Massage Therapies For Pain and Stress

I recently had the pleasure to interview my good friend and Massage Therapist Kari Stlouis about her experiences in the field of holistic medicine and massage. Kari shares some great tips on the benefits of massage, the different massage therapies for pain and stress as well as information on what you should look for in a good Massage Therapist.

Kari, tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in massage.

I am a Tradional N.D, trained in pilates mat, and  certified massage therapist. I find it very healing and relaxing to give a massage; thats when I decided to go to school and learn more.

How long have you been a massage therapist?

2 years and current

What are the health benefits of massage?

The health benefits of massage helps to release toxins from cells and tissues, increases circulation, and help to loosen up tight muscles which make chiropractor visits so much more beneficial.

Can you explain some of the main techniques and massage therapies for pain and stress?

Yes, the main technique is swedish massage which is a basic massage. There is Lomi Lomi massage-which is a ancient Hawaiin healing art using a rythmic pattern of dancing movement using knuckles, thumbs, elbows and forearms. This type of massage really get your circulation going. Deep Tissue Massage-Therapist will use elbows, forearms and knuckles to really dig deep into those tense tight muscles. Then there are other special massages such as Hot Stone using special smooth stones, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral Therapy and Prenatal.

What should someone interested in getting a massage look for when choosing a massage therapist?

It is important to be comfortable with your Therapist. Make sure they are properly licensed and or certified. The environment is very important. Its ok to interview a Massage Therapist before you make an appointment and its ok to tour

the massage room beforehand to make sure you are comfortable with the room. Some Massage Therapist have special themed rooms such as Oriental, Native American, Garden etc. Its important to be as comfortable as possible so you can benefit and the Massage Therapist can do their job without you the client be tense and uncomfortable.

Do massage chairs have any benefit?

Yes its a great way to introduce massage to people who have never experienced massage. It can help release tension in the shoulders and help out with carpal tunnel strain and stress.

What resources do you recommend if I want to find out more about massage therapy.

Read as much as possible about massage therapy. Go to your local library and check out books on Massage Therapy. Visit a local school and sit in on a class so you can get a feel of what is involved.

Please share some simple tips for our readers that would like to give massage at home a try.

Have the person who wants a massage lye face down on a blanket. Make sure you provide them with a sheet to cover up in. Have lotion and or massage oil of some sort handy and start at the shoulders work your way down the left arm then work your way down the right arm. When massaging the back stay off of the spine work on either right or left side. You can rotate using your hands to using your forearms going all the way down to the waist. Then do other side of back. The move down to the legs and feet doing one side at a time.

Where can someone interested in becoming a massage therapist find more information.

You can always look in your local yellow pages for Massage Schools in your area. Or you can look into your State Healing Arts Directory. Make sure the school you choose to attend is qualified and upto date on state requirements.

In addition to working as a massage therapist, Kari also runs several health related websites, most notably Healthy Family Talk Radio, a monthly Internet radio show on health topics for mom and the rest of the family. She also owns Maple Creek Naturals, an online store for natural health care products.