Treatments

Spa services for pampering your hands and feet are also available. These involve paraffin treatments using essential oils, which soften and moisturize the skin. Dead cells, which make the skin dull, are removed. The skin’s elasticity improves, leading to softer and younger looking hands and feet. The heat generated during paraffin treatment is also beneficial for treating arthritis and pain localized in the hands or feet. Paraffin treatments are available as Add-on Services.

The Full Treatment

To complete the relaxation experience you can combined this with spa services like the Rejuvenating Face Mask, or Body Polish. They are also popular with any of the massages packages. As you can see, massage therapy isn’t just about Swedish massages for easing muscle pain and tension throughout the entire body. You can also pamper yourself with a quick and relaxing session focusing on your hands, feet or both. A hand and foot massage is also a great way to introduce someone to massage, particularly if they don’t want to commit to a full-body treatment just yet.

Call me today at (517) 898-2899 to schedule your appointment or purchase a gift certificate.

Most Requested Massage Therapy Services

All Body Kneads On July 5, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

What are the more popular massage therapy services?

If you’ve looked through all the massage therapy and spa services that I offer, you’ll see that there’s quite a variety to choose from. If you’re a first-time client, you may find it overwhelming to choose which service to try. So, I’ve put together this list of my clients’ favorite massage therapy services.

60- or 90-minute Massage

My clients come to me for a great massage experience. The regular full-body massage that I provide meets their needs at an affordable cost, and without a very big investment of their time. The 60-minute massage includes the full body, treating the head, face, neck, back, arms, hands, thighs, legs and feet. The 90-minute session adds the glutes and stomach (plus the chest, for men).

Pre-natal Massage with Add-ons

In addition to regular massage, I’m also certified as a pre-natal massage therapist. Expectant clients often ask for my 60-minute Pre-natal Massage, with their choice of three add-ons. The add-ons may include target hot-stones, heat therapy, paraffin treatments and more. Pre-natal massages help relieve the tiredness and stress that come with those long nine months of carrying a baby. As the due date nears, moms find that a massage is just the right way to give them a little of their energy.

60- or 90-Minute Massage with Add-ons

Our signature package is the 60- or 90-minute massage, with Aromatherapy, Target Hot-Stone, Paraffin and Vibration Therapies as add-ons. This is one of our most popular packages. One client even called it “heaven on earth.” You can’t get better than that, can you? Adding one or more add-ons to the regular massage enhances the experience.

Add-ons for massage therapy services

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to help with relaxation or rejuvenation. Different oils achieve different results. You can choose the scent you want to use, or let me help you, depending on your needs.
Target Hot-Stone Therapy involves the use of smooth, heated stones placed on specific areas of the body. The total effect is deeply-relaxing and therapeutic.
Vibration Therapy, as the name implies, employs vibration to relieve stress and increase general well being.
Paraffin treatments are a great way to soften the hands, feet or both. It’s a wonderful pampering treatment to add to your massage session.

So, there you are! These three packages are my most requested massage therapy services. So, if you’re looking to try something out, they’re a great place to start. Of course, you can put together your own package that’s suitable for your needs. Also check out my monthly massage specials.

Massages for Headache Relief

All Body Kneads On June 4, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

How often do you get a headache?

Whether it’s from stress, migraines or just everyday tiredness, many of us who experience a headache will often do the same thing to relieve it. Our hands go to our temples or the bridge of the nose in an effort to ease a headache. You probably do this as well, but did you know that this is a form of massage?

More than just for relaxation, massage is an effective treatment for aches and pains. And even if you can’t get to a massage therapist, you can still use simple techniques to reap the benefits of massage.

