Kunji Maya Rey Massage

Overview

Within the past decade, an overwhelming accumulation of scientific evidence has supported the claim that massage therapy is beneficial. According to John Yates, Ph.D., author of A Physician's Guide to Massage, massage can benefit many conditions. Some examples are:

• Muscle spasm and pain
• Spinal curvatures (lordosis, scoliosis)
• Soreness related to injury and stress
• Headaches
• Whiplash
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• Tension-related respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma or emphysema

Massage can also help reduce swelling, correct posture, improve body motion, and facilitate the elimination of toxins in the body. For example, massage can move metabolic waste through the body to promote a rapid recovery from illness or disease.
Other studies show that massage can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and neurological and gynecological problems, and can often be used in place of pharmacological drugs.
According to the Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders, massage is the most frequently used therapy for musculoskeletal problems, and is particularly useful in controlling pain.

From the beginning of recorded history, Massage Therapy has been a vital part of health care and wellness. The art of massage was first mentioned by Chinese folk doctors in the Nei Ching, the oldest medical textbook published in 2958 B.C.

Even Hippocrates (466-377 B.C.), the founder of modern Western medicine, said that physicians should be skilled in the art of touch and that massage is essential to healing and easing of pain. About 200 years ago, Sweden's Per Henrik Ling melded Chinese therapies with traditional local techniques to create what is known throughout the world as Swedish Massage.

Whether it's used to improve athletic performance, medical conditions, rejeuvination and relaxation, prevent injury or to help elderly people retain the mobility necessary for an independent life, Massage Therapy is an essential ingredient in the recipe for wellness.

Modern Massage Therapy is a "hands-on" form of medical treatment, based on in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems of the body. The focus of Massage Therapy is not to merely superficially "massage" the skin, but rather to work with and affect deeper structures such as the fascia, organs, vessels, bones, joints, ligaments and other soft tissues to restore normal function, and balance between the circulatory and neuromusculoskeletal systems.

The effects of a massage are so numerous that many books have been written on the subject.

Some of the benefits include better blood circulation, antidepressant effects such as mood elevation, mental & emotional peace, greater range of motion and physical flexibility, pain and tension relief and boosting your immune system.

Gertrude Beard, R.N., P.P.T., former Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University Medical School, summarizes the findings of numerous research studies on the therapeutic effects of massage. Studies indicate that massage:

• Has a sedative effect upon the nervous system and promotes voluntary muscle relaxation
• Is effective in promoting recovery from fatigue produced by excessive exercise
• Can help break up scar tissue and lessen fibrosis and adhesions that develop as a result of injury and immobilization
• Can relieve certain types of pain
• Helps reduce swelling from fractures
• Affects circulation through the capillaries, veins, and arteries, and increases blood flow through the muscles
• Can loosen mucus and promote drainage of sinus fluids from the lungs by using percussive and vibratory techniques
• Can increase peristaltic action (muscular contractions that move waste through the system) in the intestines to promote fecal elimination

Researchers have also found that certain massage techniques can trigger reflex actions in the body to stimulate organs - a modality commonly known as reflexology.

Massage therapy is a great complement to other therapies such as chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, physical therapy and conventional medicine.

Massage therapy is great during pregnancy, for the elderly, infants, and athletes.

Massage therapy is a great addition to the workplace for boosting morale and productivity, preventing or relieving pain from neck and back problems and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Muscle tension, whether from normal activity or from awkward movement or stress, contributes to muscle fatigue and pain by compressing nerve fibers in the muscle. Prolonged contraction interferes with the elimination of chemical wastes in the muscles and surrounding tissues, and can cause frequent nerve and muscle pain. If not properly addressed these body tensions have a tendency to build into chronic patterns of stress.

Prolonged tension can often cause pain in other parts of the body. For example, headaches are often caused by overly tense muscles in the neck, shoulder, and lower back. Even contracted abdominal muscles can trigger headaches in certain people (a common complaint of women with menstrual difficulties).

By applying deep pressure to trigger points, the tension or spasm can often be eliminated. For these tension-related conditions massage can break up muscular waste deposits and stimulate circulation.

Trigger Point Therapy, also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Practitioners apply concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" - tender, congested spots in muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas, often formed by metabolic waste due to muscle fibers overworking - to break cycles of spasm and pain. "They feel like knots or ropes within the muscle and perpetuate muscle tension," explains Dr. Miline. Though the technique is similar to shiatsu or acupressure, it uses Western anatomy and physiology as its basis.

Unless you have a specific condition that you are concerned about, massage therapy, by a licensed professional, does not require a physician's referral. Some doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, mental health practitioners & other health care professionals (both "western" & alternative) will often recommend massage therapy as part of a healing process. You should always inform me or any other massage therapist/bodyworker of anything that you think may be important for us to know about your overall health & wellbeing-anything that may be affected by or effect the type of treatment your therapist does with you. Your wellbeing is my main goal! Many types of massage therapy /bodywork are indicated in the treatment for many health issues. Some examples are cancer, carpal tunnel & thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica & piriformis syndrome, frozen shoulder, muscle aches, shin splints, headaches, weak immune system, and many many more!!! I encourage you to explore the vast role massage therapy / bodywork can play in your overall wellbeing!!!

