Incorporating alternative medicine into your treatment plan can provide new benefits when dealing with chronic illness or pain. Several holistic treatments can either help with chronic conditions or bring balance to the body and improve how wellness feels. In addition to acupuncture, holistic care providers may also offer infrared sauna, micro-needling, and massage therapy. Massage to treat chronic conditions, pain, and illness is different from massage for relaxation. Here are some tips to get more from your appointment with a massage therapist in Bergen County, NJ.
Everyone is busy and stressed these days. It can be hard even to make time for a massage, let alone enough space in your schedule, so you’re not rushed going in and leaving the appointment.
But when you feel rushed and hectic going into an appointment with a massage therapist, your body may tense up, creating additional stress and tension in your muscles. Similarly, if you have to race from your massage to your next appointment, you’re not going to be able to get the full benefits of the massage.
You want your body to be as close to a neutral and relaxed state as possible during an appointment with a Bergen County massage therapist. You don’t want to be hungry, but you also don’t want to feel uncomfortably full.
Give your body time to digest whatever is in your stomach before the appointment. That way, the massage therapist will be able to work the muscles and stimulate circulation in the body as close to a neutral state as possible.
There’s no strict rule regarding how much clothing you should wear during an appointment with a massage therapist. Your comfort during the massage is the most important thing, so you don’t create additional stress in the body.
If you opt for wearing clothing during the massage, wear something comfortable that doesn’t inhibit the massage therapist’s ability to manipulate your muscles.
Massages for relaxation focus on superficial stress and tension in the muscles. If you’re dealing with chronic illness or pain, sharing your relevant medical history with your care provider is essential to get the most out of your appointment.
As you build a relationship with a Bergen County massage therapist, you can discuss your improvements and setbacks. The therapist will use your feedback to adjust their technique to meet your evolving needs.
It’s normal to hold your breath when a therapist touches tender or tense muscles. However, keeping in your breath is also counterproductive to maximizing results from a massage. During treatment, focus on slow, regular breathing to maximize the release of tension in the body.
As with most holistic and alternative treatments, one session probably isn’t enough to see significant or lasting results. Be prepared to schedule a series of appointments with a massage therapist to feel improvement in your chronic pain or illness.
Misty Kammarada is a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey, specializing in treating pain and injuries. She has studied with leaders in pain management and functional healing schools, specifically Quantum Neurology Sensory and Pain Neutralization. Early in her career, Misty worked in local communities in Nepal and made annual pilgrimages to Peru. There, her study of medicinal plants deepened her understanding of Chinese medicine. Misty’s top priority is creating a healing space for her clients and providing skilled support for holistic recovery through natural medicine.
Contact Amla Healing Arts if you want to schedule an appointment with a skilled massage therapist in Bergen County, NJ.
