But consider this:  is it wiser to pop some over the counter pain medication for that persistent back pain or “treat” yourself after a long day with food and alcohol or make small adjustments in your daily spending to save for massages?

Massage can naturally alleviate the effects of stress by increasing circulation, kneading out muscle knots before they become chronic, and it increases the production of the “feel good” hormone, serotonin, without the harmful effects of unhealthy food or drugs.

Consider these suggestions for how you can afford more massages:

* Eliminate 13 $5 coffees = One-hour monthly massage at $65/each

* Take part in my referral program. Refer 4 friends who book an appointment and earn a free one-hour massage.

* Save $25!  Book half hour massages when you can’t afford the full hour.

* Ask your friends and family to give you massage gift certificates for special occasions.

* Have us come for chair massage at your workplace. 15 minute chair massage for only $15!

* Check with your insurance company about reimbursement for massage.

Make a commitment to take care of your body, spirit, and mind! You can do it!

Some parents have reported improved communication, sleep, and a decrease in self-stimulating behaviors after a series of Reiki treatments.

The no-touch and calming nature of Reiki is a wonderful alternative for children with autism as they often suffer from sensory issues that make other treatments uncomfortable or impossible.

As a parent of a child with autism (my son is almost 18), I understand how difficult it can be to want to calm and bring your child peace without resorting to prescription drugs.

 What is Reiki, anyway?

Reiki is performed with the client fully-clothed and lying in a comfortable place (or sitting if that is more comforting for a special needs child). The practitioner places her hands in specific patterns above the body starting from the head and moving down the body. The practitioner sends healing energy through her hands and asks the Reiki energy to go where it is needed and heal the body, mind, and soul.

Receivers of Reiki often report a deep sense of relaxation, floating, and often visualize intense colors.  Reiki opens energetic pathways blocked by disease or emotions and allows the flow of “Chi” or Universal Life Energy. When Chi flows without blockages, we achieve a state of health and peace.

Although the practitioner calls upon a higher power for healing, Reiki is not a religion and is gaining acceptance in the mainstream medical world. As a matter of fact, Reiki is now being used in hospitals to calm patients before and after surgery and to promote faster healing. Dr. Mehmet Oz is a proponent of Reiki and has a Reiki practitioner in the operating room before every surgery!

Here are just some of the conditions Reiki has been used to treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety/Stress
• Autism and associated autism anxiety
• Pre-/Post-Surgery
• Pain Relief
• Insomnia
• ADHD
• OCD
• Arthritis
• Addictions

The best way to decide if Reiki is right for you is to try it! Contact Emma for more information about how Reiki could possibly help you.

A Couples Massage is the perfect solution!

Sink into luxuriously heated and padded massage tables and treat each other to the gift of health and relaxation!

Drift to the sounds of ocean waves and gentle music as your cares float away. Soothing strokes relieve aches and pains and induce as state of calm and well-being.

What a great way to say “I love you!

Couples massage sessions are held at 513 Stewart Street Monday – Saturday from 9am – 6pm. Book now before the appointments are all taken! Your honey will love you for it!

Now, you can sink into the luxury of a heated massage table before you head home after a long day.  Treat yourself to the gift of health and relaxation so you can recharge for another day!

Charlottesville Hours:

Tuesday:  10am – 8pm
Saturday:  1pm – 8pm
Sunday:     10am – 6pm

Lexington Hours:

Monday:          9am – 7pm
Wednesday:   9am – 7pm
Thursday:       9am – 7pm
Friday:              9am – 7pm

Couples massage is a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion. You could even share this special treat with your best girlfriend, sister, or Mom after a long day on the town.

Couples massage rates:

60 Minute Relaxation Massage…………$150
90 Minute Relaxation Massage…………$230
60 Minutes Hot Stone Massage…………$200

*At this time, couples massage if offered at my Charlottesville location only.

