Useful Terms

Aromatherapy - is the ancient practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to treat and heal imbalances of body, mind, spirit and emotions. When we inhale these essential scent molecules, our brains release neuro-peptides that can have mood altering effects from relaxation and stress release to mental clarity.

Chair massage - is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. Chair massage usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes and is intended to relax and improve blood circulation in the muscles.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy - is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral/spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue Massage - releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Ear Candling - While side-lying, a hollow candle made from Muslin Cloth and Beeswax (10" x 1") is placed into the outer ear canal. The other end is then lit. The flame creates a vacuum that gently warms and removes Wax, Toxins and Yeast. Candling is relieving for Lymphatic Congestion, Sore Throat, Earache, Allergies and Chronic Headache and Improves Hearing, Vision, Taste, Smell, Balance and Mental Clarity. The soft crackling sound is soothing to the nerves and mentally calming. Essential Oils may be incorporated for Aromatherapy benefits.

Energy Work - The use of transferred energy to heal and ease pain from injury, both physical and emotional. The "hands-on" approach to healing and pain relief has been used for thousands of years. As recent as WWII medics would use this sort of energy transference to ease the pain of wounds when morphine was unavailable. The nurturing aspect of touch, for emotional/physical health, has been acclaimed since the dawn of man.

Fascia - the thin membrane that lies on and throughout all muscle fiber (the most superficial part surrounds the muscle and is directly below the fat layer). When fascia is tight the muscle is pinched, knotted and pulled.  This causes tension in the body.

Group Events - These sessions can accommodate couples and groups such as: anniversaries, wedding parties, birthday celebrations, family reunions or relaxing together time with friends. Sessions can be scheduled with multiple therapists and a rotation of treatment rooms can give a group more therapy options. Because the BWC therapists have routine clientele, an event requiring more than three therapists needs to be scheduled in advance. Group Event times are available Tuesday-Saturday.

Infrared Heat Therapy - Our Bio-mat delivers the highest vibrational resonance deep into all tissues of the body. The combination of far infrared light, negative ions and amethyst quartz opens the channels for cellular communication. Negative Ions increase serotonin levels. They are odorless, tasteless and invisible particles that we inhale in abundance near waterfalls, rain forests and oceans. Scientifically they are molecules with an extra electron helping to alleviate allergies, migraines and sinus problems. Once they reach our blood stream negative ions have a positive effect on the rate at which serotonin is oxidized in the bloodstream, resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy. Amethyst enhances strength, stability and vigor. It bolsters the production of hormones, strengthens the cleansing organs/circulatory system/immune system/metabolism and promotes proper sleep/relaxation. Amethyst soothes the nervous system and aids in the transmission of neural signals. Memory skills improve with the exposure to this stone.  Far Infrared Heat is pure energy in the form of light from the invisible area of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is the most beneficial light wave, penetrating the skin and increasing circulation to detoxify the body of harmful toxins and acidic wastes.
For a Bio-mat of your own visit our website: BWCmassage.thebiomatcompany.com

Lymphatic Drainage - This type of bodywork relieves the lymph blockages in the body that can hinder proper flow of circulation while inhibiting metabolism and optimal immune function.

Lymphatic "All-Natural" Facial - A quick, exfoliating scrub awakens the skin on the face then a detoxifying/hydrating masque is applied. While the minerals of the masque are absorbed, the client can rest or receive a hand/foot massage (option: couple with Bio-mat or full-body Steam for added detox). Next, with swift, revitalizing strokes hot water/castille soap/organic oils are used to cleanse/moisturize/increase circulation in the face/neck. Organic oil and essential oils are then used in conjunction with the warm water to massage the face/neck releasing tension from the muscles. This increased circulation provides relief from Sinus Pressure, Migraine, Puffiness, Lines, Acne and TMJ due to Lymphatic blockage in the upper extremities. It also restores skin elasticity and a natural glow. 1 hr.

Meridians - are pathways of subtle energy that connect and compliment every organ and function in the body. Along these pathways is an interconnected system of subtle energy that can interrupt pain or enhance sensation depending upon the combinations of stimulated points. The interruption of pain is an important factor in healing.

Mud Masque - Our Dead-Sea Mineral Mud is extracted from specific shores of the Dead Sea and imported directly from Jordan. Dead-Sea Mud is world renowned as a source of non-soluble clays, carbonates, sulfides, and organic compounds. It is also extremely rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. We use it to combat bruising, joint inflammation, sore muscles and to extract toxins and poisons, as well as hydrate and soften the skin. Our Dead Sea Mineral Mud is used in conjunction with a steam treatment.

