A sense of touch is a powerful and sensitive form of communication, being the oldest and most potent form of healing we know Bodywork is a word that encompasses a broad spectrum of therapies involving touch. It is a natural reaction to reach out and touch...a mother cuddles her baby, family pets are stroked, lovers use touch, and when we hurt a part of our bodies, often we gently rub the area. Fortunately for us, we are rediscovering the healing power of "Touch Therapies" making touch a very valuable tool. Taking charge of our bodies, minds and spirits is essential to our well-being. I encourage each of you to become an investigator. Always be sure to seek the services of a health care practitioner who is qualified to practice in your area. Becoming enlightened is just the beginning.

There are many different kinds of bodywork to choose from and only a few of them will be touched upon here.

Massage Therapy
This is probably the most familiar form of bodywork. It is often called Swedish massage. Massage is a system of techniques designed to relax muscles by applying repetitive stroking and pressure. Massage can stimulate and relax the body and the mind. The skin, blood, lymphatic systems are stimulated, which boosts circulation, aids cellar renewal and removes toxic waste. As tense muscles relax, stiff joints loosen and nerves are soothed.

A typical session requires the client to lie nude with a covering sheet on a table. Massage may be applied to a specific muscular/vascular area or to the entire body. Alternate firm and gentle flowing strokes are used to create a combination that will alleviate tension and muscular aches and pains whilst energizing and invigorating the body.

A complete body massage generally lasts about 1 hour. A series of sessions is often recommended. An hour of massage therapy can range from $40.00 and up.

Acupressure
Acupressure is a general term used for a variety of "family bodywork" that includes Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do and others. Acupressure is based on ancient principles in traditional Chinese medicine and concerns itself with the stimulation of the body's nervous system and biophysical energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") to restore and rebalance energy flow.

Shiatsu can be traced back to over 5000 years to ancient Chinese medicine however it is a modern Japanese therapy which fuses traditional Eastern practices with Western techniques. Translated Shiatsu means...Shi (finger) Atsu (pressure). Shiatsu practitioners apply pressure with fingers, palms, and elbows along the body's network of meridian lines and pressure points releasing blocked channels of energy. (These same meridians are the areas followed by an acupuncturist when inserting needles).

Finger pressure on these areas result in increased and improved circulation of blood and lymph and the relaxation or stimulation of muscles.

Jin Shin Do, means..."The Way of Compassionate Spirit,"and is based on the same principles and uses similar techniques as Shiatsu. However, in Jin Shin Do, greater pressure is applied for longer periods of time. Jin Shin Do is also noted for triggering emotional responses.

A session normally lasts up to 1 hour and you remain fully clothed usually lying on a table or sitting in a chair. It is advisable to wear loose clothing comfortable clothing. Sessions range from $40.00 and up.

Reflexology
Reflexology has been known and used for centuries dating back to the early 6th dynasty about 2,330 B.C. Hieroglyphics found within ancient Egyptian tombs testify to this.

Reflexology is based on the principle that the body can be divided into 10 vertical zones; each one corresponding to an area of the foot, so the feet are in effect, a map of the body. It is said that the sole of a foot has some 7200 nerve endings that relate to every system and organ Finger pressure and action of the thumb is applied to stimulate the system as a whole.

With careful and accurate pressure, a skilled reflexologist can target specific areas or organs in the body. A sensitive area of the foot, indicates a problem in the corresponding organ in the body and by working on the appropriate trouble- spot, reflexology can be an effective way of easing pain.

As with most bodywork, benefits include a reduction in stress, improved circulation, increased blood flow and energy, and the release of impurities and toxins.

Average cost starts at about $40.00 for an hour session.

Reiki
Reiki pronounced "ray key" is a laying-on of hands healing technique and focused visualization. It is thought to have originated as aTibetan Buddhist Practice that was rediscovered in the late 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist. Rei means "universal" and Ki means "life force."

Reiki practitioners believe that there is a universal life- force energy flowing through us. When this life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs. Reiki is both powerful and gentle. The practitioner will channel this healing energy by placing hands on various parts of the body helping to clear, straighten and heal the energy pathways thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy natural way. A client will often feel heat emitting from the practitioners hands bringing a sense of tranquility and calm. Reiki can also help to release buried emotions. People experience Reiki as a gentle, safe and loving mode of healing.

A treatment last about 1 hour and the client remains fully clothed while lying down.

Average cost begins at about $45.00

Benefits and Effects of Touch Therapies
The nervous system being a highly complex network, has millions of nerve endings running throughout the body controlling much of the way it functions. Depending on the depth of the massage, nerve endings can either be stimulated or soothed.

Massage increases blood circulation helping to exfoliate superficial dead skin cells, tones the skin, encouraging the renewal process, and helps maintain collagen fibers which helps skin maintain its elasticity and strength and helps regulate the sebaceous glands, which lubricate and moisturize the skin.

With increased blood flow, the blood's vital nutrients circulate more efficiently. Massage increases the blood circulation which helps to accelerate the lymphatic system which absorbs and eliminates waste substances.

Massage helps to mobilize the digestive system so that assimilation and elimination are improved.

The digestive tract is quick to respond to stress and the reduction in anxiety and tension with massage helps promote a more regulating effect on the digestion.

It is essential that you feel safe and comfortable at all times with any chosen therapy. Learn to ask questions that will address your health issues. It is your responsibility to make sure that your practitioner is knowledgeable and sensitive to your concerns.

Meditation Page   There is no greater activity than meditation to harmonize and balance us. Meditation provides numerous benefits for our mind, body and spirit, helping to reduce tension and stress, improving concentration, increasing our awareness and bringing about a more enlightened postive attitude. It introduces you to your Self. For if you don't know who you are, it is impossible to know anything else. It is one of the most powerful techniques available to improve mental, emotional and physical well being. Sit back, relax, take a deep breath, your life will never be the same again!

Aromatherapy Page   - An Ancient Art  -The rebirth of this ancient art offers us the opportunity to inspire and enlighten us in achieving balance in a holistic manner. Please Note: All information presented here is strictly for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Prior to the use of any essential oils, it is your responsibilty to consult with a certified aromatherapist.

Now enjoy the benefits!

  Delicious! Magazine
(This site has information on everything from natural healing, nutrition, herbs, and Homeopathy to Fibrocystic disease and much much more.)

  Heidi Mo Hawkins' Acupuncture World
(This site deals with Acupuncture as one of several tools used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Specialties listed on this page include Sonopuncture, Pediatrics, and NAET--Allergies).

  Holistic M.D. Natural Hormones: Longevity Drugs of the Future
(This site explores how hormones influence the pace of aging. Considerable research is underway to evaluate the feasibility of "replacement therapy" to forestall degenerative changes)

  Massage Therapy
(This is a site that is relaxing and easy to navigate, offering excellent comprehesive informtion about Massage Therapy)

  Reflexology Research
(This is a site that is very informative and easy to navigate, offering excellent comprehesive information and research about Reflexology. Includes a comprehensive listing of links as well.)

  Vita-Master Nutritional Software
(This site explores how to use vitamins, herbs, homeopathic remedies, holistic procedures, diet, nutritional and life-style changes to tackle health problems and issues by addressing the root cause.)