About  Massage Therapies

A study commissioned by AMTA, the American Massage Therapy Association, ^*1

shows that for the treatment of pain, people rate massage as highly as medication!

In a national sample of 1014 people interviewed, the results showed that -

•  90% of people feel massage is good for a person's health.

•  93% agree with the statement that massage can be effective for pain relief.

•  Use of massage in people of age 65 and older tripled from 4% in 1997 to 15% in 2005.

•  22% of Americans had massage in the past year; 34% had a massage in the last five years.

•  73% of those who had a massage would recommend it to a person they know.

•  46% of respondents at some time had a massage to relieve pain.

This research further showed that among those who actually had a massage in the past year, 28% say massage therapy gives them "the greatest relief from pain." Another 28% say medication gives them the greatest relief. Chiropractic therapy comes in third at 11%, followed by 8% who got the most pain relief from physical therapy, 3% who said acupuncture was best for their pain, and 1% whose pain best responded to biofeedback. ^*2

What exactly is it about massage therapies that makes them so very effective in so many areas of healing, stress-relief, recovery from injury and wellbeing?

Massage therapies cover a wide spectrum, and although they have overlap in their effectiveness, each uses specific techniques and is aimed at a more specific area of healing.

In the holistic view and attitude maintained by De-Stress Refuge's therapists, we understand that massage therapies address not just "the problem" but are aimed at the whole person.

Massage therapy works at many levels simultaneously: although it is firstly a physical therapy that addresses the body mechanically, this is far from its only capacity, aim or effects, or the way of therapeutically interacting with the person.

In its touch and technique, massage has distinct remedial and healing effects that range from correcting musculoskeletal disorders and remaining effects of strain and injury, effective stress release, pain relief, to psychodynamic effects that work into deep levels of consciousness and effectively even address the spiritual self.

To get more insight into the aims and effectiveness of the massage therapies we specialise in, please access the following pages -

Saionji Massage 

Is Saionji for me? If you suffer from chronic back pain, joint pain or headaches, then yes!

Saionji is remarkably effective in the preservation of good posture and health.

Saionji improves posture and blood circulation, helps for chronic back and neck pain or migraine

and has beautiful anti-stress effect.

Kahuna / Lomi lomi Massage  

Kahuna Massage based on ancient Hawaiian Lomi-lomi is a gentle but also flowing form of massage that involves long, deep pressure strokes and movements rather than pointed, isolated pressure as in other forms of massage. It relaxes muscles and joints,  tunes and balances the nervous system, helps to flush out the lymphatic system and combats stress, fatigue and tension.

A very important aspect of Kahuna bodywork is its ability to unlock emotional blockages, usually at the root of most physical disorders - thus it has deep healing effect! It reconnects you to your physical, emotional and spiritual self.

Hot Stone Massage  

Kahuna Hot stone massage blends the best of two wonderful massage techniques: the deeply soothing, flowing touch of Kahuna, with the healing energy of heated smooth volcanic stones. Stress and tension simply melt away.

This article was researched and written by Frank Valentyn.

Copyright © De-Stress Refuge Wellness Centre, 2006 to present - All Rights Reserved.

*1 The annual survey is the ninth commissioned by AMTA and was conducted by Opinion Research Corp. International in Princeton, N.J. This surveyed a national sample of 1,014 U.S. adults. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

*2 Reported in WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD, October, 2005