Good News, Charlottesville! Massage therapy can help. If your pain is related to repetitive-motion, poor posture, over-exertion, or chronic stress, massage therapy can help relieve the pain by increasing circulation, releasing tension knots in muscles, stretching fascia, and creating a soothing feeling of warmth and well-being.

At Massage By Emma, I use several techniques to create a unique and custom session for you every time. From Swedish to Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release, each issue is individually addressed and treated with recommendations for home care.

Try my newest service, Hot Stone Massage, for a deeply heated massage that will absolutely melt your stress away!

Sessions are held in my Downtown Charlottesville office and in Lexington, VA.
*Home/hotel visits are available by special arrangement only

Fibromyalgia typically causes tenderness throughout the body (especially in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs) and can also trigger sleep troubles, headaches, memory problems, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Massage therapy can help to address most of the symptoms of fibromyalgia:

increase blood circulation
increase flexibility
increase range of motion
decrease stress and anxiety
reduce pain, swelling and stiffness
improve sleep

Massage techniques found to be effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia

Myofascial Release is a technique developed by a physical therapist to gently relieve restrictions and tightness in connective tissue (fascia). When properly performed, it may decrease connective tissue’s pull on bones, allowing muscle fibers to relax and lengthen and organs to expand.

Swedish Massage techniques are gentle, but deep enough to be effective in reducing the pain associated with fibromyalgia

Reflexology is another suitable massage technique to address both acute and chronic conditions associated with fibromyalgia. Reflex areas on the feet and hands correspond with all of the areas and organs of the body. Gentle enough to use for all ages and conditions, this approach encourages the body to naturally restore its own healthy balance.

Passive stretching, alternatively called relaxed or static-passive stretching, is another approach to relieving muscle tension and spasms associated with FMS. A massage therapist can assist with this stretch by moving the limb or head to its restricted barrier, then maintaining the stretched position while the client fully relaxes.

Energy healing is considered noninvasive, subtle, highly relaxing and effective, prompting many fibromyalgia sufferers to seek energy healing practitioners. Energy techniques can promote tissue change without the application of pressure on tender areas. While there are many energy techniques to choose from, two of the most highly respected and researched forms are Reiki and Therapeutic Touch.

Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST) resets and normalizes the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid, bringing about physical adjustments to the myofascia. Emotional release often accompanies the release of myofasical tension, requiring active listening skills and a focused presence on the part of the therapist. Emotional releases are capable of reducing or eliminating physically-based chronic pain.

Before seeking any treatment for fibromyalgia, consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate program of care.

For more information on massage therapy as a treatment for fibromyalgia, please contact Emma Nicholson, CMT in Charlottesville, VA.

Sources:

Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

Brattberg G. “Connective tissue massage in the treatment of fibromyalgia.” Eur J Pain. 1999 3(3):235-244.

Field T, Diego M, Cullen C, Hernandez-Reif M, Sunshine W, Douglas S. “Fibromyalgia pain and substance P decrease and sleep improves after massage therapy.” J Clin Rheumatol. 2002 8(2):72-6.

Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety and depression in the following ways:

• causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals
• increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline
• increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins
•  lowers noradrenaline and lowers the stress hormone ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone)
• boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar levels
• improves lung function and peak air flow

Want to give you friends and family something extra special this holiday season? How about a FREE 30-minute massage?!

Here’s how it works:   Contact me with your name and  email address and I will make gift certificates from you that entitles your loved ones to a free 30-minute massage (applied to a full-hour session). This is a $40 value!

And, as my gift to you, I will give you a free 30-minute session for each booked massage. Everyone gets the gift of health!

Here’s to your health!

Limit 5 per person. Non-transferable.

Buy your massage gift certificate online right now!

Massage sessions are 60 or 90 minutes long and are specifically tailored to meet your health care goals. Whether it’s relaxation or stress reduction, Emma can help you feel great!

Massage by Emma is conveniently located in the lovely Salon of Lexington on North Lee Highway. Please see the location page for directions.