“I made my first appointment with Rachel at Terra Organic Spa because I decided I needed some “forced” relaxation. The plan was to regularly get a massage to work out tension from sitting at a computer most of the day. Terra’s website said they did reflexology which I always found helpful so that’s what I signed up for.
At the first visit, Rachel asked about my concerns, what I did all day, what hurt, etc… During the awesome reflexology session, she gently suggested that other massage methods might be more helpful for my stiff neck, tight shoulders, aching arms and back. I never really got much out of other types of massage, but she seemed like she knew what she was doing so I was game.
I’m so glad I took her advice. After the first few months, I noticed it didn’t take a half hour after I woke up to work out the kinks. I had chalked up morning aches and pains as the normal effects of getting older. As time went on, I could do some serious gardening without feeling like a truck hit me the next day. Plus I was more aware of how I used my body. When I felt some pain, I modified what I was doing– sat straighter, used my legs and abs more to lift things – or performed some simple exercises to stretch or massage areas that were tightening up.
I can’t say enough about how massage has improved my life. It’s not just the freedom from pain I accepted as a matter of course but an overall feeling of wellness that you want to maintain. Once you don’t have your back, neck or whatever to complain about you notice other signals from your body and attend to those.
And I can’t say enough about Rachel. She has amazing knowledge of the body interconnectedness knowing that when I come in and complain about my hands, it’s really something in my arm or shoulder. And Rachel is skilled in various massage modalities picking the one that will bring the most relief.
I truly believe that massage acts as preventive for much of the mobility issues we have as we age and reduces stress – and I don’t mean just general stress but the relief from constant low grade pain that wears on you over time. Of course, I didn’t believe that when I first started. Massages were just a way to relax. And massage does relax you. But it can do so much more and I am very grateful to Rachel for showing me that.”
Chris, Fayetteville, New York
Tag Archives: Alternative
Q: Why should I get a massage?

What are your goals? Relaxation, rejuvenation, pain relief or injury prevention? We can help you reach your goal!
A: Massage allows you to relax and take a break from your busy lifestyle. It can also be used as a preventive therapy along with aiding in chronic or acute pain. Our clients have found massage therapy to be beneficial because it: relieves migraine and headache pain, improves and maintains performance from athletic events and training, assists in injury recovery by reducing scar tissue and improving range of motion, prevents future injuries, and boosts the Immune System.
Massage Cupping
Massage Cupping is a technique that can be found in ancient cultures including the Egyptians and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Massage Cupping has an important place in today’s healing world as well. This treatment creates incredible results! It is impressive how versatile Massage Cupping is and how it can be modified to treat a range of conditions.
Conditions that benefit from Massage Cupping include; Fibromyalgia, inflammatory conditions, sciatica, poor circulation, insomnia, lung congestion/inflammation, stagnant lymph, migraines and headaches,asthma and pneumonia, TMJ, chronic pain, plantar fascitis, athletic stress and injury, pre and post operative conditions.
Massage Cupping does not irritate the skin or body. It draws inflammation out bringing circulation to the surface. Increasing local blood supply to the muscles which brings nourishment and allow toxins to be carried away via the veins. Chronic and acute pain can be relieved and tension is softened quickly and easily.
Whether you are an athlete, have chronic pain from working at your computer, or need to relax from muscle tension Massage Cupping is a wonderful addition to your health care.
What clients are saying:
“It (massage cupping) melts away my muscle tension and replaces it with better range of motion and relaxed muscles.”
“I noticed it didn’t take a half hour after I woke up to work out the kinks. I had chalked up morning aches and pains as the normal effects of getting older. As time went on, I could do some serious gardening without feeling like a truck hit me the next day.”
Summer Reading!
Body Sense provides valuable information about how to make massage and bodywork a part of your healthy lifestyle. Inside you’ll find helpful articles on massage as a wellness strategy, how bodywork can relieve pain caused by excessive smartphone usage, and discover three important principles of stretching. www.abmp.com/bodysense/summer-2011

