Gentle Techniques for Baby Massage

Bilky Joda-Miller On September 20, 2023 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

As a doula (and a new grandma) I apply massage to my littlest clients and show parents how to use simple baby massage techniques to comfort and bond with their infants.

As a new parent, the love and tenderness you feel for your baby is unlike anything else. You want to do everything you can to ensure they are comfortable and secure in your care. A gentle massage can be an ideal way of providing soothing comfort for both yourself and your little one. Massaging presents plenty of benefits that go far beyond relaxation – it helps strengthen the bond between parent and child as well as stimulating overall development. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of baby massage techniques so you can use them confidently with your precious bundle!

The Benefits of Baby Massage

Research has shown that baby massage can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and lower stress levels in both babies and parents. By taking the time to connect with your baby through gentle massage, you may even notice improvements in their digestion and overall mood. It’s a wonderful way to nurture your baby and create a sense of peace and relaxation in your home.

Through gentle strokes and rhythmic movements, a baby’s body is able to relax and release the tension often caused by the stresses of life outside the womb. Give your little one love and attention through the power of baby massage.

Choose the Right Massage Oil

There are a variety of baby massage oils available in the market, each with its unique benefits.

Olive oil is a popular choice for its moisturizing properties and its ability to soothe dry and sensitive skin.
Sweet almond oil, on the other hand, is gentle and easily absorbed by the skin, making it an excellent choice for babies with delicate skin.
Coconut oil is another popular option that can enhance skin elasticity and promote healthy hair growth. Ultimately, it’s essential to choose a massage oil that suits your baby’s needs and preferences.

Taking the time to massage your baby with the right oil not only nourishes their skin but also strengthens the bond between you and your precious bundle of joy.

Learn the Right Techniques for Baby Massage

It’s important to learn the right techniques to ensure that your baby not only feels comfortable but receives all the benefits. A few simple techniques include the “I Love You” stroke, which involves tracing the shape of the letter “I”, “L”, and “U” on their back. Another technique includes gentle circular motions on the tummy to relieve gas and promote digestion. With the right techniques, you can create a relaxing atmosphere for both you and your little one.

Know When to Stop

There can be signs that indicate the need to end the session. If your baby seems agitated, squirms, or cries, it may be time to pause the massage. Another signal is if your baby falls asleep or seems unresponsive. Paying attention to your baby’s cues and responding appropriately is key. Remember, you want your little one to feel loved and secure during these precious moments. So, if it’s time to stop the massage, there’s always tomorrow to continue the practice of nurturing and care.

Enhance the Experience with Music and Soothing Scents

By incorporating music and calming scents, you can take the experience to the next level. Gentle lullabies, soft melodies, or even nature sounds can all create a soothing atmosphere that will help your little one relax. And don’t underestimate the power of scent – a hint of lavender, chamomile, or vanilla can work wonders on a fussy, restless baby. Together, music and fragrance can transform a simple massage into a loving, nurturing experience that will leave both you and your baby feeling calm and content.

A diffuser with essential oils is the best way to introduce your baby to the relaxing world of aromatherapy.

Provide Comfort Afterwards

After a soothing massage, there are a variety of ways to help your little one feel even more relaxed and comforted. Sometimes all it takes is a warm cuddle or a gentle rocking motion to lull your baby into a peaceful slumber. Remember, no matter which method you choose, your love and care will always be the ultimate source of comfort for your little one.

Conclusion

When practiced frequently, gentle baby massage can become a special routine that bonds parent and child with skin-to-skin contact. The calming benefits of massage will make your baby more relaxed, help you to form a strong connection with your little one, improve sleep quality, and aid in all-around improved health. Research even suggests that babies who are massaged may tend to develop better emotionally as toddlers and have stronger language skills. Trust your parental instinct when it comes to how often you should give your baby a massage – make sure you’re checking in with yourself and the needs of your little one. To ensure you are confident while practicing these techniques, consider consulting a certified infant massage therapist for specific instructions.

At All Body Kneads, we believe massage plays an essential part in maintaining physical and emotional balance – regardless if you have a tiny newborn or more mature kids! For postpartum and pregnancy massage, call All Body Kneads Today! Together, let’s recognize the positive effects that gentle baby massage can bring into the home as parents seek out sustainable ways to support their children’s well-being.

Call 517-898-2899 or book online!