Myofascial Release - a form of bodywork that seeks to re-balance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. When the fascia is dehydrated/pinched it can pull and squeeze muscle fibers which may cause pain and weakness. Long, compression strokes away from the joints stretch the fascia from its origin. This lengthens and releases adhesions. This modality is slow and manipulative in nature.

Reflexology - bodywork based around a system of points in the hands and feet that correspond, or "reflex," to other areas of the body. This release of reflex points improves nerve response and balances nerve flow throughout the systems of the body.

Salt Scrub - Utilizing sea salt, essential oils and carrier oils the body is ex-foliated with light gliding massage strokes. Circulation is increased, elasticity enhanced, skin is softened and a natural glow restored.

Shiatsu and Acupressure - Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians"-the invisible channels of energy flow in the body known as Chi.

Sports Massage - massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport.

Steam Therapy - Since ancient times, steam therapy has been used by traditional healing systems around the world to improve and maintain good health and beauty.
Steam Therapy Benefits:
 Weight-loss
Detoxification
Stress reduction
Muscle soreness
Joint pain
Respiratory conditions
Circulation
Inflammation
Boosts immune system
(Steam can help the body fight colds and flu by creating an artificial fever)
BWC Steam Treatment:
At BWC the Steamy Wonder^TM Tent is utilized for steam treatments.
It fits over the massage table so the client can relax while they become detoxified and healthier.
This treatment may be used on its own, or in conjunction with:
Mud masque
Herbal tea
Salt scrub
Massage therapy

Structural Re-Balancing - addresses misalignments through postural assessment and by integrating Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Side-Posture Massage and Swedish Massage to bring the body back into balance and relieve the restrictions.

Swedish Massage - a system of gliding, kneading and friction techniques along/across the muscle layers in the body that can range m pressure from lightly relaxing to deeply pain relieving. When need-be, Swedish can be coupled with joint movements and other massage techniques to make it more therapeutic.

Trigger Point Therapy - applies concentrated pressure to "trigger points", which through stress or injury can become the central location of pain in the muscles. This breaks cycles of spasm and pain in the body.
(Trigger points can refer pain elsewhere in the body. ex: a tight neck may cause a headache)

STUDIES

German emperor Frederick II, took a number of newborns from their mothers and gave them to nurses who fed them but did not cuddle or talk to them. All of the babies died before they could talk. Fredrick concluded "They could not live without petting."

In the early 1990's, Romania, thousands of infants were put in orphanages, they were left in their cribs for two years, all alone. They were found to be severely impaired.

Duke Professor Saul Schanberg found that rat pups separated from their parents for 45 minutes underwent major internal changes including a large drop in growth hormones. Injections of growth hormones didn't help. But when someone stroked them with a wet paintbrush-- mimicking their mothers tongue--the hormone levels went back up.  What does this mean?  We just don't get touched enough!

FACTS

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans, and may be the last to fade.

There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin-- 3000 in a finger tip.

A touch of any kind can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Touch stimulates the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers) which is why a mother's hug for a child's skinned knee can literally make it better .

People with eating disorders who receive massage three time a day for ten day's, gain weight faster and got out of the hospital six days sooner than those who don't.

Massage before an athletic event, makes the athlete more flexible, enhanced speed and power, and less prone to injury.

In 1996, massage therapy and bodywork was officially offered for the first time as a core medical service in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia now regulate the practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork.

STATISTICS

The three most often cited reasons for getting a therapeutic massage are relaxation (27%), relief of muscle soreness, stiffness or spasm (40%), and stress reduction (33%). One in five Americans have had a massage from a massage therapist in the past five years. Fifty-four percent of primary care physicians and family practitioners say they would encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy as a complement to medical treatment. Massage therapy accounts for 22% of the 425 million visits made to alternative healthcare providers each year. In 1999, 52% of American adults thought of massage as "therapeutic," which is up 47% from 1997. An estimated 20 million Americans receive massage therapy and bodywork each year, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Two thirds of Americans have tried at least one form of alternative therapy or treatment for medical conditions. Massage therapy is the third most commonly used form of alternative medicine in the U.S., having been tried by over 55% of Americans and become routine by over 30%. Americans make more visits to see alternative therapists than to see primary-care physicians. Massage and Bodywork therapy is sought out by a large number of people in age brackets:18-24 (22%); 25-34 (31%); 35-44 (25%); 45-54 (22%); 55-64 (19%); and over 65 (9%). The most important driver to try an alternative treatment is a recommendation from a friend or family member. The number of practicing massage therapists (both part and full-time) in the U.S. is between
160,000 and 225,000.