Massage therapy is a form of alternative health care that not
only feels good, but it is considered a major health benefit in a
world of high stress.
Massage therapy is a form of alternative health care that not only feels good, but it is considered a major health benefit in a world of high stress.
“Stress is a killer,” said Kirk McDowell, co-owner of the Wellness Clinic & Spa in Hollister. “A massage is not only relaxing, but it’s a brief relief from the everyday world of stress.”
Generally, people do not pay attention to their stress levels and to the normal functions of the body’s natural ability to repair itself, therapists said.
“The stress takes away from the immune system and what the body can provide naturally,” McDowell said.
The National Institutes of Health reported that massages can lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation and lymph flows as well as alleviate pain for migraine sufferers.
“Muscles that are tense are like putting the body on red alert,” McDowell said. “Tense muscles take away from the immune system, preventing the body from doing what it can provide naturally.”
Kris Miles, who suffers from muscle pain, said massage therapist Nancy McDowell has the magic hands.
“She just knows what to do,” she said. “I didn’t even have to tell her where it hurts, and she got it like that.”
Miles said she swears by the results.
“When Nancy was done, I didn’t have any pain,” she said.
For 17 years the Wellness Clinic & Spa in Hollister has specialized in therapeutic therapy, and McDowell said the industry is growing.
“In San Benito County there are 200 certified massage therapists,” he said, “if that’s any indication about the growing interest.”
A massage stimulates the body’s circulation and the lymphatic nutrients are brought in through the lymph fluids, which carry the toxins away.
Massage sessions fall under two categories: a relaxing massage and a therapeutic massage intended to relieve pain.
Many professional athletes use therapeutic massages to help them recover from their athletic endeavors. A therapeutic massage is the same as a Swedish massage.
“The hand strokes and manipulation of a Swedish massage have specific therapeutic benefits,” McDowell said.
A therapeutic massage also shortens the recovery time from muscular strain by washing away the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. But it isn’t just the athlete that benefits from a rub down, it’s the overworked waitress and the stressed out businessman.
“Folks are starting to question the way they go about recovering from illness and fatigue,” McDowell said. “People are looking for a non-invasive approach, and they don’t want to just take a pill. They want a non-synthetic fix and some relaxation for the body.”
Originally developed in the late 18th century, the Swedish massage was based on European and Oriental techniques, and it was the first systematic application of therapeutic massage in the West.
McDowell said one of the goals of a massage is to encourage the body circulation of the venous return of unoxygenated and toxic blood from the extremities.
“It increases the body’s circulation without increasing the heart load,” he said.
Massages stretch the ligaments and tendons and stimulates the skin and nervous system while soothing the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.
Massages will trigger the body’s endorphins, leaving the person in a relaxed state so the body can replenish itself.
“It helps to eliminate the distraction that keeps the body from healing itself,” McDowell said.
Body and mind
Some of the physical benefits of therapeutic massage:
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Alleviates dscomfort during pregnancy
• Treats musculoskeletal
problems
• Strengthens the immune
system
• Reduces blood pressure
Some of the mental benefits of massage therapy:
• Reduces anxiety levels
Nancy McDowell
Massage Therapist
Wellness Clinic & Spa
565 Monterey St., Hollister
(831) 637-6636
McDowell offers two types of massages: a relaxing massage at $55 an hour, and a therapeutic massage to relieve pain at $65 an hour.
Holistic centers
Kathryn Waggonner
Certified Rolfer
90 West Main suite 1,
Morgan Hill
(408) 230-6471
Waggonner’s Rolfing sessions are $100 for an hour and 15 minutes of therapy.
Ahnna Goossen
Licensed acupuncturist
Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic of Gilroy
1245 First St., Gilroy
(408) 842-9688
Goossen’s acupuncture sessions are $75 an hour.
Janie’s Herb Attic and
Health Center
191 San Felipe Road, Hollister
(831) 636-2998
Marni Friedman
Medical Doctor
901 Sunset Drive, Hollister
(831) 637-7466
Friedman uses a holistic view to treat patients.
• Increases the awareness connecting the mind and body
• A feeling of well-being
