Holistic Health Center of Cincinnati

Therapeutic Massage is an ancient, honored tradition, flourishing in modern times as a powerful healing art. In Ohio, your massage therapist must be licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board in order to provide these services. Therapists at the Holistic Health Center have many years of training and experience in a variety of therapeutic disciplines to include: Traditional and Swedish Massage, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, The Feldenkrais Method, Healing Touch, Neuromuscular Therapy, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Tellington Touch, Yoga Therapy and Zero Balancing. Several of our therapists have 10 to 30 years experience in body-oriented therapies. 

Help for Specific Conditions                                                                                                  Research and experience have proven that body-oriented therapies can be used successfully to address many ailments, including: musculo-skeletal injuries, back pain, neck pain,sports injuries, sprains and fractures, fibromyalgia, bursitis and tendinitis, arthritis and osteoarthritis, neuralgia and sciatica, hypertension and heart disease, poor circulation, ulcers and gastritis, asthma, weight control, TMJ dysfunction, sinusitis, headaches and migraines, insomnia, depression, anxiety, stress and fatigue.

Physical Benefits for Massage & Somatic Therapies

• Reduces muscle pain & tension while promoting tone and elasticity
• Alleviates general fatigue
• Brings nutrition to bodily tissues
• Helps eliminate waste material and toxins
• Reduces inflammation and swelling of injured tendons, ligaments and joints
• Reduces swelling from water retention
• Enhances the body's immunity to bacteria and viruses
• Increases circulation while reducing heart rate and blood pressure
• Promotes healing of injuries and surgeries; helps prevent new injuries
• Improves respiration
• Calms the nervous system
• Promotes restful sleep
• Enhances posture and movement

Psychological Benefits of Massage Therapy

You may have literally contracted away from unpleasant memories due to neglect, trauma or abuse. Gentle touch can reawaken emotional feelings and sometimes bring suppressed memories into awareness, encouraging both physical and psychological healing. Skilled touch can help you remember how to 'feel at home' naturally, peacefully, in your body.

• Increases psychological well-being
• Alleviates mental and nervous exhaustion
• Promotes deep relaxation
• Deepens awareness of self, breath, speech, movement
• Reduces acute and chronic stresses
• Interrupts recurring habits and mood patterns
• Helps release trauma and grief
• Enhances psychotherapeutic and spiritual growth
• Increases vitality, energy & mental alertness

Getting Ready for Your Massage Session

When you arrive for your session, you will be asked to complete a medical history so that your therapist may better serve you during your time together. The room where you will receive your massage will be warm; the table may be heated. Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. You will be covered at all times except for the area being massaged. Tell your therapist if you prefer to leave some or all of your clothes on and she will adapt her work to suit you. Usually oil, lotion or cream is used during the session, but if this does not appeal to you, let your therapist know. Pillows and cushions may be used to support you in lying down. The session will last about an hour with time built in for a brief rest at the end of the session.

During Your Massage Session

Many people close their eyes and rest quietly during their session, perhaps listening to soothing music. Others prefer to talk. Do what feels natural to you. Feel free to ask questions whenever you like. Sessions with your therapist provide an opportunity for learning for each of you. Always tell your therapist if you are having any discomfort. Sometimes a painful injury or spot may at first cause some discomfort and what often feels like a good hurt leaving the affected area. Your massage therapist will know how to minimize your pain and will work respectfully with what feels right to you.

Following Your Massage Session

The benefits of your session will be enhanced if you pay attention to your needs. Many people prefer to rest and take it easy, avoiding hard labor, sports activity, etc. Taking a gentle walk following a session can help integrate what you have learned. Be mindful of your breathing, how you are moving, what you are sensing and feeling. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, you may experience an increase of energy that can last several days. To help flush out toxins, drink plenty of water following your session.

When Should You Come Back

Remember, you do not have to be in pain or be ill to benefit from massage and other body-oriented therapies. In fact, many healthy people receive regular sessions just for relaxation and maintenance of their good health. When and how often to return for sessions varies from person to person. Talk with your therapist for guidance. Some people schedule once or twice a month. Others, who are perhaps in a crisis, may schedule a series of weekly appointments until their pain or stress is relieved.

Practitioners at Holistic Health Center offering Therapeutic Massage—

• Janice Vell, B.S., L.M.T.   513-521-5333 ext 28

• Peg Hofling, L.M.T.                                513-521-5333 ext 32

• Lois Huber, L.M.T.                                 513-521-5333 ext 34

• Susan F. Glassmeyer, B.S.,  L.M.T.   513-521-5333 ext 30