Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork incorporates a variety of modalities that enhance the body’s natural restorative functioning. Light to firm touch is used to release tension, relax muscles, increase blood and lymph circulation, and impart a sense of calm. Therapeutic bodywork can be used as a collaborative, supportive addition to conventional medical treatment of illness and injury, alleviating pain and stress, aiding soft tissue healing, and revitalizing the body. Also, regular massage can enhance health, providing relaxation, release of muscle tightness, relief from anxiety and tensions, and balancing aspects of body/mind/spirit.
Research has shown that Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork techniques are effective in the treatment of:

• Stress, Anxiety, Depression: promotes relaxation response, enhances coping mechanisms in patients undergoing treatment for cancer, reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress disorders
• Pain control: fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, headaches, childbirth
• Chronic lung disease: increases respiratory function and decreases anxiety
• Circulatory dysfunction: reduces blood pressure and heart rate
• Injuries: overuse and repetitive strain injuries, workplace and athletic trauma, whiplash
• Impaired immune function: increases activity of “natural killer cells”
• Infants and children: demonstrates clinical improvement with a variety of medical conditions

Therapeutic Massage Techniques
Swedish Massage: Flowing, kneading, friction, vibration, and passive joint movement techniques. Promotes release of tensions and general relaxation. Stimulates nerve endings in the skin and connective tissue, increasing blood and lymph circulation.

Deep Tissue Massage: Work done deep within the muscles and connective tissue. Slow strokes and deep finger pressure work to release contracted areas of muscles and connective tissue.

Shiatsu/Acupressure: Touching, pressing, or holding the body along meridians or acupoints primarily with the hands, thumbs or fingers, relaxing the body at a deep level. Relieves pain and different symptoms and health conditions. Treatments are done with the client fully clothed.

Reflexology: Pressure point holds stimulate reflex channels on the hands, feet, or ears. Effective for areas of tension or pain. Hands, feet, and ear reflexes are massaged to promote general well being.

Craniosacral Therapy: Light touch holds work within the natural flows of the body. Results in deep relaxation and encouragement of the body’s alignment and natural healing ability.

Reiki: Light touch holds accesses Universal life Energy. Can speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease symptoms.

Hot Rock Massage Therapy: This 90 minute session uses a variety of large and small smooth heated stones to melt away tension and stress, resulting in deep relaxation.

Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine
658 Kenilworth Drive, Suite 206, Towson Maryland 21204
(410)828-3585