Introducing Gua Sha Massage

Bilky Joda-Miller On February 6, 2023 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Are you looking for a simple, yet powerful and effective relaxation technique that can give you improved energy levels, reduce muscular tension and stiffness, improve circulation and even help alleviate minor pain? If so, then gua sha (pronounced gwah-shaw) massage may be right for you!

What is Gua Sha massage?

Gua sha is an ancient healing therapy that has been practiced in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Potential health benefits may include reducing inflammation and helping with chronic pain. Gua sha massage involves rolling or scraping a smooth “healing” stone across the skin. You may apply massage oil before using the tool to help it glide more smoothly.

What Do Gua Sha Techniques Look Like

During a gua sha massage, the massage therapist will use a gua sha tool to gently scrape your skin in a downward motion to stimulate soft tissue circulation and boost blood flow.

A gua sha massage tool is typically a smooth-edged, almost heart-shaped stone made from jade or amethyst. Jade is thought to be an ideal stone for gua sha since practitioners believe it has a chi energy that’s similar to the human body and may contain balancing properties. Other common gua sha stones include Bian stone, rose quartz, amethyst, and aventurine. Sometimes medical-grade stainless steel is used by a technician instead of stone. In ancient times, a spoon or coin was also used for gua sha.

Gua sha techniques are typically done on the:

back
butt
neck
arms
legs
A gentler version is sometimes done on the face, too

Does Gua Sha Massage Hurt?

Similar to cupping, it’s sometimes done forcefully enough that it creates red marks or bruising. However, your massage therapist will ask you about pressure and your comfort level.

Benefits of Gua Sha Massage

May reduce inflammation

Inflammation is the cause of most pain in the body. Like other forms of massage, gua sha may promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation, which can help with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain.

May ease headaches

Some patients who have received gua sha massage have noted relief from headaches. Check out this 2007 case study, of a 72-year-old woman with chronic headaches who received gua sha massages for 2 weeks. Her symptoms improved, leading researchers to believe that the massage technique may have helped.

May reduce pain

Massage in general has been known to help with pain and gua sha targets specific areas of pain. Check out a 2014 study where 60 regular computer users reported that gua sha improved their range of movement and reduced neck and shoulder pain. Another 2011 study of 48 patients with neck pain found that those who received gua sha treatment reported reduced pain compared to those who were treated with heating pads.

May soothe breast engorgement

Many women who are breastfeeding experience engorgement, an uncomfy and potentially painful condition where the breasts become extremely full of milk. Historically, gua sha massage has been used to alleviate pain associated with engorged breasts and may prevent mastitis.

Other Benefits

Patients have also reported that massage in general, and gua sha massage in particular have helped with insomnia, irregular periods, anxiety, and fatigue.

Where can you find a qualified Gua Sha massage therapist?

It is important that you always see a licensed and experienced massage therapist. Especially when you are seeking a therapist who is skilled in a particular massage technique. Because of the tools and pressure required for gua sha, it is imperative that a massage therapist has the correct training.

Bilky Joda-Miller, the owner of All Body Kneads, is a skilled practitioner of gua sha massage. If you are curious about the technique, you can schedule it as an add-on to a regular 60 or 90-minute massage to try it out.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 517-898-2899 or book online.

We look forward to helping you feel better and have a more pain-free lifestyle.

Massage Therapy for Veterans

Bilky Joda-Miller On May 31, 2022 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Most people don’t think of massage therapy as a treatment for veterans, but it can be very beneficial. Veterans, you deserve the best of the best when it comes to your health and well-being. That’s why we’d like to let you know about the amazing benefits of massage therapy. From reducing stress and anxiety to easing pain and improving sleep quality, massage can help you feel your best both mentally and physically. Did you know that massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat PTSD?

If you’re a veteran who is interested in trying massage therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it’s right for you. There are many different types of massage therapies available and it is important to find the right one for you.

Massage therapy for veterans can manage pain and stress

Chronic pain is a major health concern within the veteran population. According to the American Massage Therapy Institute, Musculoskeletal pain is common, with research showing it’s the leading cause of disability among veterans and that up to 70 percent of the veteran population is affected.

Massage therapy can help with chronic pain. Massage therapy is often prescribed as a regular, non-evasive, non-addictive pain management tool.