Among the basic things to know when treating headaches using massage are the pressure points located in the following parts of your body:

In the middle of the forehead, between your eyebrows
The corners of the eyes, just behind the bone of the eye socket
Under the base of the skull, about an inch away from the spine on both sides (tilt your head back as you press upward during your massage)
On the hand, between the thumb and index finger
On the top of each foot, between the big toe and the second toe

Once you have found these pressure points, use the following techniques to massage away your headache and migraine. For pressure points on the forehead, the eye corners and the base of the skull:

Use only the pads of your first two fingers.
Breathe deeply during the massage.
Press the area lightly at first, just enough to feel resistance or tension under your fingers. Adjust the pressure if you feel too much pain.
Use tiny circular movements.
Count to 10 as you gradually increase the pressure.
Release the pressure slowly, while maintaining deep breathing.
Repeat the massage as necessary.

For pressure points on the hand and foot:

Use the pads on your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the pressure points on the opposite hand or the foot.
Breathe deeply and use circular movements.
Apply light pressure at first, gradually increasing as you count to ten.
Release the pressure slowly, while maintaining deep breathing.
Repeat the massage, applying more pressure as necessary.

As with full-body massages, self-massage targeted to treat specific aches are effective because they relax the muscles and increase circulation to the area. Use these techniques properly on the associated pressure points to get relief from headaches and migraines. You can also use them to enhance your concentration and increase energy, as well as facilitate a good night’s sleep. Remember, however, that severe headaches may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Always discuss with your doctor when you have any concerns. Otherwise, continue to enjoy the benefits of massage, whether it’s done by a professional massage therapist or something you do to get headache relief.

Arthritis and Massage Therapy

All Body Kneads On May 1, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Massage Therapy Can Help with Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a painful condition that often affects the hands, knees, and other joints. Sufferers experience symptoms that range from just annoying to severely debilitating.

The good news is that there are things you can do to ease the discomfort caused by arthritis and even help prevent its onset. One of these is massage therapy.

Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation caused by a type of stress hormone. While it most often occurs in the knuckles, wrists, knees, and spine, it can manifest anywhere in the body.

In some of these areas, localized swelling is the result of excess fluid, which in turn impedes circulation. There is often discomfort and limited motion in the affected area. The disease may be associated with:

frozen shoulder syndrome
carpal tunnel
hip tension
sciatica
pain between the vertebrae.

Along with its growing popularity in pain management, massage therapy is also gaining recognition as an effective medication-free treatment for arthritis. Massage accomplishes this in two ways: by loosening up the joints, and by improving circulation.

Thai Massage and Arthritis

Thai massage is a type of full bodywork that improves joint flexibility and mobility. During the session, the massage therapist stretches and applies light pressure on the limbs and joints (legs, arms, hips, etc.). It is a great modality to use for easing arthritis that affects large areas (shoulders, hips, etc.).

Hand and Feet Massage Therapy

If you’re suffering from arthritis on your hands and feet, you don’t need to get a full body massage in order to see benefits.

A shorter session focusing on just the outer extremities will still give you relief from pain and inflammation. Arthritis in the hands and feet is accompanied by fluid backup, which causes pain in the affected joints. The massage therapist thus uses light pressure, and a combination of circular and long movements, to relieve this backup and improve circulation.

Frequency of Massage Therapy for Arthritis Relief

You will experience relief from arthritis pain even after just one session of massage therapy. But, in order to maximize the benefits, it’s best to get a massage on a regular basis. A recommended frequency is once a week for a month, followed by a session once every 4-6 weeks. Over time, you will experience less pain, less stiffness, better handgrip, and an increased range of motion. As with any medical condition, consult with your doctor about seeing a massage therapist for your arthritis. You will also want to inform your therapist about your condition so that she can customize your session according to your needs. The best way to help prevent and/or reduce arthritis is through physical activity. However, not all of us are able to frequently engage in activities that ensure that our joints are healthy. For the more sedentary among us, or as a complement to physical activity for those who maintain active lifestyles, regular massage therapy is a great way to reduce and prevent arthritis pain and inflammation.

Contact me to schedule your massage session today.

Please note: Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by Turmeric have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. All Body Kneads does not receive any monetary compensation for providing 3rd party information on our website.

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