Before & during your session, I always encourage you communicate with me regarding pressure or style of the technique. Also, I always ask & encourage you to communicate with me about environmental factors such as temperature, draping, volume of the music, or scents - if something isn’t working for you, I want to know so that I can change it (so long as I can). I wont take it personally :-) And if you do not want a particular part of your body worked on, please communicate that clearly and early on in a session so that you can receive a session that is totally satisfactory to you!! My personal belief is that your session is YOURS. As your therapist, I am there to create the best session possible each & every time we work together. I will guide you in terms of what I feel will be the most beneficial approach given the information you share with me during the intake I do with you, and anything you tell me during the session as well. Also, I invite you to guide me if you would like your session to be focused differently from what I think would be best… The session is YOURS!

You can get as undressed as you are comfortable with. I will usually recommend removing all clothing and jewelry when you are comfortable doing so. This allows for more fluid strokes, which can add to the sense of length and connectedness in your body as well as the ability for me to work on areas that are often very important for healing many conditions. I am always open to questions and explaining. I will never insist you get fully undressed. Your entire body will always be draped with a sheet, except the part of the body being worked on. During all massage therapy sessions, DRAPING IS NEVER OPTIONAL!

A massage every week is highly beneficial and recommended. Some of my clients receive massage two/three times a week, others once a month. It depends on what you want to accomplish through massage/bodywork, what you feel you can afford...and simply however often you would like to receive
massage/bodywork. You can get work done weekly, monthly, seasonal, yearly, for specific issues or more general wellbeing & maintenance, etc....

A full-body massage is the entire body except for the breasts and genital areas.

It's become customary to tip massage therapists / bodyworkers. You are by no means required to tip, however, as with restaurant service, tips are often given a to reflect the quality of the massage. 20-30% of the cost of the massage is a very common amount - some people tip higher & some lower.... its up to you!

At this point, I do not take insurance. I am hesitant to work with insurance companies because they usually only cover 15 min sessions. I believe that’s not enough time to get much done. Also, they usually require doctor's referral. I work with people who are
looking for relief from pain, often pain that many doctors will not refer massage/bodywork to helpm . Also, I work with many people who are taking a preventative approach to their wellbeing, which mostly is NOT, covered by insurance companies yet...hopefully sooooon! I encourage you to get in touch with your insurance company and lobby to have massage therapy, as rehab AND prevention covered!!! I am able to offer discounts for packages of multiple sessions however. If you are looking to receive a massage in order to find out how massage therapy can help you because of pain, you should set up to receive massage/bodywork initially twice a week for two weeks. I recommend giving massage the full opportunity before/ while/ and in conjunction of your conventional pain-relief program if and when possible.

Breathe deeply and regularly. The more you breathe, the more likely you are to reap the benefits! You could try not engaging in much conversation - talking, except for communication with your therapist about pressure, temperature, physical reactions/feeling, etc. can distract you and your therapist.

Because massage therapy releases toxins into your bloodstream, for ex. Lactic acid which can cause achy muscles, drinking water will flush the toxins out of your system far faster.... besides, hydration is underrated anyway, any motivation to drink more water the better I say :-) . This release of toxins can cause some soreness for a few hours to a couple of days after your massage.

The massage therapy/bodywork I do is ideal for relieving stress and pain, promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, rehabilitation, prevention, emotional release, and simply for enjoyment. My massage/bodywork is integrated and eclectic. Click here to read about the modalities I incorporate.

What types of education did Kunji Rey receive to be come a Liscensed Massage Therapists?

I fulfilled my NYS required 1,000 hr certification at FLSM, a client-centered therapeutic touch school.

Specific courses:
• Swedish Massage
• Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement
• Energy Palpation
• Shiatsu I and II
• Connective Tissue Therapy
• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Medical Massage
• Sports Massage
• Essential Oils for Massage Therapists (aromatherapy)
• Hydrotherapy
• Professional Communication Skills
• Business for Massage Therapists
• Massage for Specific Populations, including Infants, Pregnant Mothers, and Elders
• New York State Massage Law

Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Kinesiology
An in-depth science curriculum presented through lecture and a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, bringing theoretical concepts to life and illuminating their real-world relevance to massage. Hands-on exploration and laboratories were common features of these information-rich courses:
• Human Anatomy & Physiology, systems of the body and their relationship to massage
• Kinesiology, structures of the body that interact to create movement

Clinic & Community Service
Community Service Clinic, massage to local senior citizens, hospital patients, adults with developmental disabilities, clients living in long-term care and memory-care facilities, and athletes at sporting events.