Besides the pain itself, as if that wasn’t enough, chronic pain can cause other symptoms like loss of sleep, elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. These issues, coupled with the pain, create a vicious cycle of pain for those who suffer from the problem. Massage can break that cycle.

Massage Can Help With PTSD

While massage can help with stress and anxiety, it doesn’t make PTSD go away. It can make it easier to manage. If you, or someone you know, suffers from PTSD, a massage may be a great way to manage triggers and reduce anxiety.

According to Psychiatric Times, massage controls pain severity through its effects on both physical and psychological symptoms. A significant reduction of PTSD symptoms has been seen in veterans after massage therapy. Moreover, findings suggest a reduction in substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, and dissociation.

Massage Can Help with Anxiety

The Mayo Clinic reports a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 30 percent after just one session. Stress is a huge part of anxiety and lowering stress is the key to managing anxiety.

If you have been feeling overly anxious lately due to events you can identify or are looking for ways to manage your anxiety disorder in a gentle, relaxing way, the good news is that massage therapy can really help.

Massage Therapy Promotes Better Sleep

Insomnia and sleep disorders are also common in the veteran population. According to the AMTA, “While insomnia is a common issue among the general U.S. population, this condition presents an even greater problem to veterans. A study conducted in 2017 involving primary care providers’ perspectives on veterans showed that more than half of the veterans already enrolled in VA health care centers in the Midwest demonstrated having significantly higher levels of insomnia.

As with so many other conditions, sleep disturbances can lead to other problems. For example, a 2017 study found that sleep disturbances and nightmares may be linked to an increased risk for suicide.

The best way to achieve healthy sleep habits is by natural medication-free means. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy reduces fatigue, promotes relaxation, and contributes to high-quality sleep. The benefits of massage are both immediate and long-term.

People who receive massages experience a more restorative type of sleep, both immediately following the massage and even several hours afterward. Their bodies are more relaxed, with reduced aches and pains, and able to fall more quickly into a deep sleep.

There are many different types of massage, so veterans can find one that best suits their needs

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. The following types of massage could be helpful.

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage. When people talk about massage therapy, they most likely mean a Swedish massage. It is sometimes called a “classic massage.” A Swedish massage is characterized by long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches, and stiffness. It also improves circulation and facilitates healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable and could be very gentle and relaxing.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms, and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. It can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage.

Massage therapy is an effective way to manage chronic pain and improve your overall health. As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. Please contact All Body Kneads and schedule a message today.

Thank you for your service.

Easy Fixes for a Tight Neck and Shoulders

Bilky Joda-Miller On December 8, 2021 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Do you suffer from tight, achy neck and shoulder muscles? When you’re stressed out or tense, your shoulders tend to hunch forward. This puts pressure on the back of your neck which can lead to pain and stiffness. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re just sore or actually dealing with an injury like whiplash. Here are some easy things that could help release tension in those areas so you can feel good again!

Tips for Tigh Neck and Shoulders

Heating pad. Place a small heating pad over the neck and shoulders for about 20 minutes.

Foam Roller. Apply pressure to tight muscles with your hands or use a foam roller.

Gentle Stretching. Stretch your neck by tilting your head to one side, then the other. Stretch regularly throughout the day – don’t wait until you’re tired to stretch!

Self- Massage. Massage sore areas with lotion or oil. Check out our article on self-massage tips for more information.

Good Sleep. Get plenty of sleep every night – you need at least 7 hours of sleep each night for healthy muscle function!

Take Breaks. Take breaks from sitting up straight all day long by resting in between tasks, stretching often, and taking walks during lunch break.

Hot Bath. Try a hot bath with Epsom salts and lavender oil

Light Exercise. Take some time out of your day to do neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and arm circles

Good Posture. Practice good posture by sitting up straight in your chair at work or home.

Lighten Your Load. Don’t carry a heave a backpack, purse, or crossbody bag that is pulling on your neck and shoulders.

Reduce Phone Use. “Text neck” is a term that has been coined to describe the posture formed by leaning forward for prolonged periods, for example when viewing a cellphone while reading and texting. This can cause stress injuries and pain. This posture often results in neck and shoulder pain, and headaches.

If these tips aren’t helping or you are seeking more relief, it is time to call a professional massage therapist. All Body Kneads can provide full body massage or a concentration on your neck and shoulders.

