 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2003-11-01 14:34:00
Benefits of massage therapy
: What are the benefits of massage therapy? How do I know what to expect during my massage?
ANSWER: The benefits of massage will rub you the right way! Massage is one of the "hands-on" healing arts. It stimulates the body's natural healing powers. A good massage can affect you on all levels of your being. Holistic massage treats the individual as a whole, rather than concentrate on physical conditions, and its movements are generally slower. It is most effective when the client is relaxed, but alert, and concentrating on the therapist's touch. Some benefits of having a regular massage include: ·Mental and physical fatigue is relieved. ·Chronic neck and shoulder tension can be released. ·Back pain can be relieved -- muscle spasms eliminated. ·Patients with arthritis experience relief because improved circulation to the joints reduces inflammation and pain. ·Nasal Congestion and sinus conditions improve dramatically. ·Toxins and wastes are flushed from the lymphatic system. ·Lactic acid, which accumulates in muscles after vigorous exercise, can be removed to prevent soreness and aching. Efficient blood flow is important to every system of the body, but taut, tense muscles often interfere. By stretching and loosening muscles, massage releases physical tension and stimulates the circulation of the blood and lymph fluids, encouraging the movement of blood though the veins back toward the heart. It enables fresh blood to pour through the arteries, fueling the muscles with fresh oxygen and nutrients while flushing away metabolic waste products. Poisonous waste materials, like the lactic acid that stores up painfully in tired muscles, are being swept away. By triggering release of the body's natural painkillers -- hormones called endorphins -- massage also has a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. It calms the mind through calming the body.What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment? On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history form with you to determine your treatment needs and goals. Must I undress for my massage? Massage therapists are required to cov-er/drape you with a sheet so that they expose only the area which they are working on. You may need to undress for therapy. However, you do not need to expose yourself in any way that you are uncomfortable. What if I am uncomfortable with my body? It is possible to work on a client who is dressed. So just let your therapist know your comfort level. Does the gender of the massage therapist make a difference? This is an issue of personal preference. I bruise easily; can I still get a massage? It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who suffer from hemophilia. Am I expected to talk during the massage? If you wish to have silence, you should say so at the beginning of the treatment. The therapist may, however, require verbal information pertinent to health findings during the treatment. After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do? An Epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help to alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason.
