Choose massage for stress relief in the New Year | The Standard ... - Waukon Standard

[massage]

Self-care through managing stress is often a common New Year’s resolution. Stress relief is one of the first of many benefits associated with massage. Stress is a part of everyday living, but when stress levels become constant, it becomes distress. Distress can cause symptoms such as headaches, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, problems sleeping, anxiety, and muscle tension.

The benefits of massage therapy include decreasing anxiety, enhancing sleep, increasing energy, improving circulation, improving concentration and reducing fatigue, among others. When getting a massage the heart rate tends to lower, blood pressure can go down, muscles relax, and the level of endorphins (the body’s feel-good chemicals) increases.

Serotonin and dopamine are also released, which results in a feeling of calm, making acute and short-term stress periods easier to overcome.

Massage Therapy is available Monday through Friday at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) by licensed massage therapists Vicki Klepper and Shannon Bernatz. The types of massage offered include the following:

Swedish Massage: The most common form of massage, Swedish, mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.

Heated Stones: A deep, penetrating, moist heat that is used to warm up and relax tight muscles during treatment.

Sports Massage: For the athlete, sports massage techniques are utilized at all stages; pre-event, post-event, and during training.

Compassionate Touch: A very gentle massage appropriate for an elderly or ill person.

Reflexology: Massage of the feet, hands, and/or ears. Stimulates corresponding areas in the body.

Pregnancy Massage: Comforting, safe and beneficial all the way up to due date and after.

Cupping Therapy: A treatment that incorporates cups into a massage, using air suction on tight muscles which creates more blood flow to the area, ultimately reducing stagnation, tension and pain.

Appointments for massage can easily be made on-line. To schedule a massage, go to www.veteransmemorialhospital.com. Under the “Services” tab, scroll down and choose “Massage Therapy.” Click on the red box entitled “Online Scheduling.” Choose the length of massage, then choose a therapist, date and time for the massage. After entering information, click on “Confirmation” to confirm the appointment.

For questions or assistance making an appointment, call Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.