BOOK TODAY

Massage for Student-Athletes

Bilky Joda-Miller On September 8, 2021 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

School is starting back up for K-12 and college and universities. I am already seeing proud parents post about their student-athletes with pictures and accomplishments in games and tournaments.

For high school and beyond, student-athletes typically have access to school-appointed trainers and medical staff. But what can they do beyond the school to help with their athletic performance? What more can we do to give them a competitive edge without resorting to drugs are harmful practices?

Two things come quickly to mind. Massage therapy for student-athletes and manual manipulation therapy.

Here at All Body Kneads massage studio we offer many types of massage from relaxation to trigger point therapy, to supporting sore muscles, and promoting healthy sleep.

Book Today

Why Massage for Student-Athletes?

As parents, we want the best for our children at any age. When they become teenagers and college students, the competition becomes more intense. The commitment to their sport becomes more important. For high school, this could mean scholarships and opportunities they can’t get any other way. And yet, we want them to be safe, happy, and healthy while doing something they love.

Our infrared sauna is also extremely beneficial to athletes. Check out this article to read about all the Healing Benefits of Infrared Suana Treatments.

Making massage therapy a part of their training routine can benefit student-athletes in so many ways:

Speed up recovery time
Heal overworked muscles
Improve circulation
Improve sleep for better performance
Promote a healthy appreciation for self-care
Counter balance overtraining
Improve trouble spots
Improve coordination
Reduce stress

Making the Most of Your Massage for Student-Athletes

In order to maximize the benefit of sports massage, here are some tips:

Schedule your sports massage (30 minutes to 90 minute massage) for after your workout or on rest day.
Cool down completely after your workout before getting a massage.
Take a shower, sauna, steam bath, or Jacuzzi before your sports massage. This will give you a jump start on relaxation.
Communicate with your massage therapist about your recent activity, injuries, or upcoming events so she or he can customize the massage.
Be sure to inform the massage therapist about painful areas.
Be as diligent with your massage schedule as you are with your training. Regular sports massage means once a week to once a month.

Call All Body Kneads today to schedule your sports massage.

(517) 898-2899

Name: Massage Therapy & Spa Services
Address: 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4, Lansing, MI, 48911-6912, US
Telephone: (517) 898-2899

Make an appointment today for your student-athlete

You can book online.

All Body Kneads massage therapy has many massage therapy options and an infrared sauna to help with self-care. We are here to help.

Schedule a treatment today and help up their game!

Skinny Massage: Target your problem areas

Bilky Joda-Miller On December 13, 2017 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

What is a Skinny Massage?

Please note that Skinny Massage does not promote weight loss alone. Rather, it focuses on problem areas of the body such as upper arms, abdomen, upper legs, back, and buttocks.

By focusing on these areas where cellulite likes to show off, massage strokes can help induce a smoother, toner appearance.

Does Infrared Sauna Sessions promote weight loss?

Traditional saunas rely upon temperatures of 185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which tends to overwhelm people who are sensitive to heat. However, an infrared sauna heats up to only 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A study review performed by Dr. Richard Beever further indicated that heat from an infrared sauna can travel deeply into the skin, which suggests that it can target fats with greater efficiency.

Skinny Massage Plus Infrared Heat is a Good Combination

The best way to lose weight it through a healthy diet and moderate exercise. But sometimes we need that extra boost to help our efforts. A massage that zeroes in on the areas you are already working on will help sore muscles and work to smooth cellulite. Coupled with the deep heat of a sauna, and you will be sure to relax and feel good.

All Body Kneads’ Skinny Massage Package info is listed below. Call us today to make an appointment. 517.898.2899

Skinny Massage Package: will start with an Infrared Sauna Session, followed by vibration and then full body massage that includes working on cellulite problem areas that improves circulation in those areas to help minimize & eliminate cellulite. Skinny Massage will not make you skinny or make you lose weight if you are just relying on this massage alone.

120 Minute Skinny Massage $120.00

Simple Skinny Massage does not include the infrared sauna session or the vibration it is a full body massage that includes working on cellulite problem areas that improves circulation in those areas, to help minimize and eliminate cellulite.

60 Minute Simple Skinny Massage $80.00

Bamboo Fusion Massage: A Great Technique for Deep Tissue Work

Bilky Joda-Miller On December 4, 2017 / Massage Therapy / 3 Comments

What is Bamboo Fusion Massage?

