NEW for 2010

    Angel Touch Lymphatic Facial Massage- This very gentle and deeply relaxing massage is beneficial for problems in the face and neck such as sinus pressure, ear congestion, swelling in the face or neck, eye strain and headaches. Sessions typically run 30-45 minutes and can profoundly affect the whole body through contacting the fluid level of communication, the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is intimately involved in the immune response, management of excess fluid, and overall well being.

About my work in Massage Therapy:

Intuitive Touch means that I have no set program to follow for every client. You and your body, with it's response to my touch, give me the information I need to create, for you, a unique experience at each visit. Many clients have told me that I seem to know just where to go to relieve their pain, and just what to do while I'm there. This is what I call Intuitive Touch.

Your comfort and well being are always a priority for me.

I don't want to "fix" you, or tell you what's wrong with you. My experience is that there are lots of people who think they know better than you do what is right for you, and they are not shy about telling you either. That is not my way. I see my part in all of this as noting where your body is tight or stiff, out of balance, and encouraging your muscles and joints to have more fluidity and movement.  If you want to know anything about what I am learning about your body, through massage, or what stretches may be helpful, I am glad to share information. I will gladly refer you to other health care practitioners, if you want, or suggest you follow up with others, if it seems needful. I will even give you contact information for other massage therapists, if my touch is not the right one for you.  This is you taking care of you. I am here to help and support you to do that.

Below is some general information about Massage Therapy and some of the techniques I offer.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have and to tailor your session to include whatever techniques you feel would be the most beneficial for you.

Stress and Massage
     Massage is a pleasurable experience. It increases your body self awareness and sensitivity, reduces your stress, anxiety levels, calms the nervous system, relaxes, focuses and clears your mind, helps to improve and maintain your posture, helps to fulfill your need for a caring and nurturing touch, encourages self-esteem and a general feeling of well-being and improves your emotional balance.

Health Benefits of Massage 
      Relieving physical pain and stress improves your mental health and your physical well-being. When any muscle is active, it uses chemicals to contract. When muscles stay tight, contracted, they build up an excess of these naturally occuring and necessary chemicals. Increasing the blood flow through massage can help to flush out the excess of these chemicals generated by your muscles and body, referred to as detox. This is also why it is a good idea to drink a lot of water after getting a massage.
     Most people will feel very relaxed and experience relief from long-term aches and pains developed from tension, stress or a repetitive activity. Following an initial period of calmness, people often experience a surge of energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity that can last for many days.
     Massage enhances medical treatments and may shorten the time it takes for the body to recover from injury and illness. Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture and reduce blood pressure. 

Massage Techniques Available:

Swedish 
    Swedish massage relaxes muscles through pressure applied to the muscles and joints with soothing strokes returning blood to the heart. This increases circulation and releases the excess chemicals built up in the muscles. The lighter, longer strokes of Swedish massage also trigger the bodies natural response of relaxation. We are built to respond to positive touch.

Deep Tissue 
    Deep Tissue massage works the deeper muscles to release tension in the body, usually chronic tension. This is done with slow strokes and concentrated pressure on the tense area to soften tight areas. Deep tissue massage can result in soreness for a day or two following the massage. This can often be prevented by the drinking of water after a massage, as mentioned above. It is my intention never to cause pain, but to relieve it. Some clients can only relax if they are receiving very deep work. Others find deep tissue work too uncomfortable. You are my guide about the use of this technique.

Myofascial Release 
    Myofascial Release stretches the myofascial unit, a combination of muscles and the fascia, which is a thin layer of tissue covering every muscle. When a muscle is injured, strained or chronically tight, the fascia around it tightens. By stretching both areas together, I relieve the tightened fascia, allowing the muscle to then have more room to relax into.

Cranial-Sacral 
    Cranial-sacral contact involves connecting with a subtle rhythm in the body and encouraging it to be in greater balance. This rocking rhythm is shared by the sacrum (the lowest portion of the spine) and a deep bone in the skull called the ethmoid, which has a lovely butterfly shape. This rhythm is transferred through the entire body in a subtle and largely unrecognized way. Bringing awareness to this rhythm, even subconsciously, can help to bring greater balance in the body and in life.

Neurofascial Release 
    Aimed at stretching the fascia surrounding large nerve bundles, this method can help to alleviate nerve symptoms such as tingling, numbness and pain in arms and legs.

Reflexology 
    Reflexology is based on the findings that nerve endings in the feet, hands and ears are connected to various body parts and organs,. Similar to Eastern techniques, such as acupuncture and acupressure, reflexology aids the healthy function of the body by stimulating related channels or nerve paths. Some clients can feel the connectedness, but many just notice that massage to the feet, hands or ears feels good all over.


Healing Connections of Warrenton, 205B Keith St, Warrenton, Virginia  540-351-1700
                                        Kelly Haber RN, CMT, CRS