MASSAGE & REFLEXOLOGY

The Portage Township YMCA is pleased to offer the services of two massage therapists.

Making an appointment is suggested even though walk-ins are sometimes able to be accommodated.

Please call the front desk to schedule an appointment (762-YMCA)

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available!  Give the gift of health!

 

WHY GET A MASSAGE?
« General relaxation and stress relief «
« Revitalization «
« Relieve sore and tight muscles «
« Relieve tension headaches «
« Recovery from sports activity «
« Improve circulation «
« Reduce blood pressure«
 

Things to be aware of:

• Drink extra water before and after the massage session
• Increase your intake for two days after a massage to help eliminate waste products released by the massage
• Expect muscle soreness depending on the type of work done and typically after the very first massage you receive
• The more massages you receive, the less likely you will be to experience post-massage soreness
  
  Note: If you have had massages from different therapists, each has a different depth and style of massage. It is in your best interest to give feedback to the therapist during the massage. Many people long accustomed to massage may require deeper work, which again should be discussed with the therapist.

Massage
Massage is the systematic manual or mechanical manipulation of soft tissue of the body by using such movements as gliding, kneading, pressing, rolling, and tapping for therapeutic purposes such as promoting blood circulation, muscle relaxation, pain relief, metabolic balance, and many other physical and mental benefits.

Treatments

˜ REFLEXOLOGY - There are 7,200 nerves in the bottom of your feet. They correspond with body parts, organs and tissues in your body. By using pressure on various areas of the sole of your foot, endorphins are released (natural pain killers) to help heal a certain area. Reflexology corrects imbalances in your body.

˜ HOT STONE THERAPY - an alternative healing therapy involving the use of warm stones with massage. It stimulates the immune system, improves resistance to infection and disease, speeds recovery, increases the blood supply to the internal organs and improves their efficiency. Wonderful for all forms of arthritis.

˜ EUROPEAN BODY WRAPS - X does mark the spot, at least in the case of Body Wraps. Of all the detoxification treatments in hydrotherapy, the body wrap is the most beneficial and encompassing. It has the following effects: Analgesic - relieves pain; Antispasmatic -relaxes muscle spasming; Diaphoretic - promotes sweating; Purification - perspiration detoxes the body; Sedative - soothes nervous and muscular systems.

˜ RUBS, SCRUBS, and FRICTION - A form of hydrotherapy where rubbing and scrubbing with hands or implements creates friction which has a profound effect on toning the body. It stimulates and creates circulatory improvement and heat in response to the aggressive strokes made anywhere from face to feet. Applications include; Brush Bath (dry or wet), Salt Glow Rub Down, Loofah Scrub and Cold Mitten Friction.

˜ SINUS DRAINAGE (Manual and Hydrotherapy) - Many ancient cultures understand the benefits of steam, It varies from the Russian bath in that it treats the entire body including the head. It soothes irritated nasal passages and sore throats, opens and cleans bronchial tubes, assists expectoration (more productive cough), eases pain from laryngitis and pharyngitis, and is good for asthma and sinusitis.

˜ REIKI - is a spiritual healing discipline that has the power to heal and can be passed on by each of us once we are connected with the "universal life force energy" which is used for healing. A reiki practioner identifies his or her ki and uses it to strengthen the ki of others. 

Kay Mauser, Certified Massage Therapist

Kay has been a Portage Y member and on the staff for over four years. Her knowledge and skills will help even the most tense person melt their stress away and enjoy a better day.  Kay specializes in Trigger Point Therapy (pain relief and increased range of motion).  She also does deep tissue, Swedish (relaxation) Massage and reflexology.  Kay is now also offering Hot Stone Massage which is a deep, deep relaxation for mind and body.

Kay's Hours for Massage and/or Reflexology:
 

Nancy Joy, Certified Massage Therapist