Bamboo fusion massage, sometimes referred to hot bamboo massage, is a fairly new type of massage therapy made popular by Nathalie Cecilia.

The technique uses warm bamboo sticks for deep tissue massage work. The bamboo tool allows the massage therapist to use more strength and stamina for deeper pressure. The smooth sticks allowed for more penetrating maneuvers and make deep-tissue work easier.

Bamboo fusion massage is at the forefront of the massage industry, becoming the new treatment at top spas and resorts around the country. All Body Kneads is one of the first massage therapy locations in Lansing to bring this technique to the area.

This wonderful technique promotes a deep sense of well-being and delicious relaxation. Many clients report that the positive effects of the bamboo tools seem even longer lasting than deep tissue massage without the bamboo sticks.

Who “Kneads” Bamboo Fusion?

Anyone who enjoys massage therapy or requires it for healing can benefit from bamboo fusion massage. The method allows the message therapist to apply more pressure in an even manner over a large area, so patients who like deep-tissue work and harder massage pressure may prefer bamboo fusion massage.

How is the bamboo used?

Bamboo fusion massage uses different lengths and diameters of bamboo sticks and stones. The smooth bamboo is warmed and then used as part of the massage therapy, much like hot stones are. However, bamboo holds heat longer than stones do.

The bamboo sticks are wrapped in a heating pad to warm them. The bamboo is easily cleaned and sanitized with antibacterial wipes.

During the massage the bamboo sticks serve as an extension of the hands and the therapist can easily palpate, find tension, and dissolve knots and trigger points. They are also used to knead and stretch muscle and fascia in all directions. The pressure can be as light or as deep as necessary.

Massage lotion or oil is used with the bamboo. A twelve inch bamboo stick is used for large areas to knead the muscles and also uses a crisscross technique to stretch fascia. The shorter tools are used for small areas and deeper work. The warmth brings relaxation in a shorter time as it quickly penetrates to relax the muscles.

Schedule a Bamboo Fusion Massage today and experience a deeper sense of calm and healing.

Most Requested Massage Therapy Services

All Body Kneads On July 5, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

What are the more popular massage therapy services?

If you’ve looked through all the massage therapy and spa services that I offer, you’ll see that there’s quite a variety to choose from. If you’re a first-time client, you may find it overwhelming to choose which service to try. So, I’ve put together this list of my clients’ favorite massage therapy services.

60- or 90-minute Massage

My clients come to me for a great massage experience. The regular full-body massage that I provide meets their needs at an affordable cost, and without a very big investment of their time. The 60-minute massage includes the full body, treating the head, face, neck, back, arms, hands, thighs, legs and feet. The 90-minute session adds the glutes and stomach (plus the chest, for men).

Pre-natal Massage with Add-ons

In addition to regular massage, I’m also certified as a pre-natal massage therapist. Expectant clients often ask for my 60-minute Pre-natal Massage, with their choice of three add-ons. The add-ons may include target hot-stones, heat therapy, paraffin treatments and more. Pre-natal massages help relieve the tiredness and stress that come with those long nine months of carrying a baby. As the due date nears, moms find that a massage is just the right way to give them a little of their energy.

60- or 90-Minute Massage with Add-ons

Our signature package is the 60- or 90-minute massage, with Aromatherapy, Target Hot-Stone, Paraffin and Vibration Therapies as add-ons. This is one of our most popular packages. One client even called it “heaven on earth.” You can’t get better than that, can you? Adding one or more add-ons to the regular massage enhances the experience.

Add-ons for massage therapy services

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to help with relaxation or rejuvenation. Different oils achieve different results. You can choose the scent you want to use, or let me help you, depending on your needs.
Target Hot-Stone Therapy involves the use of smooth, heated stones placed on specific areas of the body. The total effect is deeply-relaxing and therapeutic.
Vibration Therapy, as the name implies, employs vibration to relieve stress and increase general well being.
Paraffin treatments are a great way to soften the hands, feet or both. It’s a wonderful pampering treatment to add to your massage session.

So, there you are! These three packages are my most requested massage therapy services. So, if you’re looking to try something out, they’re a great place to start. Of course, you can put together your own package that’s suitable for your needs. Also check out my monthly massage specials.

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